Martin reel

Question
Have a Martin automatic Mohawk reel with string on it need to Change it don't have a clue where to start it reels up automatic and scared to do it can u help

Answer
Howdy Travis,

While without a picture, I'm not certain exactly which Martin you have, the automatic fly reels by Martin are all basically the same. Martin made these reels for many years and they seem to hold up very well.

To get the line off, it is easiest to leave the reel mounted on the reel seat. Pull the trigger to allow the spool to "wind in" all of the line until it stops spinning...you are just releasing the spring tension inside the reel. Then, pull off a length and cut it, pull the trigger to release it and repeat until you have all of the old flyline off of the spool.

When you have decided what size flyline and backing you are going to respool with this is the simple procedure to put the line back on the reel:

       - Attach the backing to the arbor (center of the spool) with a good strong knot and trim the tag end. Now , just wind the outer housing of the reel...it should have little grip knurls or raised grip lines on it, until it is somewhat tight...it will get tighter as the spring inside gets more and more tightly wound. Then, while putting tension on the backing with one hand, pull the trigger with the other, keeping tension on the line and guiding it evenly onto the spool. Repeat these steps until the backing is nearly on. Now, connect the backing to the flyline you've chosen with a nail knot or any of the various superglue style knots to the flyline and repeat the winding and tensioned guiding until it is completely on the spool.

Before you fish the reel, get out and practice a bit with it. You will find that before you run the flyline through the guides, you will have to pull the trigger and allow the spring to completely relax. That way, as you pull line from the reel, it won't be over tightened yet will have enough tension to draw all the line back onto the reel as you cast or pick up line while fighting a fish.

I hope this helps you out. Have fun with that automatic. It is actually the first flyreel I ever cast. My Dad taught me out in the front yard one evening after work with the reel firmly attached to an old split cane flyrod of my Grandpaps...I still have the reel with forty plus year old line on her and that is the way she'll stay until I'm long gone! Sure wish I still had that old fly rod though...she disappeared somewhere along the way...

Best of luck to you...

Mark