How to Choose the Right Fly Reel

Selecting the right reel often comes down to the species you’re chasing. South Africa’s waters demand reels from lightweight finesse to heavy-duty power.

• Small Streams: 1–4 wt reels with a moderate drag is all that is required.
• Trout, Yellowfish, Bass & Carp: 4–7 wt reels with a larger arbor for fast line recovery after a fish’s long run.
• Estuaries & Flats: 7–9 wt reels with cork- or sealed drag systems and corrosion-resistant hardware.
• Saltwater Big Game: 10–12+ wt reels with high backing capacities are a given. A strong cork- or sealed drag is essential.

Your fishing environment determines what reel you’ll require. From the wind-blown stillwaters of Dordrecht to the salty coastal flats or the Vaal River, choosing an environment-matched reel will ensure you get maximum enjoyment from you flyfishing gear.

• Small Streams: You’ll need a lightweight reel balanced with your rod. The reel must have a smooth drag with minimal startup inertia to protect light tippets.
• Rivers & Stillwaters: You’ll need a reel with enough backing capacity to handle long runs from fish like small- and largemouth yellowfish and large trout. Your reel should have a large arbor spool for fast line retrieval.
• Estuaries & Flats: Flats: An anodised reel with a strong cork disc- or sealed drag is essential for saltwater environments. Ensure you have enough backing to handle the strong runs of the saltwater quarry you will be targeting.
• Offshore & Big Game: For this environment you will need a reel with a very strong, dependable drag system with enough backing capacity (300 yards+) to handle the long, hard runs of fish you will tangle with.
  

Your reel budget correlates with your experience and the type of fishing you pursue. Whether you’re just beginning or upgrading to a reel for tackle-testing species, there’s a reel out there for every angler’s experience and budget. Making the correct initial investment will save frustration later.

• Entry-Level: There are a variety of reliable, budget friendly and versatile starter reels for the beginner fly flyfisherman.
• Mid-Range: These reels are manufactured using higher quality materials and have better drag systems than entry-level reels.
• Premium: High-end reels are built for anglers who take their passion seriously. They are precision engineered from the highest grade aluminium on the market.

Choosing Your First Reel: Match the reel size to your rod weight (e.g. choose a 5-wt reel for a 5-wt rod) and choose one with a smooth drag that will handle the line and backing that will be required for the angling application.

A good reel should give you a lifetime of trouble-free use provided it is cared for and maintained properly.

• Arbor Size: Large arbor reels retrieve line quicker than standard arbor reels and reduce line memory. They are ideal for hard fighting, long running fish species.
• Drag System: Sealed disc drags resist corrosion and deliver consistent fight control. Click-pawl drags are simpler and lighter and are ideal for scenarios where smaller fish will be found.
• Line Capacity & Backing: Ensure your reel can hold your line plus sufficient backing for your target species. This is especially important in the salt where big fish can run long distances.
• Corrosion-resistance & Service: Rinse your reel thoroughly after exposure to salt water. Local spares from Frontier Fly Fishing make upkeep straightforward.