First of all, don't forget that we
often make way too much out of what our reel can do,
since most of us don't put it to the test very often.
Fly reels should be lightweight and functional...beyond
that, everything is "want", not
"need". Automatic reels are totally a piece of
crap, even if your Father did like them (mine did too).
They are heavy and always malfunction sooner or later.
If you have ever tried to repair one, you'll note that
it is similar to refolding a map...that can't be done
either. Single action fly reels have always been the
best, just ask Hardy. For those of you who have only
been flyfishing a few years, you may, or may not know
that almost every reel on the market today has begun as
a copy of something Hardy did 50 to 100 years ago. The
great reel makers at Alnwick, Northumberland even made
large arbor reels long before most of us were born. When
I was a boy, everyone wanted a Hardy reel but couldn't
afford one. I can remember buying my first at about age
20. It was a Marquis, and I paid about $40 for it. I
thought my fishing skills dramatically improved with its
purchase, but I know now that probably wasn't the
case.
Nonetheless, being of Scottish
descent, my son and I still fish with Hardy reels. My
relatives were from the Borderlands of Scotland, not too
far from the Hardy factory, so I owe it to them. That is
probably the only reason I still use them except that
they are simple and make a lot of noise, the antithesis
of modern US reels.
If I catch a big fish, I want to hear
my reel scream and I want you to know that I have really
tied into one. Now, I see folks look around frantically
when they stick a large fish to see if folks are
watching. That is the result of a modern, silent drag
system. Everyone likes to show off, and there is no
mistaking the sound of a big fish on a Hardy. Now that I
have done my required expose on the choice of
curmudgeons, collectors, and those who reject anything
new(I actually do like some things new like vehicles,
waders, and satellite TV, just not rods, reels and
scotch.), let me continue.
Since reels function as something to
keep the line up off the ground or the water, I
recommend simplicity. Reel manufacturers, however, do
not. We now have reels on the trout market that are an
end result of salt water research and development. Most
of you who trout fish only will never really test the
disc drag system on a modern reel. Saltwater species and
Salmon(and fish that used to live in Antero) require a
great drag system or you will never land them. Trout,
for the most part, can be handled on a reel that uses a
click and pawl drag as opposed to a disc. Disc drags now
come on almost all reels and most consumers demand them.
We can sell you a great little Scientific Anglers reel
with a disc drag for $39. It is all you would ever need,
however, probably not what you would want. If you can
afford it, you should buy bar stock aluminum. It weights
less, looks better, and will probably function longer.
Most good reels have lifetime warranties, so buy the one
you want and stick with it. If you need to, buy extra
spools for different lines, instead of buying several
inexpensive reels to meet your needs. The great
marketing push is now for large or wide arbor reels over
standard arbor. These reels retrieve faster and give you
larger line loops, but they are often heavier and more
expensive. All manufactures offer one, but they are not
necessary. They are only out there because you don't
have one yet. However, they may be about all you will be
able to find if you don't look hard. Ross has a new one
called the Evolution that I actually think is a really
great reel, but it costs around $300. It is lightweight
and handsome and comes in a sexy blue gunmetal color,
but won't out fish my 40 year old Hardy Lightweight.
Lets talk a minute about brands and
prices. As a dealer, I have seen all the great reels of
the past fifteen years on an up close and personal
basis, and have at least field tested most. I have the
utmost respect for the Ross Reel company of Montrose. I
believe out of all the reels I have handled, that Ross
does the best job of providing quality reels and the
best service in the industry. (They don't pay me for
saying that....its just the truth). The next best, and
perhaps moving up, is ULA Waterworks/Lamson. There are a
bunch of other great ones such as Bauer. Hardy is still
my heart's favorite, but does not compete well in the US
market for several reasons, primarily service (typically
English). Ross offers wonderful bar stock reels from
$100 to $500, and all are worth the money. My favorite
for the money is the Cimarron series which comes in at
around $150. It is all the trout reel anyone would ever
need. The Gunnison is a step up and may be actually
worth the extra $50 bucks because of the smoothness of
the drag system. The Vision and the new Evolution are
beautiful examples of modern machining and finishing,
but have some sticker shock attached. We are impressed
with the ULA waterworks offerings of the Lightspeed and
the moderately priced($200) Velocity. This is a good
company with a good product and prices are similar to
Ross across the board. These are great reels for those
of you who have fished for a while, but a pure beginner
should never spend money on any of these in my opinion.
Beginners should buy a good reel, but not an expensive
one. Good options are the Redington CT(actually a great
reel for $100) or an even less expensive Scientific
Angler or Okuma for under $50. There are lots of things
a beginner needs, and an expensive reel is not one of
them.
If you are salt water bound or if you
are going to Alaska for Salmon, you need consider a more
expensive reel. The best of the best is Tibor, but you
may have to mortgage your house to get it. Actually, I
hate to say this (the "C" word) ....Cabelas
has a great little salt/salmon reel, the SR2 which is a
Tibor knockoff and sells for under $200. We also have a
Redington GD series for about the same price. All are
worthwhile investments. That's about all I know that is
worth repeating about reels. Next week, we'll cover
lines/tippets. Where the rubber meets the road.
