A Guide to Fly Fishing with Fly Reels
The success of fly fishing relies on choosing the right gear and deploying those items properly.
Reels are a staple component of any fly fishing kit. These equipment are commonly used alongside fly rods and lines.
This article shall serve as a comprehensive guide to fly fishing using fly reels.
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1. Start with the Right Fishing Reel
The surest way to have an enjoyable experience while fly fishing with reels is to pick the right equipment.
Weight is among the top considerations when shopping for fly reels.
Heavier reels provide better stability and are suitable for hunting bigger fish. However, they’re quite bulky and may weigh you down, especially if your fishing trip involves hopping from one shore to another.
A lighter fly reel is preferable since it’s less bulky and won’t take up much space in your fishing luggage bag. The only limitation to lighter reels is their unsuitability for hunting larger fish.
2. Match the Reel Weight with the Rod Weight
Fly reels come in different weight ratings. And so do fly rods.
As with other fishing gear, a fly reel’s weight rating is represented by the designation WTs. One way to enhance the performance of your fly reel is to match its weight with the right rod.
For instance, a reel rated 4/5WT or 5/6WT would deliver exceptionally well if used with a 5WT rod.
The logic behind matching the weight of fly reels and rods is that it impacts your casting distance and target prey.
Lighter fly rods and reels let you cast over longer distances but are ineffective for pulling larger fish. The converse is true for a heavier reel and rod combination.
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3. Consider Your Fly Reel’s Construction Material
The material your fly reel is made from can significantly affect your angling success.
Most reels are constructed from steel, aluminum, or a composite material. Steel is strong and durable but bulky. Aluminum is a popular choice for lighter reels.
You may also choose fly reel materials based on the manufacturing technology. There are two options to explore here, including die casts and CNC machined reels.
Die casting is a mass-production technique that involves rendering molten alloys into molds, while CNC machining uses computer-controlled machines to manufacture materials from aluminum bars. Die-cast reels are lighter and more flexible but less durable than CNC reels.
4. Identify a Fishing Ground
There are multiple places where you can go fly fishing, from streams and brooks to lakes and oceans. So, how do you hone in on the ideal fishing ground?
First, you’ll need to consider your target prey.
Trout and catfish commonly inhabit freshwater lakes, while tuna and swordfish prefer saline waters. If planning a fishing trip to swampy puddles, eels, and lungfish will likely be your target prey.
It’s also important to consider the general terrain and the prevailing weather conditions of your preferred fishing ground. This will determine the type of other gear to assemble for the trip, such as trekking boots.
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5. Prepare Your Bait
Having procured the right fly fishing reel and put together other required gear, it’s time to prepare your bait.
There’s a plethora of bait that you can use to lure predatory fish. As you probably already know, you’ll need to select a bait the target fish typically preys on.
If you’re unsure about the right bait to go fly fishing with, you might consider tying a Parachute Adams fly pattern.
A Parachute Adams is a dry fly that mimics the adult stage of different aquatic-born insects, including mayflies and midges. The bait’s efficacy depends primarily on its ability to change color and appearance, allowing you to target different fish species.
The Parachute Adams fly differs from traditional Adams flies in its higher visibility. The colorful portion of the pattern remains above water as the actual bug imitation sinks. This can enhance your visibility and casting distance.
Remember to deliver your Parachute Adams fly gently and lifelike to avoid spooking the fish.
6. Practice Proper Casting and Reeling Techniques
Fly fishing reels differ from conventional reels in terms of how you channel the energy.
Conventional fishing relies on heavy lures. When you cast your rod and reel, you’d expect the weight of the lure to bend the rod.
In contrast, fly fishing rods rely on baits that are only a few grams heavy. The weight of your rod and reel is concentrated on the plastic-coated fly line.
You’ll rely on the energy in your fly rods to determine how wide to cast. Light and elastic rods can extend your casting distance, while heavy and rigid rods limit how far your reel can go.
After casting your rod and reel, wait patiently for your prey to take the bait.
Then comes the fighting part. Here’s where a reel with sharp hooks and proper drag can save the day.
Experts also recommend applying the right amount of pressure and at the correct angle as you reel the prey. This keeps the fish hooked to the bait and delivers them to the shore faster.
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Final Word
Fly fishing is one of the most thrilling and rewarding hobbies. However, it can prove quite challenging for beginners. Besides having the right gear and angling expertise, fly fishing with reels also requires considerable patience and dedication. With constant practice and self-discipline, you’ll turn pro much sooner than you could have imagined.