Hi guys,
I was just wondering if we could have a dedicated section for gear reviews (like on many other fly fishing forums). Though lot of information about fly fishing gear is available at MFN in various threads but may be, if it is all at one place and every thread in Gear Review Section addresses a specific item only than it becomes quite convenient and much more informative to read. (certainly for a beginner like me). What do you say??
Regards
Sualeh
Hello Sualeh,
I was about to start a thread on fly reels. Anyway, here is my contribution.
Currently, there are 4 types of fly reel available in the market. Single action, multiplier, automatic, and anti reverse.
Single action is by far the most commonly used by fly anglers. The popularity of the reel attracts many anglers because they have fewer parts and are more reliable. This type of reel is entirely manual and one turn of the handle actually turns the spool one time. Its quite different from our conventional and spinning tackle that we are used to. Remember fly reel does not perform casting function. This is a totally different ball game. As a beginner, my recommendation is that a wt 6 or wt 7, 8 1/2 graphite 2 piece fly rod with a medium fast action, a single action fly reel with 50 to 100 yds 20lbs test dacron backing, and a floating WF 6wt or 7wt fly with a 7 1/2 or maybe a 9 foot knotless tapered leader. I feel that this is the best all around outfit for everything - fish, your strengh, condition, and flies.
The multiplier reels are pretty much the same but the only difference is the turn (ratio). One turn of the handle turns the spool 1.5 to 3 times faster for retrieval speed. I believe this type of reel is used for fast and long line retrieves are routinely required.
The automatic reels. I dont really understand the function of the automatic or have I seen one before. But here is my research from the internet for automatic. According to the internet sources, this type of reels are designed to rewind line automatically. If you have used a roller type of pull down window shade you know the principle. When you pull the fly line off the reel, the action puts tension on a built coil spring. Then, you can quickly and mecchanically wind back the line back onto the spool by lifting a spool spring tension lever. This type of reel has very limited capacity for line and backing and offers no quick change or neither extra spool options. Because of the spring loading design, it has a very corse & non adjustable drag system. Only a limited amount of fly line can be pulled directly off the reel without releasing the spring tension. The limitation is quite troublesome if you need to pull additional line or backing off the reel. The automatic is quite heavy and mechanically unreliable in many situations. It is best suited for fly fishing where short casting is used, fast retrieves are needed and the fish does not take off the reel. I guees these are used for people who have the use of only one hand or a disabled hand however, can fly fish sucessfully with the automatic fly reel.
Anti reverse, they are very similar to the single action except when line goes out the handle doesnt turn. They are more complex with more parts and guess what they are more expensive. Are you willing to damage your pocket? This will be your killer! hehe..
So far I have not try the multiplier, automatic and anti reverse reels. However, I can say that single action reel works fine in most situation.
When choosing a fly reel, there are a few consideration to ponder before purchasing. For myself I do a lot of saltwater fishing, therefore the reel must match the condition and the fish I a targeting.
Line capacity is very important to me because the fish I am going after takes out loads of line. Even though the fish that I have caught have not done so. The capacity of the rel must hold desired fly line and appropriate backing. Most fly reel’s will have the line capacity printed out on the box.
The drag is another factor we must take into consideration. If you are going after saltwater fish such tuna, you might want to consider fly reels with disc. They function as a drag when fighting the fish. Even though in fly fishing we should not be fighting the fish using the drag. ( remember we are not fishing using conventional tackle)
Spools, if you have a few rods and 1 reel, you might want to get extra spool to match you other rods. (rods and fly line must be matched accordingly)
Also, the reel can be adjusted in left or right (some). When loading the line you must determine which hand do you use to write. If you write using the right hand, then you might want to hold and cast the rod using your right hand. The left hand should be retrieving and playing with your fly line.
Durability. Does the reel going to drag you down when you cast? Is it heavy? All these must be taken in to consideration. A reel should be light and matched against your rod. Go light!
Good luck in choosing your fly reels!
Thanks chuanjiek, the trouble that you take in writing such comprehensive writeups for beginners is indeed appreciable. This information is very useful and I have taken a printout so that i can read it in the office.
I was in fact suggesting that if the MFN moderators permit, we may start a new section for fly gear reviews. In this section, we may have separate threads on say Orvis Battenkill MA reel, or Orivis Clearwater rod or Cortland Precision XC rod etc. Then any one who has the experience of this particular gear can give his frank views. After a while, we will have a large number of reviews on popular/commonly used rods & reels and this will help others a lot while buying new equipment. I am not sure whether it is possible or not. Thanks for the writeup again.
Regards
Sualeh
quote:
Originally posted by Sualeh
Thanks chuanjiek, the trouble that you take in writing such comprehensive writeups for beginners is indeed apreciable. This information is very useful and I have taken a printout so that i can read it in the office.I was in fact suggesting that if the MFN moderators permit, we may start a new section for fly gear reviews. In this section, we may have separate threads on say Orvis Battenkill MA reel, or Orivis Clearwater rod or Cortland Precision XC rod etc. Then any one who has the experience of this particular gear can give his frank views. After a while, we will have a large number of reviews on popular/commonly used rods & reels and this will help others a lot while buying new equipment. I am not sure whether it is possible or not. Thanks for the writeup again.
Regards
Sualeh
I bet our Webmaster will be pleased with such a thread.
Than why not to start it Uncle Thomas. It would be a real good education for all of us.
Regards
Sualeh
quote:
Originally posted by Sualeh
Than why not to start it Uncle Thomas. It would be a real good education for all of us. Regards Sualeh
Naw, I think Mr. Nick Ooi of TACKLEBOX will be a better person as he carries stock of most fly fishing equipments.
Here the web people need to create another section like we have General Discussion, Freshwater Fishing, Fly Fishing etc. In that section which can be called Fishing Gear Reviews, one can add his own thread by clicking the option ‘new topic’. like it is done in other sections. I am not sure whether moderators agree to this kind of change and even if they do, how difficult it would be for the web people to bring about a new section. Not sure about it, but quite certain that it would be a great help. When that is done than Mr. Nick Ooi or anyone can start his thread and people can give their opinion about that item.
Regards
Sualeh
quote:
Originally posted by Sualeh
Thanks chuanjiek, the trouble that you take in writing such comprehensive writeups for beginners is indeed apreciable. This information is very useful and I have taken a printout so that i can read it in the office.I was in fact suggesting that if the MFN moderators permit, we may start a new section for fly gear reviews. In this section, we may have separate threads on say Orvis Battenkill MA reel, or Orivis Clearwater rod or Cortland Precision XC rod etc. Then any one who has the experience of this particular gear can give his frank views. After a while, we will have a large number of reviews on popular/commonly used rods & reels and this will help others a lot while buying new equipment. I am not sure whether it is possible or not. Thanks for the writeup again.
Regards
Sualeh
Anytime! When it comes to fishing I dont mind explaining and typing. I type very fast anyway 
Let me know if you need anymore info…
Hi moderators
So are we starting a new section for gear reviews [?][?] would be a great help.
regards
Sualeh