The fly fishing reel is a deceptively simple piece of gear. It certainly doesn’t look the part of one of the two most important tools for fly-fishing. Nor does it appear to be something that varies greatly from model to model, brand to brand. But getting the right reel can make the difference between catching and losing your fish. Quiet though it seems, in its best form the fishing reel is actually a highly efficient model of engineering from the simple click and pawl model to the adjustable drag system. A high quality reel will last a lifetime and provide you with a consistently positive fishing experience. For this reason, the brand matters a great deal. A good brand is an important indicator of quality and a predictor of longevity.

If you are familiar with fly fishing then you probably already have a sense of which brands I am talking about: Hardy, Abel, Tibor, Orvis, Ross, Fin-Nor, Lamson, Redington, Sage and several others all produce great reels. Between these top companies, there are a wide variety of types and styles of reel to choose from. It won’t do you any good to have a fabulous reel after all, if it doesn’t work with the rest of your outfit. A good brand will be long lasting and non-corrosive with a quiet and smooth action. It won’t take your attention away from the experience, but instead will quietly enhance it.