Once of the most important pieces of equipment for angling with flies are the fly fishing reels, or more accurately the line storage device. Most reels are simple drums on which the fly line is wound and the actual casting of the fly line is done by pulling line from the reel with the hand and them whipping the line into the water using the fly rod. The main aspect of fly fishing reels is the size and type of line it will hold, along with the line backing.

Most fly fishing reels are designed to be reeled in with either hand, depending on the direction in which they are mounted to the pole. The drag, or resistance the reel can place on the line while reeling in a fish is also variable, but many simply allow the angler to use the palm of their hand against the side of the reel to slow down the line being pulled out by a hooked fish.

On fly fishing reels with enclosed sides protected from the palm the angler will need to place resistance on the line by gently holding the line back with two fingers while fighting with their catch. Some of the better fly fishing reels also reject backward rotation to avoid having the line get tangled on the reel’s spool.

Different Reels Hold Different Size Line

When you first buy fly fishing reels the manufacturer’s information will detail the diameter of the line and how much the reel can hold without becoming jammed against the reel cross bar. Exceeding the recommended line size and thickness may make it difficult to pull the line out for casting as well as reeling in the fish.

Many fly fishing reels also have interchangeable spools that can be removed and replaced in a matter of seconds allowing the angler to change the strength of their line quickly to meet the current needs. For example, if you are using a number eight line and catching small panfish and spot a school of larger trout, you can remove the spool and replace it with one loaded with a number 10 or heavier line and begin casting a wider net.

While the rod length and stiffness and thickness of the line are probably the most important variables in successful fishing, fly fishing reelsf can make or break your day. If the reel will not hold enough line to reach the fish, you will want to make sure you have the right spools with which to switch to be able to put the fly on the fish’s dinner table.