A guide to picking your first fly reel
This is part 2 of my 2 part series on picking your first fly rod.
The reel is, to me, the least important part of the fly fishing combo. The rod is the tool in which we are using to load energy into the line so we can cast the fly. The reel on the other hand is mostly just used to hold line. If you are picking your first saltwater reel however, you will have to drop some more money on a better reel, since a good drag system is necessary for slowing down saltwater species (and if you need a good budget saltwater reel, my suggestion is the Redington Behemoth.)
As previously stated, the main job of the reel is to hold your fly line. Most reels come with an adjustable drag to allow you to better play the fish you are trying to land. However in my experience, I have needed to use and adjust my drag while fighting a fish one time.
The best reel, is the one you can afford. That being said, I suggest you invest in a fly combo that comes with everything you need to get started casting and fishing. My two suggestions for complete combos is the Orvis Encounter and the Redington Crosswater.
The Encounter was my first combo, and it was a great tool for me to learn the basics on. It is highly doubtful also, that you outgrow this combo for a couple years. So in my opinion you get more from the Orvis.
I've never cast the Crosswater, but from what I have read, it is a great starter combo. It also comes in more options than the Encounter. I like to imagine that the reel on the Crosswater is comparable to that of the Encounter, but I have no experience with it.
I have heard good things also about the reels from Bass Pro Shops and Cabela's. I have zero experience with these reels (they make combos too, still no experience.) My research suggests they are good options for lower budget needs, as they often have sales for combos under $100.
If you are buying a reel that is not apart of a prepackaged combo, you need to be sure that you are matching the size reel to the weight rod you are planning to purchase. You would not want to use a reel that is rated for 2/3 weight line on your 7 weight rod. So just remember that you generally need to match the weight of the rod to the weight of the fly line and get a reel that is rated for that weight line. So if you have a 5 weight rod, get a 5 weight line, and a reel rated for 5 weight line.
My ultimate suggestion is to research on your own besides reading this blog. Know what you are willing to spend on getting into the sport. The less money you spend now, the less you are out if you decide that this sport is not for you. My philosophy is that you can always upgrade, and that we all have to start somewhere. Humble beginnings are still beginnings, and I personally will never judge anyone on the equipment they use on the water. However, spending far less money might have a negative effect on learning the sport.
Good Luck and Tight Lines,
Josh
The reel is, to me, the least important part of the fly fishing combo. The rod is the tool in which we are using to load energy into the line so we can cast the fly. The reel on the other hand is mostly just used to hold line. If you are picking your first saltwater reel however, you will have to drop some more money on a better reel, since a good drag system is necessary for slowing down saltwater species (and if you need a good budget saltwater reel, my suggestion is the Redington Behemoth.)
As previously stated, the main job of the reel is to hold your fly line. Most reels come with an adjustable drag to allow you to better play the fish you are trying to land. However in my experience, I have needed to use and adjust my drag while fighting a fish one time.
The best reel, is the one you can afford. That being said, I suggest you invest in a fly combo that comes with everything you need to get started casting and fishing. My two suggestions for complete combos is the Orvis Encounter and the Redington Crosswater.
The Encounter was my first combo, and it was a great tool for me to learn the basics on. It is highly doubtful also, that you outgrow this combo for a couple years. So in my opinion you get more from the Orvis.
I've never cast the Crosswater, but from what I have read, it is a great starter combo. It also comes in more options than the Encounter. I like to imagine that the reel on the Crosswater is comparable to that of the Encounter, but I have no experience with it.
I have heard good things also about the reels from Bass Pro Shops and Cabela's. I have zero experience with these reels (they make combos too, still no experience.) My research suggests they are good options for lower budget needs, as they often have sales for combos under $100.
If you are buying a reel that is not apart of a prepackaged combo, you need to be sure that you are matching the size reel to the weight rod you are planning to purchase. You would not want to use a reel that is rated for 2/3 weight line on your 7 weight rod. So just remember that you generally need to match the weight of the rod to the weight of the fly line and get a reel that is rated for that weight line. So if you have a 5 weight rod, get a 5 weight line, and a reel rated for 5 weight line.
My ultimate suggestion is to research on your own besides reading this blog. Know what you are willing to spend on getting into the sport. The less money you spend now, the less you are out if you decide that this sport is not for you. My philosophy is that you can always upgrade, and that we all have to start somewhere. Humble beginnings are still beginnings, and I personally will never judge anyone on the equipment they use on the water. However, spending far less money might have a negative effect on learning the sport.
Good Luck and Tight Lines,
Josh
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