Fly Reels : Different Types of Fly Reels
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Types
of Fly Reels
There are three types
of fly reels - the single action fly reel, the multiplying fly reel
and the automatic fly reel. This section of our Buyers Guide to
Fly Reels will cover each of these types of fly reels in detail.
Want a quick hint on
what type to get without reading all of this? Get a single action
fly reel. Read on to find out why.
Single
Action Fly Reel
A single action fly reel
is far and away the most popular type of fly reel on the market
today. What single action means is that these fly reels have a 1:1
retrieve ratio. Thus, one complete turn of the handle on the fly
reel equals one complete turn of the spool. What makes single action
fly reels so popular is their simplicity. Inside the fly reel is
a bare minimum of parts that can break down. These fly reels also
have more capacity than other fly reels. Changing spools on single
action fly reels is also, usually, extremely simple.
Because of all these
benefits of single action fly reels; virtually all-serious anglers
use them. The reliability, durability and low maintenance of these
fly reels make them the logical choice for virtually any fly fishing
situation.
Unless you happen to
have an overwhelming need or desire for the other two types of fly
reels, a single action fly reel is highly recommended. The reliability
and durability of these fly reels will keep you happily fishing
for years, never having to worry about what your fly reel is up
to.
Multiplying
Fly Reels
A multiplying fly reel
has a retrieve ratio of greater than 1 to 1. Through the use of
various gears, one complete turn of the fly reel handle can equal
two or more turns of the actual spool. This allows the line to be
reeled in much quicker. The drawback with these types of reels is
that they can be temperamental. The complicated set of gearing and
springs that allows for this faster retrieve breaks down far quicker
and easier than happens on a single action fly reel. For trout fishing,
these reels are not recommended. In tournaments, these fly reels
are often even banned. However, the faster retrieve can come in
handy when fishing for large fish or in situations where it is imperative
to be able to get excess fly line up into the reel as quickly as
possible.
Automatic
Fly Reels
An automatic fly reel
does just what the name suggests - it automatically retrieves all
fly line. To retrieve line on this type of reel, an angler does
not turn a handle. Indeed, automatic fly reels generally don't even
have any handles. Instead, the angler uses a trigger that releases
a spring that allows the line to be retrieved. The problem with
automatic fly reels is that they are very heavy, not very durable
due to the numerous temperamental parts in the reel, do not offer
a fine drag setting (to prevent light tippets) and cannot hold as
much backing. Changing spools can also be a painful and time-consuming
process, too.
In short, automatic fly
reels are not popular in the world of fly fishing today simply because
they just don't work very well. While automatic fly reels have improved
over the years, anyone serious about fly fishing will stay away
from these fly reels. Additionally, for saltwater fishing, automatic
fly reels are virtually never used. The temperamental parts and
lack of backing makes controlling any large fish next to impossible.
Summary
of Fly Reel Types
In the event you're still
confused about the types of fly reels, just remember this. Get a
single action fly reel. You'll be happier in the long run.
Next
Page : Fly
Reel Drag Systems
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