Fly Reels
Fly Fishing Tackle – The Basics
Fly fishing is a completely different breed of fishing, employing different tactics and different tackle.
Fly fishing tackle is not generally suited for, say, shark fishing and vice versa.
Rods for fly fishing differ from other kinds of rod. They are thinner and more flexible. Probably the most noticeable difference between fly rods and other rods is their lack of a butt section. This deliberate omission, which gives fly fishing rods their distinct look, is designed to prevent interference with the casting movements.
An important element of your fly fishing tackle is the line. Unlike traditional fishing tackle set ups where the weight of the lure pulls the line out, the fly is generally of very little weight so relies on the weight of the line to unfurl to its target. Because of this, fly fishing line is much heavier than its regular fishing counterpart.
Compared to traditional fishing reels, the fly fishing reel (a Centrepin Reel) is a simple piece of tackle. Acting mainly as a storage device for the line, they have few other functions. Earlier examples of fly reels had no drag mechanism, slowing of the fish was done by simply “palming the rim”. In recent years, fly fishing reels have evolved somewhat, employing disc drag mechanisms, though they still remain relatively simple devices.
Every successful fly angler has an arsenal of artificial flies to lure his catch. Flies come in hundreds of different varieties. With colourful names such as Nymphs, Zonkers, Buzzers, Wooly buggers and other exotic names, you may be confused.
Flies are made from a wide variety of natural and synthetic materials, such as, to name a few, hair, mylar and rubber. They are designed to have the appearance and behaviour of the prey of the target fish. This could be, as the name suggests, flies or anything else the fish like to feed on, such as worms, insects, vegetation, even mammals and birds! The fly acts in the same way as bait in more traditional forms of fishing. It is attached to a hook, which hooks the fish when it makes a move at the bait.
Flies are generally very affordable, individual flies costing in the region of 50p – £2 (you can buy in bulk and get them even cheaper). There is however a huge number of people who get great joy from making and fishing their own flies.
Another sometimes overlooked element to fly fishing tackle is clothing. We are not blessed with the best weather in the UK so it is important that you are comfortable for your time fishing. If you go out for your first day of fly fishing and find yourself shivering all day, the chances are you won’t want to go again so a warm set of waterproof clothing is of the utmost importance.
You should also invest in a decent set of waders. Because of the limitation on casting distance with no weight on the end of the line, you are often required to wade out a little to be able to reach the target fish.
About the Author
The Friendly Fisherman has a wide variety of Fly Fishing Tackle and other fishing tackle for all your predator fishing needs
Bauer Fly Reel Factory Tour
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THOMAS THOMAS FLY ROD THOMAS AND THOMAS KOSMIC FLY ROD ABEL LTD ED REEL MINT $7,500.00 |
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Hardy 3 1/4in Perfect Fly Reel Limited Edition 60th Jubilee LHR GREAT NEW $2,500.00 |
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Hardy 3 1/4in Perfect Fly Reel Limited Edition 60th Jubilee RHR GREAT NEW $2,500.00 |
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Abel Super 5N Aluminum Red Fly Reel, Ltd. Ed. BRISTOL BAY/NO PEBBLE MINE 43/100 $2,499.99 |
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Ltd Edition Winston Perfect Fly Reel Set by Hardy #044 $2,099.00 |
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Abel Super 7 Ltd Ed Borski Redfish Fly Reel NEW #42/50 $2,025.00 |
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Abel 7/8 QC Borski Limited Edition Bonefish fly reel 58 $2,000.00 |
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Bellinger / Saracione Fly Reel $1,795.00 |
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Abel Fly Reel – Tim Borski Bonefish – #5 of 100 – Brand New $1,800.00 |
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Jack Charlton 8350C Fly Fishing Reel with 1/5 Spool Left Hand Retrieve – Rare $1,650.00 |
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Rare Hardy Bougle MkIV 3 1/4 Anodized Brown Prototype Fly Reel- Rare Collectable $1,499.00 |
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Orvis Bamboo Fly Rod 125th year Plus Orvis C.F.O III Reel (Both never used) $1,400.00 |
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THOMAS AND THOMAS FLY ROD ABEL FLY REEL NO. 2 BG T&T FLY ROD VAN STAAL FLY REEL! $1,395.00 |
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Saracione Mark IV 4.75″ Fly Fishing Salmon Reel RH / LH $1,395.00 |
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New Hardy Perfect Salmon Fly Reel 4 1/4″ RHW – Free Line & Worldwide Shipping $1,300.00 |
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New Hardy Perfect Salmon Fly Reel 4 1/4″ LHW – Free Line & Worldwide Shipping $1,300.00 |
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Hardy Fly Fishing Perfect Salmon Fly Reel No 4 1/4 Left Hand Retrieve $1,300.00 |
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Hardy Fly Fishing Perfect Salmon Fly Reel No 4 1/4 Right Hand Retrieve $1,300.00 |
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Hardy Perfect 4 1/4in Fly Reel RHR NEW $1,300.00 |
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Hardy Perfect 4 1/4in Fly Reel LHR NEW $1,300.00 |
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Hardy Perfect Fly Reel 4 1/4″ w/ Free 8/9 Spey Line New $1,298.95 |
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New Hardy Perfect Salmon Fly Reel 4″ LHW – Free Line & Worldwide Shipping $1,200.00 |
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New Hardy Perfect Salmon Fly Reel 4″ RHW – Free Line & Worldwide Shipping $1,200.00 |
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NEW HARDY PERFECT SALMON 4″ 8/9/10 WT RIGHT HAND WIND BLACK FLY REEL FREE LINE $1,200.00 |
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Hardy Fly Fishing Perfect Salmon Fly Reel No 4 Right Hand Retrieve $1,200.00 |
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Hardy Fly Fishing Perfect Salmon Fly Reel No 4 Left Hand Retrieve $1,200.00 |
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Hardy Perfect 4in Fly Reel LHR NEW $1,200.00 |
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Hardy Perfect 4in Fly Reel RHR NEW $1,200.00 |
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Hardy Perfect Fly Reel 4″ with Free 8/9 Spey Line New $1,198.95 |
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Abel Fly Reel Super 7/8N Prosek Snook #14/100 GREAT NEW $1,175.00 |
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Winston B3X BIIIX 9′ 6wt Fly Rod w/Orvis Mirage III Reel and Fly Line SAVE $125 $1,164.00 |
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Winston B3X BIIIX 8′ 4wt Fly Rod w/ Orvis Mirage II Reel and Fly Line SAVE $125 $1,134.00 |
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Winston B3X BIIIX 10′ 4wt Fly Rod w/Orvis Mirage II Reel and Fly Line SAVE $125 $1,134.00 |
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Winston B3X BIIIX 9′ 5wt Fly Rod w/Orvis Mirage II Reel and Fly Line SAVE $125 $1,134.00 |
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Hardy Baby Bougle Lightweight Fly Reel – Satin Gold Rare $1,099.00 |
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Orvis Helios Fly Rod 9′ 10 wt. Mirage Reel Outfit SALE $1,125.00 |
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Saracione Fly Reel 4 in Spey Reel GREAT NEW $1,125.00 |
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HENSCHEL DUAL MODE # 5, 13-20 saltwater fly reel – Anti Reverse + Direct Drive $1,120.00 |
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Saracione Fly Reel 4 in Spey Reel SILVER/BLACK Right Hand Retrieve GREAT NEW $1,110.00 |
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Saracione Fly Reel 4 1/4in Spey Reel Silver/Black GREAT NEW $1,110.00 |
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Saracione Fly Reel 4 in Spey Reel SILVER/BLACK Left Hand Retrieve GREAT NEW $1,110.00 |
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Saracione Fly Reel 4 1/4in Spey Reel GREAT NEW $1,110.00 |
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Saracione Fly Reel 4 1/4in Spey Reel GOLD/BLK GREAT NEW $1,110.00 |
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Abel Super 8 Fly Reel Ltd Ed Striped Bass w Print NEW $1,100.00 |
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Hardy Fly Rod Zenith Double Handed Rod 15ft 1in #10 Line Rod GREAT NEW $1,100.00 |
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Abel Super 12X Fly Reel, Tarpon Finish, FREE Shipping!. With $100 Fly Line! $1,080.00 |
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Abel Super 12X Fly Reel, Dorado Finish,Matching Alum.Handle, With $100 Fly Line! $1,080.00 |
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Abel Super 12X Fly Reel, Marlin Finish,Matching Alum. Handle. w/ $100 Fly Line! $1,080.00 |
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Abel Fly Reel Super 5N Combo Rainbow Trout GREAT NEW $1,075.00 |
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ABEL QC SERIES 9/10 FLY FISHING REEL Tarpon graphic FREE $100 FLY LINE $1,075.00 |
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Hardy Angel 6/7 TE Fly Fishing Reel Made in England with Spools – NEW $995.26 |
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Abel Super 11 Fly Reel. Tarpon, Large Arbor.With $100 Fly Line of your choice! $1,050.00 |
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ABEL SUPER SERIES 11 FLY FISHING REEL Marlin Fish Graphic FREE $100 FLY LINE $1,050.00 |
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Abel Super 11 Fly Reel Combo GREAT NEW w Warranty $1,050.00 |
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Abel Super 11 Fly Reel. WAHOO, Matching Alum. Handle, With $100 Fly Line! $1,050.00 |
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Abel Super 11 Fly Reel. Atlantic Salmon. Matching Alum. Handle, w/$100 Line! $1,050.00 |
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Abel Super 11 Fly Reel, Rooster Fish, Large Arbor. With $100 Fly Line! $1,050.00 |
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Abel Super 11 Fly Reel, Tarpon, Matching Aluminum Handle. W/$100 Fly Line! $1,050.00 |
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Hardy Fly Rod Zenith Double Handed Rod 14 ft 6in #9 Line Rod GREAT NEW $1,050.00 |
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Abel Fly Reel Super 9 Combo Reel NEW w Warranty $1,030.00 |
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Pflueger 1195X Automatic Fly Reels (Up to 8 Fly Line) $34.97 Pflueger Automatic Fly Reel is the no – hassle way to reel in line. Want simple? The Pflueger Automatic has a line trigger that winds in line with just a quick pull. No more tangled, loose line! Aluminum alloy frame and spool; Stainless steel main spring; Stainless steel foot and line guard; Main spring release and fold down trigger for easy storage; 2 7/8″ spool diameter, 7/8″ spool width and wei… |
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Crystal River Fly Fishing Combo Kit $15.49 Kit includes 8’0″ 3-piece fly rod, graphite fly reel, fly line, tapered leader and two flies…. |
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Pflueger Fly Kit, 8-Feet 0-Inch $33.50 Pflueger is 8 -feet three piece 5/6 weight fly rod with cork grip, 3 pieces, 2 5/8-Inch spool diameter, 25/32-Inch spool width, up to 7 fly Line 1094 control fly reel 25 yards of level fly line 4X tapered leader braided dacron backing…. |
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Ten Flies, Simple Ties $5.00 For a new tyer coming into the sport, the task of selecting what flies to tie and the materials to tie them with can be sort of a “sensory overload” experience. The 10 flies we present here are easy to tie and fun to fish. They will also start the beginning tier on some basic techniques that can be carried over to other fly patterns. Some of these are our own patterns, some of these have been … |
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Fly Tying: 30 Years of Tips, Tricks, and Patterns (Best of Fly Rod & Reel) $18.54 Readers will discover the most effective, most original, and most historic flies published in the 30-year history of Fly Rod & Reel magazine. The book is filled with fly-tying tips and fly-pattern designs straight from Fly Rod & Reel, contributors such as Darrel Martin, A.K. Best, Ted Leeson and many others; all make this a must-have or perfect gift for a fly tier of any skill level…. |
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ART OF FLYFISHING: An Illustrated History of Rods, Reels, and Favorite Flies $19.98 This handsome visual celebration of the equipment that shaped the popular sport of fly fishing contains beautifully photographed images of such collectible gear as hand-tied flies, fly rods made of bamboo and other materials, creels, and tackle boxes. Prepared in association with the American Museum of Fly Fishing in Vermont, it’s a perfect gift for the avid sportsperson or collector…. |
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Crystal River Fly Reel Pouch – Small $2.09 Protects reels with up to 3″ spool – Secure Hook and loop closure…. |
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Liberty Garden Products 642 Dragon Fly Garden Hose Stand – Patina $44.97 This attractive, decorative hose stand will look great on your lawn to hold your hoses neatly and out of the way until you need them. The Dragon Fly features 5 anchor points to secure it to your yard. It is made of heavy gauge steel that is powder coated for durable weather resistant use. It holds 125-foot of 5/8-inch hose…. |