The basic fly reel is basically a storage system for the fly-line and its backing line. Line which is to be cast is stripped off by hand, and the fish played by either retrieving or releasing line held in the hand. However, this way of fishing has its problems when a good fish is hooked. The loose coils of line can either catch round a twig or on the bottom of the boat, resulting in a lost fish. Today’s modern trout angler prefers to play his fish straight off the reel.

The more basic fly reels rely on a simple check-system, while the more expensive use a disc brake.

Decent quality reels should also have a good line capacity, counterbalance to minimize spool wobble and an exposed rim for palming the spool.

Aluminium reels are popular in today’s market for weight reasons and manufacturers always tend to ventilate the back of the reel to keep the weight down.

Reel Size

As with the line, the reel must match the rod. It is no good putting a heavy, wide-spooled reel on a lighter river rod, or vive-versa.

River reels (2.75in, 7cm spool) will carry lines from #2 up to #6. Reels for lochs, large rivers and small stillwaters (3.25in 8.25cm spool) will take #6 and 7# weight lines. Reels for reservoir, sea-trout andsalmon (4in, 10.2cm spool) require a much larger spool capacity to take lines from #8 right up to #12 weight, or even a shooting head.

It is advisable to carry a number of spare spools loaded with different line that can be quickly and easily changed.

Do’s and Don’ts

Always make sure that you have sufficient backing on the reel before you put on the fly-line. You can find this out first by temporarily winding it on over the fly-line until you are near the rim.

Never let your nylon leader get trapped under the coils of fly-line. If you do, it will invariably tangle round the line and cut through it down to the core.

When you buy a new reel or rod, it is worth checking first that the reel seat fits your rod handle. Not all are compatible.

Before you put on the line, check first whether the reel is set up for right - or left-hand retrieve. Most reels can be quickly changed from one configuration to the other, depending upon which hand the angler prefers to use to play the fish.

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Flies - Trout & Salmon | Accessories