Fly reels

Fly reels

An important part of fly fishing equipment is a fly reel that is suitable and perfectly matched to the intended use. Here we divide fly reels into different line classes. The line class provides information about the load capacity of a fly reel and for which line classes there is space on the fly reel. It is recommended that the fly reel balances the weight of the fly rod. This increases the enjoyment of fly fishing.

From the light, fine fly reel, for example, in freshwater on grayling to the robust fly reel for demanding saltwater fly fishing. There are great differences in material, weight, brake, volume due to the different purposes. Choose from innovative design and trendy look and your fly reel will be an eye-catcher.

Fly reels

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Types, construction and cord classes

Classic and modern construction

We distinguish special construction types in fly reels.

There are classic fly reels with small core diameter. This means that you need a lot of backing = underline to fill up the core of the spool. The fly line is mounted on the backing.

The modern design is a so called large core reel. The core of the spool is larger than in the classic design. This means that less backing = lower line is needed. The advantage lies in fewer crank movements to deliver or take up line. In addition, the fly line is more stretched after the trigger.

For higher line classes, fly reels are also built classically (in order to be able to take up enough backing) and with a closed cage = housing (this increases the rigidity or load capacity of the fly reel).

Line classes

A further subdivision of the fly reel is made in line classes. The line class provides information about the load capacity of the fly reel. The line class of the fly reel accepts a fly line with corresponding line class. e.g. fly reel #¾ with fly line #3 or #4 and fly rod #3 or #4.

For finer fishing in fresh water use e.g. line class ¾. For beginners with dry fly and nymph on salmonids e.g. #5/6, for streamers e.g. #7/8, on predators or saltwater inner reef e.g. #8/10 and for extreme use in saltwater outer reef or on salmon e.g. #10/12.

Fly reels for left or right hand operation

When buying a fly reel, make sure that the fly reel is set for the hand operation that suits you. If you are right-handed, you usually crank with your left hand, or if you are left-handed, you crank with your right hand. Can the fly reel of your choice be easily converted from left-handed to right-handed operation or vice versa? Mostly the conversion is done via the brake and for this purpose the spool is removed in advance.

Structure of a fly reel

A fly reel consists of the reel housing (cage) and the spool . If replacement spools are offered, the spool can usually be easily replaced. This is important if you want to fish several lines with the same line class with one reel. On the spool sits a spool knob with which one cranks the spool.
The internal brake system is connected to an external brake knob, through which the brake resistance can be regulated. On the top of the reel is a roller bar . The reel is attached to the reel seat of the fly rod.

Material and manufacture

Fly reels are often made of pressed graphite or carbon fiber plastics. Plastic allows to create special angles and shapes while keeping the weight low. As a rule, high-quality fly reels are produced from aluminum, carbon or titanium alloys.

Aluminum is cast in blocks and then CNC turned or milled. In combination with a suitable outer coating, called anodizing, these models are usually more durable and stable than fly reels made of plastic.
High-quality reels can usually be recognized by their smooth running, precise workmanship and the play between the housing and spool.

Quality and care

Quality features of fly reels are the exact workmanship, light weight, smooth running and no loud creaking which disturbs your concentration in nature. Spools should be firmly attached to the housing and have no play. The weight of a reel should balance well with the rod. As for the brake, bearings with plastic inserts are not recommended. After use in salt water, always wash or maintain the reels well with warm water. The same applies to sandy bottoms.

Brakes and braking power

For smaller line classes up to #5, the hand with the fingers works as a brake on fly reels. This is especially advantageous with thin leaders, the fingers are an excellent feeling center, and besides, a reel without a brake saves extra weight. Use reels with trigger escapement or with a ratchet brake and discreet clicker. The resistance when cranking and pulling the fly line off the reel is fixed in advance with this type. This prevents the uncontrolled run-off of the fly line and at the same time the so-called overrunning of the reel when the line is pulled off quickly.

From line class 5 upwards a fly reel with brake is recommended. Self-lubricating disc brakes in a closed system are of great advantage. The higher the line class or the target fish, the greater the load when braking. When fishing for capital fish, it is not recommended to grab the line. This can lead to serious injuries. In this application, you brake exclusively via the brake of the fly reel. Brakes are exposed to great forces and should therefore be designed very robust. We expressly do not recommend ball bearings with plastic parts!

Large core reels

Are the modern design of fly reels. The diameter of the reel core is enlarged. Advantage: With smaller line classes less backing = lower line is used. The fly line is also stretched when pulling off the reel due to the larger reel core, you need less crank movements to pull line from the reel, or to pick up.

Backing

Backing is the line that is mounted between the fly line and the fly reel. The backing = lower line serves to extend the fly line or to enlarge the spool core (filling up the line capacity). Especially when fly fishing for predatory fish or in salt water, make sure there is enough space for backing on the fly reel. Depending on the target fish, it is recommended to use different strengths for backing.

Accessories Fly Reels

For the transport it is recommended to store your reel in a reel bag. The reel bag protects against transport damage. For cleaning, depending on the brand, sprays and lubricants can be used.

Which reel is used for which fish?

Depending on the intended use, the appropriate line classes are selected for the fly reel. e.g.

  • Fly reel line class ¾: dry fly on salmonids
  • Fly reel line class ⅚: dry fly, nymph and smaller streamers on salmonids or e.g. smaller sea trout
  • Fly reel line class ⅞: streamers on larger salmonids, smaller predators, sea trout, tender salmon fishing.
  • Fly reel line class 8/10: streamers on salmon, huchen, predatory fish, carp, saltwater inner reef (#8)
  • Line class 10/12: lures for salmon and saltwater outer reef (#12)

Buy fly reels online - Pijawetz your expert for high quality products

Pijawetz GmbH has trusted in fly reels of the Vosseler brand for many years: the products are manufactured in the EU. Well-known fly reel models are e.g. Air One, Air Two, DC2, Passion, Tryst.

At the same time we have very good experience with the fly reels of the American brand Echo.

Quote: Pijawetz: For many years the company Pijawetz, located in Kindberg, Austria, has been dealing with the sale of high quality fly reels of different price ranges. Based on many years of personal experience, we give many a valuable tip. Personal advice and satisfied customers are very important to us.

Manufacturer/Brands

Vosseler Fly Reels - The Reel One: The manufacturer of high quality fly reels for fresh and salt water use on the European market. The quality reels from Vosseler captivate by innovative design and are manufactured with the most modern, machines. Selected materials of the highest quality, saltwater resistant aluminum, discreet steel axles and finely adjustable brakes. Pijawetz GmbH distributes Vosseler products and has been using them in their fly fishing training courses for many years.

The American brand Echo by Tim Rajeff offers fly reels with an excellent price-performance ratio. Well-known models are the fly reels Base, Ion and Bravo.

Care after purchase - how to extend the life of your reel

Fly reels should be cleaned regularly. Vosseler reels are self-lubricating and the brake system is closed. This is very helpful in the care. Especially after every salt water use you should wash the salt water crystals from the fly reel.

FAQ

What do I have to consider for the combination of fly rod and fly reel?

When buying a combination of fly rod and fly reel or fly line, you should pay attention to the selection of the line class. For example, a #5 fly rod should be equipped with a #⅚ reel and #5 fly line. A great advantage is when the rod and the reel balance each other in terms of weight in the hand, this protects the wrist.