How To Pick A Fly Reel?

[stlskyline]

Im new to posting on here, but have been a lurker for a few months. I recently purchased a new 5 wt and now I'm looking to purchase a reel. I thought finding the rod was a difficult one. What do you base it on? Price? reviews? looks? drag? It's not like you can test a reel, like a fly rod( and which is limeted also) Any suggestions? or web sites. I can go by the recommondation of the local fly shop and although I do trust them; I'm still a little weary. Do you order on line to save on sales tax? KInda crazy I guess.

[Stoneroller]

sales tax vs shipping costs.... bps and cabelas both do ship to store now. (bps showed up to that party 3 years late)

being as it's unlikely you will battle many fish that will require a high quality drag and the fact that a fly reel essentially holds line and little else, go for something with decent reviews at a level you can afford.(*around here, everyone relax, i realize salmon and saltwater fish will destroy a cheap reel and frankly so will carp.)

and by that I mean there aren't a ton of moving parts like a spinning or baitcasting reel. pick a price point and look for sales. as often as my fly reel ends up on the ground or in the water, I tend to aim for the cheapest one I can find that has good reviews, but reading reviews is an art. you have to be able to read past the bitter, loney, haters with too much time on their hands. Look for the reviews that actually discuss pros and cons from a perspective of use and not just someone flaming on a product because of their own ignorance or misuse.

[fishinwrench]

Here's my checklist for fly reel selection, in order of importance.

#1. The weight of the reel loaded.... it needs to balance the rod in a way that feels best to you, so you can cast better and enjoy using it.

#2. Smooth operation, no noisy clickers, and close enough tolerances between frame/spool that it won't pinch and damage your fly line.

#3. I like a meaty handle, some reels (even really expensive ones) have gay little knobs for crank handles....I want something I can get ahold of.

#4. Drag adjustment that doesn't easily get knocked off its setting, ..some will get knocked 3 clicks off by a stiff breeze.

#5. Cost and overall looks (if it looks cool and you can afford it, you should own it.

[Stoneroller]

#5. Cost and overall looks (if it looks cool and you can afford it, you should own it.

holy crap I think I just found my newest excuse/defense.

[fishinwrench]

Well yeah, I mean we all have to do our part to keep the economy rolling, right?

All those people sitting on their money and not spending it is what's wrong with the world today......Keep that cash movin'!

[Jason R.]

I agree- you need your reel to look cool... on a five weight that's usually all it does anyway. Get a Lamson or a Ross.

[ness]

I bought an Orvis Battenkill many moons ago, and I have just stuck with them. They meet all the criteria Fishinwretch set out, though I can't tell if the knob is gay or not. They're metal, have a....

This just in: I just checked (figured I'd give you a link) and it appears they have discontinued the old-time Battenkills I was going to recommend. I do have one of their Access reels (which used to be called a Battenkill something or other) and like it very well. But it's fairly new and doesn't have a lot of turns on it.

Some other things to think about:

Size -- be sure to get one sized for a 5-weight line, which can include 4, 5 or 6. Obvious I know, but figgered I'd mention it anyway.

Material -- I'd go with a metal, preferably adonized not painted. Less likely to get dinged up.

Drag -- it's really not of major importance, but do make sure it's adjustable and of sturdy build. Disc drag or click and pawl both get the job done. The clicks don't bother me like they do some. When I'm in a big fight, I'm usually palming the reel anyway.

Backing -- get the backing on there to the proper depth. Not for the huge 200 yard runs you'll encounter, but to get the build up beneath the line so that together they just fill the spool. That'll make for fewer and smoother cranks when you're reeling in.

[laker67]

Just about everything you need to look for has been mentioned, but I would like to stress the fact that "drag" is the most important part of the reel. I prefer disc because it is easy to fine tune for each tippet size. A big fish will test your skills to the limit, without a quality drag, chances are you won't land him.

[Gavin]

There are lots of good reels out there, and I'm always on the lookout for a unique one to add to the collection. For daily drivers I like a sealed disc drag that wont get gummed up with grit. The Lamson Konic is a great reel for the price. Great design, Great Drag, reasonable price. If I wasnt completely satisfied with my Galvan OB's I'd grab a few of those.

[Jason R.]

I might have a Redington Rise reel somewhere that might fit the bill. I may have sold it... pretty decent reel for the price either way.