Maxxon's Rambling from the OG: Fly Reels and Using the Fly Reel

What is the fly reel's purpose? Some people will tell you that the sole purpose of a fly reel is just to hold a line. While that's true to an extent, fly reels are also so much more than that. Not only do they store the line, but they also help balance out an outfit. When we talk about balancing an outfit, what we're talking about is matching the line weight to the weight of the rod and a reel with the capacity and the size to hold that type of fly line and an ample amount of backing. If it happens to teeter-totter evenly in your hand, that's a plus.

The Drags: Necessary or Not?

I think most guys will agree that a certain amount of tension on the spool is an advantage, especially when you're just stripping off line to make a cast. You don't wanna be pulling your line out and have that spool overrun, creating a bird's nest of fly line.

Some of the old reels had what they called a click check, or a spring-and-pawl.

• A spring was inside the frame of the reel.
• It would put tension on little triangular pieces called pawls.
• The pawls would engage on a gear on the spool.
• This allowed a certain amount of tension, but it was minimal.
• It was enough to keep the line from overrunning.
  

Since then, we've come out with a number of different types of disc drag reels. What makes a good one?

• Consistent pressure, so you don't have a sticking spot.
  A good range so that as you adjust the reel, you've got a wide range of adjustment and not just going from free spooling to lockdown.

If you're wondering what a quality disc drag feels like, check out our [fly reel collection] everything from our entry-level [HAWK] to the [MAX] and the [CAGE]

Playing the Fish on the Reel

Do you use it or not? That's also gonna vary from fisherman to fisherman. Some guys just don't use the reel at all except to hold the line because they strip the line to get a fish and pull the line to bring the fish in. I, for one, like to use my reels.

The Advantages:

• Avoid Tangles: If you get a fish on and you have to relocate to land the fish, you're going to want to be able to get that line picked up. Otherwise, with it moving around in the water and the current, it's got a much more likely chance of hanging up on a rock or a stick, or you step on it with your cleated wading boots.
  

• Constant Pressure: By getting the slack line picked up and working the rod and the reel together, you're able to apply more constant pressure on that fish.
  

• Rod Performance: By allowing the reel to pay out the line in smooth, consistent movements, this also allows your rod to do the work and apply the right amount of pressure.
  

Enjoy Your Life

Whether you like using your reel or just using the reel as storage for your fly line, it's strictly up to you. This is not the only way to do it. This is about fun; it's enjoyment; it's therapy for the mind when you're out there fishing. Get out when you can. This isn't a contest. This is just about enjoying life. Cheers.

New to the sport? Our [rod, reel & line combos] are a great way to get dialed in without the guesswork.