Van Staal Fly Reel

The first memory many anglers have trout fishing is hitting a creek full of stockers with a spinning setup in hand. There’s something timeless and satisfying about throwing an ultralight setup in a stream or lake full of hungry trout. Nostalgia aside, it’s also a highly-effective technique for catching trophy trout because a good spinning reel for trout helps you throw light lures and fight big fish in current. I’ve fished many of the best and surveyed top trout anglers on their favorites to help you choose your next reel. Here are my picks for the best trout spinning reels for a variety of situations.Bail issues are one of the most common problems in lighter spinning reels, whether it’s warping, corrosion, or mechanical failure. The Everlast bail system in the Revo X is designed to tackle these problems. It ensures reactive and smooth bail functionality and helps keep your focus on fishing rather than fiddling with the bail all day.

The combination of lightweight design and durability with functionality and appearance help make the Pflueger President XT the perfect all-around trout reel. When combined with a reasonable price tag, the President XT is hard to beat if you’re shopping for the best trout spinning reels.While targeting trout with spinning gear is great because it often doesn’t require high-end performance, there’s something to be said for having a reel that you know is designed to be used by professionals. The Revo X gives you high-level performance capability and functionality at a surprisingly low price for its class.What kind of environment will you be using the reel in? Will you be wading and submerging the reel often, or will you be relaxing on the bank? If the former, it may be good to consider the quality of the sealing in the reel to prevent water and grit from entering the gears. Maybe you’ll be fishing from a boat, jigging, or trolling. If so, the line capacity and drag quality will certainly be important factors to consider. All of these situations can dictate what the most appropriate choice of reel is for you.

While the corrosion resistance is nice, it’s not really all that important when fishing for trout. The drag capability and line capacity, on the other hand, certainly are. This reel holds a whopping 220 yards of 8-pound braid, with a max drag of 22 pounds. This combination is ideal for targeting the larger trout that tend to hold deep in lakes and rivers. Having enough line to get down to a big lake trout or jumbo brown on the bottom is key, while having the pulling power to get them up to the boat can be critical. Whether you’re jigging or trolling, line capacity and drag are both important factors for success when fishing larger bodies of water for trout. The Daiwa Crossfire LT provides both at a price that’s hard to beat.The Shimano Vanford is the lightest, smoothest, and most functional spinning reel on the market. While it is expensive, the level of quality and comfort it provides is unbeatable for freshwater use. Combining a ridiculously lightweight design with powerful drag and sealed internals makes for a reel that excels in almost any situation. The Lew’s Speed Spin series has long been a preferred option for those looking for a comfortable and capable reel at an affordable price. It provides all the performance necessary for trout fishing without breaking the bank. A classic reel designed for all-around freshwater angling, the Pflueger President series has been around for years. The 9+1 bearing system of the President has always stood out as impressively smooth for a reel at this price point, and the President XT retains that signature feel. Where the XT improves upon the original is in the component materials and drag system.

Consider where you will be fishing for trout. Will it be still water (i.e., a lake or pond), or will it be moving water, such as a stream or river? If you’re trout fishing on a lake, the fish often hang extremely deep, and line capacity may be an important factor to consider in reaching the appropriate depth. If you’re fishing a small stream, line capacity may not matter as much as having a compact setup that is easier to manage on small water.Lastly, one crucial element that is often overlooked on spinning reels is line management. The lighter line commonly used for trout fishing can be particularly nasty when dealing with wind knots or other common line issues. Having a reel that lays line evenly can help save a lot of wasted time and energy that would otherwise be spent untangling a bird’s nest. The Revo X excels in this area, with the Rocket Line Management System specifically designed to help lay lines of all sizes evenly and cleanly all day long.

Daiwa markets the Crossfire LT as capable for both fresh and saltwater use, something shocking given its remarkably low price tag. While it’s a contender for best inshore spinning reel, its saltwater capability isn’t necessary for trout, the features that make it saltwater friendly sure are. Drag and line capacity, in particular, help this reel stand out.

The Pflueger President XT may not have the best of any one feature, but its combination of lightweight design with rugged capability and smooth performance allows for impressive functionality and quality. Top that off with a surprisingly low price tag for a reel with these features, and you have the most well-rounded trout spinning reel around.The gear ratio you choose will depend on your personal preference and how you are fishing. Anglers that need to quickly pick up slack as they drift a lure or bait in fast water will want a faster retrieve ratio. Or if you’re deep jigging trout a fast retrieve ratio will help you pull up yards of line. If you’re slowly reeling a soft plastic swimbait, a slower reel will help you maintain that presentation.

Trout are one of the country’s most widely available and accessible gamefish, and spinning gear paired with the best trout lures is a great way to target them. Even if you’re a hardcore fly angler, consider busting out a spin rod on occasion, because you might be surprised at how much you can learn about a fishery by expanding your repertoire. If you’re introducing someone to trout fishing or just getting into it yourself, having one of the best trout spinning reels and a good spinning rod can help you find success and enjoy your day on the water.

Lew’s has always been great at manufacturing reels with the features most important to anglers while keeping costs down by eliminating unnecessary and expensive elements. The Speed Spin is the prototype for this design strategy, featuring an excellent ten-bearing system and oversized all-weather drag, along with a graphite body and aluminum components. These features allow for a lightweight reel that performs comfortably and smoothly in most situations. The signature Combat Grip handle adds an extra layer of comfort and grip when fighting fish in wet or cold conditions.Be careful and know the local regulations! Trout regulations vary not only on a state-to-state basis, but often on a water body basis as well. Many streams are fly fishing only, and there are often specific gear regulations on spinning gear friendly water bodies, such as no live bait or no treble hooks. Make sure you check all the local regulations and have the proper gear before hitting the water.

The Abu Garcia Revo X is a lightweight reel designed and intended to be fished hard and function reliably all day long. It’s not necessarily the lightest or strongest, but the overall design and attention to detail helps create one of the most comfortable and downright usable freshwater spinning reels around.

The X-Protect water-resistant seal is perhaps the most obvious example, helping keep water and grit out of the important inner mechanics of the reel and making it very practical for wading. As with the Revo X, the Vanford has a unique and practical bail design that helps it function properly all day long. Where it surpasses the Revo is in the One-Piece bail design, which helps keep the areas of potential mechanical failure to a minimum. Additionally, the Cross Carbon drag system is the same used in Shimano’s high-end saltwater reels. The drag system is as smooth as it gets at any level, and still provides an impressive degree of strength for such a lightweight reel.

How large are the trout you plan on targeting? If you’re fishing for smaller stocked fish, drag and reel size probably aren’t that important. However, if you think you may have a shot at hooking into a trophy brown trout, you should certainly consider the quality of the drag and gearing system in the reel.The Daiwa Crossfire LT frame is made primarily of a composite material, which helps keep its price tag low while not impacting performance in most freshwater situations. The spool and handle are aluminum, which is both light and strong. The aluminum components, combined with the composite non-metallic nature of the frame, are what lend this reel the “saltwater friendly” label, and they will certainly help against corrosion in other situations.Absolutely not! The beauty of using spinning gear for trout is that there is a very low barrier to entry. While it can be nice to have high-level gear, you can go trout fishing with just about any spinning reel and still have a fun and successful day on the water.

The way reel size is labeled varies by brand, but generally, some variation of size 2500 or 20 is the ideal size for trout. This size range is intended for lighter use but often still has the drag and line capacity for targeting larger trout. You can certainly go smaller with a 1000 size, or larger with a 3 or 4000 size, depending on the situation. However, 2500 is typically the perfect size for trout.While it’s certainly not necessary to have top-of-the-line gear for trout fishing, there are some anglers who want to make sure they are fishing the best in any situation. The Shimano Vanford is the perfect option if you’re looking for the best performance and don’t mind spending extra to get it. The Vanford was also chosen as one of the best ultralight spinning reels.

I chose the best spinning reels for trout, by fishing them in a variety of conditions and catching a lot of trout on them. I also talked to experts from around the country to get an idea of regional reel preferences. That allowed me to select the best reels for different applications.

Choosing the right spinning reel size will allow you to have a great rod-reel balance that will result in a satisfying fishing experience. Let us now look at different sizes and what type of fishing they are best suited for.

Before we move forward, it is important to know that there are mainly two sizing systems in place for spinning fishing reels. These classifications are basically how popular manufacturers choose to size their reels.When extra cranking power is the need of the day, you can’t go wrong with the 5000 spinning reel. It is commonly used for freshwater salmon when targeting deep and hard-flowing rivers. Big game saltwater tropical species like Mahi Mahi, Giant Trevally, barracuda, and others are also targeted using a 5000 size reel.

Like saltwater fishing, rock fishing also negatively affects the reel and rod because of salt sprays. On top of that, rough treatment like occasionally dropping your rod on the rocks means you need a sturdy reel and rod. 5000 is a good size if you expect to be fishing larger game while rock fishing.

There is the KastKing-Shimano-Daiwa-PENN system that classifies reels into 1000s. The smallest sizes start with 1000 and go up to 6000, except for game reels that can even go up to 30,000. This also happens to be the most popular sizing system, which is why we will be talking about reel sizes in 1000s.The answer has to do with personal preference, type of bass fishing, and the size of lures. Generally, a size between 2500(ultralight bass fishing) and 4000 is a good reel size for freshwater bass fishing. I prefer the KastKing Sharky III Fishing Reel, since they have a variety of sizes; I can choose based on the type of bass fishing I feel like doing that day.

The second system is used by manufacturers like Pfleuger, Abu Garcia, and others. These brands classify their reels with two fewer zeros. Smaller reels start from 10, 20, or 30; medium ones start at 40; and the number increases along with the reel size.To ensure a successful surf fishing/saltwater fishing adventure, it is best to lean on the heavier side, around 5000 or so, coupled with a sturdy surf fishing rod. Since surf fishing deals a lot of saltwater damage, choosing a durable brand with stainless steel ball bearings can save you from spending money repeatedly.

Moreover, choosing the suitable reel size can not be overstated, as it affects the casting distance, weight, relationship with the line, and the type of fishing you’re interested in, whether for freshwater or saltwater.Reel size 2500 is also on the smaller end, and like the size 1000, it is best suited for light lure fishing tactics like drop shotting, spinning, or jagging. An increased number means that the spool and line capacity are slightly larger than the size 1000 spinning reel. As already discussed, spinning reel sizes are in ascending order. 1000 is one of the smallest reel sizes and is most commonly used for species like perch or small wild brown trout. This size is best suited for ultralight lure fishing tactics. This size offers increased cranking power and line capacity. This allows more accommodation for higher diameter lines and breaking strains. Furthermore, the reel picks up more lines because of the greater spool circumference. Lastly, large spools also allow for stronger drag systems.Reel size 3000 is considered the ideal size for a trout spinning reel. Since it lies between the lighter 2500 and the heavier 4000, it provides the best of both worlds. Because of an increased line capacity and an overall compact size, this reel can work with higher breaking strain lines and give a stronger drag system.

These gear ratios are usually known as high-speed ratios, ideal for picking up slack line quicker and more efficiently, we recommend a higher gear ratio reel if you use the rod to impart a lot of action in a lure. The advantage being, less effort is required to pick up the slack line, therefore you’re less likely to miss a take/bite as your line will always be taut. Ideal for jerkbaits, jigging etc.This is the amount of line your reel spool will hold. This should be determined by the breaking strain/diameter of the line you’re using and what species you will be targeting. Most anglers use a braided mainline for spinning – but this is a purely personal choice. Check out our views on braid vs mono here. If you’re using a low diameter line, then a shallow spool is recommended. It will save you applying some sort of mono backing to pad the spool out to compensate for your main line – you don’t want to be under spooled as this will affect casting distance, so why is this? Well, the more line you have on your spool the less friction there is being created by the line passing the spool lip. If you haven’t put enough line on your reel then your line has to pass a larger area of the spool lip, which creates more drag and reduces your casting distance.

This reel size is now heading into larger specimen territory. The 5000 size has been known to been used for salmon where deep hard flowing rivers are being targeted so that extra cranking power is really required. However, a 5000 size reel can be used for targeting more tropical species like barracuda, GT and other hard fighting species.

The 3000 size reel is the perfect sized trout spinning reel. It provides you with a happy medium between the 2500 and 4000 reels. It provides you with enough line capacity to accommodate higher breaking strain lines but also benefits from a stronger drag system, whilst still keeping the overall reel size compact. You wouldn’t buy a 5 litre V8 Mustang if you wanted an economical car! Just like you wouldn’t buy a 1000 size reel for targeting pike. It’s all about choosing the correct tool for the job. Spinning reels come in various sizes and should be paired with the correct rod to provide you with a perfectly balanced setup. Below we have provided a list of the most commonly used spinning reel sizes on the market today. Now we have a reel size that is ideal for targeting larger specimens. The 4000 size reel is ideal for targeting species such as pike, salmon and even specimen sized trout. Not only does the larger size provide you with increased line capacity for accommodating higher breaking strains and higher diameter lines, but it also provides you with more cranking power. The reel will pick up more line due to the increased spool circumference and the drag systems will be significantly bigger as the larger spools can accommodate these, meaning stronger drag systems.

Hopefully, after reading this article you have a better knowledge of spinning reels and what to look for in your next spinning reel. Make sure you check out our article on Best Spinning Reels For Under £100 here.Single handles don’t have the same balance properties as a double handle but they can be more practical as it allows the reel to sport a larger handle paddle, which means it’s more comfortable and easier to locate when using. One of the smallest reel sizes on the market, generally used for ultralight lure fishing tactics for targeting species such as perch or even small wild brown trout. Light breaking strain, low diameter lines are used to help present small lures. Just like the 1000 sized reel, the 2500 size is ideal for light lure fishing tactics such as spinning, drop shotting of even jigging. Only difference is that it has a slightly larger spool and line capacity.Front drag systems are located (yep you guessed it!) on the front of the reel. Front drag systems are made up of stacked washers that are located on top of the spool, the tighter the drag is set, the more friction is created on the washers which in turn tightens the drag. These drag systems are more frequently seen on spinning reels nowadays, due to their ability to create more drag pressure with the use of larger drag washers and their more refined and easier functionality.

Aluminium spools are machined, meaning they’re more refined. Tapered spooled lips will see line leaving the spool more effortlessly, line lay is vastly improved and they’re extremely durable. They are slightly heavier than graphite spools but the weight of the spool is usually decreased by manufacturers by drilling holes in the spool, which can also help with spool balance.When you break down the price of a reel, you will usually find that the more expensive the reel, the better quality of components used, and the more technology is integrated within the reel.

A spinning reel’s gear ratio is measured by the number of spool rotations the bail arm/rotor makes with one full turn of the reel handle. So when going through the process of choosing the right spinning reel, it’s worth contemplating the gear ratio of the fishing reel.

Spare spools with reels can always be handy to have. They give you the option to carry various lines which allows you to be versatile in your fishing approach. Alternatively, they’re very handy to have as a backup if things go wrong on the bank. For example: damaged line, loss of line etc. There are 2 handle options available on spinning reels a single or a double handle. So what are the differences? Double handles actually provide a more balanced setup; the double handle acts like a counterbalance to stop any unwanted wobble in the reel during the retrieve, however, the disadvantages are double handles increase the overall weight of a reel and can sometimes be unpractical due to the size of the reel handle paddles. Before choosing a spinning reel, you need to ensure you’re buying the right reel for the right job. Below we have outlined some of the main questions to consider before you purchase a reel.Some anglers think the more ball bearings their reel has; the smoother their reel will be in operation. This is true to an extent, however, it depends on the quality of the ball bearings used, which will dictate the longevity of a reel and how smooth the reel will be during operation.

If you find yourself in a position where you require a reel for both fresh and saltwater use, then you should be looking at reels with stainless steel gearing, bearings as well as some sort of sealed internals to stop water ingress. Shimano have their Coreprotect technology and Daiwa have their Magsealed technology which allows their reels to be fished in either fresh or saltwater environments as they inset seals into seams or joints that may be vulnerable to ingress.Spinning reels come with either a front or rear drag system. The rear drag system is when the drag knob is located at the back of the reel; this means the mechanics of the drag system runs through the body of the reel.

Generally, graphite spools are found on entry level reels. They offer a level of robustness and they are also significantly lighter than aluminium spools. However, graphite spools are not as smooth as aluminium spools, meaning they will cause unwanted drag when you’re casting.Disc drag systems use a brake system to slow the spool down when fighting a fish. This system provides more consistent drag pressure throughout the fight, which is helpful when trying to land a big fish.

Fly fishing reels come in various sizes, and the size you choose will depend on the weight of the line you are using. Heavier lines require a larger reel to prevent spinning out, while a smaller reel can handle lighter lines. It is essential to select a reel that is not too small or too large for the line weight you are using, as this can affect the overall performance of your setup.You don’t necessarily need to spend a lot of money to get a good reel. There are many great options available for under $200. Just be sure to do your research and find one that fits your needs.

A good drag system will allow you to adjust the resistance on the spool, which is essential when fighting a fish. There are a variety of drag systems available, but most moderate-to-expensive reels employ a form of disc drag. A disc drag comprises several discs from self-lubricating materials that generate different levels of friction as the drag knob is tightened.Picking a fly reel for trout fishing can be a daunting task. There are many factors to consider, such as weight, drag system, and price. It’s important to find a reel that is the right fit for you and your budget. Remember to clean your reel after every outing, regardless of whether it was wet or not. With a little bit of research and some practice, you’ll be able to select the perfect fly reel for your needs! The size of the fly reel definitely matters. You’ll want to choose a reel that is appropriate for the size of your rod and the type of fish you’re after. Most trout rods are between 6 and 8 weight, so you’ll want to choose a reel that matches that weight range. The Echo Ion Fly Wheel is one of the best options for beginners. It comes in 2-12 wt, with a large arbor, maintenance-free disc drag, and is made from a durable machine/cast designed material.The most significant factor to consider when purchasing a fly reel is the capacity of the reel to hold enough backing and fly line for the weight of the rod you will be using. A lightweight reel is ideal for picking a fly reel for smaller trout. For larger trout or in deeper water, you will need a heavier reel that can handle a heavier fly line.

If you are planning on fishing in wet conditions, light rain won’t be an issue. Fly reels can get wet, but avoid submerging them in water. If you drop your reel in the water, rinse it with fresh water thoroughly, and you should be set!

To know what size fly reel to get, consider the type of fishing you’ll be doing. If you will mostly be fishing for trout, a reel rated for a 3-5 weight is a good choice. For larger fish such as bass or pike, you’ll need a reel that can handle heavier line weights, such as 6 or 8 weight. There are many features to consider when choosing a fly reel, like material. Most modern fly reels are made from anodized aluminum, which is solid and lightweight. Reels can also be made from carbon fiber, magnesium, or stainless steel. Each has its benefits and drawbacks. When choosing a fly reel for trout, you should also consider the type of water you will be fishing. If you are fishing in fast-moving water or streams, you will need a reel with more drag to prevent the line from being pulled from the reel. If you will be fishing in calm water, a less aggressive drag is appropriate.

The overall size of the reel also affects its price and quality. A larger reel is heavier and takes up more space, but it also has more features and lasts longer than a smaller reel. The size of the reel you choose is ultimately up to your personal preference, but make sure you consider what type of fishing you will be doing with it.In trout fishing, this isn’t as significant because typically, the fish isn’t going to pull line very much off the reel unless it is a larger trout that takes you on the run. However, in trout fishing, even if the fish doesn’t pull a lot of line off the reel, having a proper drag setting is still essential in preserving your tippet.

A drag system is essential because it allows you to apply pressure to the fish as it takes the line from the reel. This prevents the line from breaking and helps you land the fish. A sound drag system will have a wide range of adjustments, so you can apply as much or as little pressure as you need. Click-drag systems use cogs and gears to provide resistance against the spool. This type of drag is not as smooth as disc drag systems, but it is simpler and less expensive. It is a good choice for smaller fish or when you need to reel in your line quickly. For trout fishing, the smaller traditional reel is the ideal choice due to its lightweight and aesthetic balance with a light trout rod. However, mid-sized arbors are becoming increasingly popular among trout anglers.When it comes to your fly reel setup, you don’t have to worry about rain and water. However, you should avoid getting your fly reel submerged in water.

Because fly reels come in multiple sizes, knowing which one to choose can be confusing. It is important to select a reel that is not too small or too large for the line weight you are using, as this can affect the overall performance of your setup.

The material used to make a fly reel also affects its price and quality. Reels made of aluminum are typically less expensive than titanium or carbon fiber. However, aluminum can corrode over time if not correctly cared for. Titanium and carbon fiber are more durable but also more expensive.

The most crucial factor to consider is the size of the fly reel. You’ll want a reel that can accommodate enough backing and fly line for your chosen rod. If you’re using a light-action rod, you’ll need a smaller reel than if you’re using a heavier rod. Heavier rods require larger reels to handle the increased casting weight.

There are hundreds of reels on the market, but not all are appropriate for trout fishing. When selecting a reel, you’ll need to consider factors such as the weight of the rod, the size of the fish you’re targeting, and the amount of line you’ll need to hold.When picking a fly reel, you’ll want to consider the weight first. Heavier reels are generally sturdier and can handle bigger fish. Lighter reels are less bulky and easier to carry around, but they may not be as durable. You’ll need to consider the type of fishing you plan on doing and the weight of your rod as well.

Choosing a fly reel is a personal decision, and there is no one perfect answer. Some factors to consider include the weight and size of the reel, the drag system, and the price.

It would be best to clean your fly reel after every outing, whether it’s been wet or not. This will help keep it functioning properly and looking good.

How Do You Pick a Fly Reel for Trout? There are a few things to consider when picking a fly reel for trout to add to your fly fishing gear. The size of the trout, the weight of the fly line you will be using, and the type of water you will be fishing are all crucial factors.After transforming the business into one of the world’s largest cycling component manufacturers, Shimano Inc. launched a fishing tackle division in 1971 that was meant to become the company’s second central business pillar.Millions of anglers worldwide use Shimano fishing reels, but not many seem to know where these reels are made or in what country Shimano is located. So I did some research and wrote up this article.Strike and Catch is a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for sites to earn advertising fees by advertising and linking to Amazon. Strike and Catch is compensated for referring traffic and business to these companies.

I have, to this day, not owned a Shimano reel that has failed me, and most of the reels I have in my Arsenal are between 5 and 10 years old, which is quite an impressive age for such gear if you ask me. Their first spinning reel series, the 1971 DUX, was an instant success in Japan, Europe, and the US. After that, Shimano had a pretty easy time establishing itself as one of the world’s leading fishing reel manufacturers. Virtually all of Shimano’s premium fishing reels, including the Aero and Stella series, as well as most of their baitrunners, are made in Japan. Their second-tier reels are instead produced in other countries.

Hi, I’m Max. I have been an avid angler for over 20 years and I just could not imagine a life without this wonderful hobby! To me, fishing is a passion and a lifestyle. The joy of the catch, the bait, the tackle and the outdoors in general is what Strike and Catch is all about.

Without a doubt, one of the best spinning reels out there! Incredibly lightweight, smooth, and handy reel with a superb design and unbelievable strength.However, as an angler who’s fished with plenty of Shimano reel models, I can tell you that the high production quality and product care has spread from Japan and into those countries and manufacturing factories as well!

To most anglers, the reel brand Shimano equals very high quality, great design, impressive durability, and affordable prices, something very few other companies have accomplished when it comes to fishing gear!In most of these countries, Shimano reels will be the first choice of many freshwater and saltwater anglers, and virtually millions and millions of them frequently use Shimano reels and catch their fish with them. So, regardless of where your Shimano reel has been made, the quality is usually there. And if you take good care of it, it can virtually last you forever! Although Van Stall reels are not that considered antiques, they are the first of a new generation of high-quality spinning reels made in the USA and worthy of mention here. First introduced in 1992, the Van Staal reel is still being produced today by Zebco in Tulsa, Oklahoma. Early Van Staal reels came with a fixed bail. Later, reels were also offered with either the fixed bail or with a full bail. Van Staal reels are made in several different sizes and are offered with either a black, silver or gold anodized finish. Our blog is chock full of Tackle and Tactics ideas – if you have questions it’s a great spot to learn new ways to target stripers, albies, blackfish, sea bass and moreA multiplying fly reel retrieval system allows line to be brought back onto the fly reel significantly faster. This is accomplished through a confusing network of gears that allow one turn of the fly reel handle to equal 2 or more turns of the spool (the spool holds the line). While this seems nice at first blush, truthfully, these fly reels can be kind of a pain – at least for fishing in rivers. Automatic fly reels have a well-deserved reputation as being temperamental, awkward to use at times and make it needlessly difficult to change spools (say, to go from floating fly line on one spool to sinking fly line on the other spool).When disc-drag fly reels came out years ago, the “jerkiness” of how the line left the fly reel was stuff of legends. Today, however, virtually all fly reels have at least halfway decent disc-drags in them. And many of the top fly reels have disc-drag systems that exceed the spring-and-pawl systems in how they allow the fly line to leave the fly reel in a smooth motion.Fly reels have two different types of drag systems – the disc-drag and the spring-and-pawl. Both are excellent drag systems, but the “spring and pawl” type is now rather difficult to find, as “disc-drag” fly reels have become increasingly popular.

By contrast, the disc-drag system works similar to that of the braking on a car. A pad inside the fly reel can be adjusted, putting less or more tension against the fly line. In this way, the drag of a disc-drag fly reel can be adjusted to almost infinite levels.For this reason, it makes good sense to get a good fly reel right out of the gate – instead of deciding to get a good reel after watching a huge fish disappear into the river due to fly reel failure. By and large, if you are a new angler, it really doesn’t matter which drag system you choose. Long as you buy a quality fly reel, the drag systems should perform nearly equally. The “spring-and-pawl” drag system is the original drag system and is still as good as the day it was invented. This type of drag system uses gearing inside the fly reel to allow the fly line to exit the fly reel at a very steady and uniform rate. This type of drag system is excellent for trout and other smaller fish.Many manufacturers produce quality fly reels. Quality fly reels are made by Orvis, Cabela’s, Sage, Redington & Ross…among many others. But again, stay away from the “entry” level fly reels. Spend a bit more and get a good quality fly reel that will last more than a season or two.

When you purchase the fly reel, be sure to buy an extra spool at the same time. Like most things in life, fly reel models come and go quite frequently. If you wait too long to buy a spare spool, most likely it will no longer be made or sold. This is one good reason to buy a Orvis Battenkill Reel….these reels have been around forever and Orvis seems to be in no hurry to discontinue them, either.The third type of fly reel retrieve system, the automatic fly reel retrieve, does just what the name suggests. The reel retrieves all fly line without the angler turning the spool at all. The fly reel, instead of having a spool which is then turned by a handle, instead has a trigger. When released, the trigger allows the fly line to zip back into the reel. This isn’t needed, or actually wanted, when fly fishing for most freshwater fish – particularly when fishing on rivers. But can have uses if you are fly fishing in huge lakes or in saltwater.Offline, any quality fly shop should have a good selection of quality fly reels. Just stay away from buying a fly reel at a big box store (which is where the junkiest reels are found).