Understanding Your Very First Fly Fishing Reel

Before you buy your very first fly fishing reel, it is important that you understand very well about the basics of these very simple fishing reels.

Having your first fly fishing reel might be a surprise for you especially if you are used to bait fish for years. Fly fishing reels are very simple. Below are some basic information you need to know before finally buying your first fly fishing reel for your fishing expedition.

Fly Fishing Reel Basics

Holes- You can notice that reels have holes on its side. The hole serves as a drainage of the water from the line.

Adjustable Drag- This is very important especially if you have plans of catching very large and strong freshwater or saltwater fish. If you are planning to go out for a big game fishing, understand that you will be fighting to reel in the fish, just like you do with bait fishing.

Single Action- This is perfect as your first fly fishing reel. This single action fishing reel means that in a single turn of the handle, it simultaneously turns the spool, keeping it back in place.

Saltwater Reels- These types of fly fishing reels are specifically designed for use in saltwater. These reels have larger diameters, larger lines, and higher backing capacity to withstand longer runs of strong fish. Since corrosion is a main problem in saltwater fishing, make sure you go for reels that use stainless steel, aerospace aluminum, brass, or even electroplated stainless steel.

Replaceable Spools- If you are passionate about doing varied types of fishing, see to it that you look for reels with easy replaceable spools. This will allow you to use either the floating line or the sinking line all in the same reel.

Weight- Your line’s weight should match with the designs of your fly reel. Meaning to say, if your fly reel is designed for a four-weight-line, be sure to have the four-weight line and vice versa, the same way when you have a four-weight reel, then you have to have a four-weight-rod. However, both the three and five-weight efficiently work wells with a four-weight reel.

First Fly Fishing Reel: Casting a Rod

When casting a fly fishing rod, it is a bit different than casting with any other rod. You need not touch the fishing reel while you are casting the rod. The reel itself will hold the line, thus making it not a part of the casting process any longer. Instead, you pull out the line manually from the reel and allow it to lie loose towards your feet, making sure to feed it out with your free hands when you need it.

The above information are some of the basic things you need to know before you buy your first fly fishing reel. If you still have questions, do not hesitate to ask fishing suppliers to tell you about fly reels. They can help you choose the best reels possible for you fishing activities.