The Importance of a Good Saltwater Fly Fishing Reel

If you have been fly fishing for a while and want to make the transition to saltwater fly fishing then there are a few things you need to know. While most of the equipment is the same there are some differences that you need to take into account.

The fact that saltwater fish is often bigger than freshwater fish means that you will need a heavier line. Heavier lines mean that a saltwater fly fishing reel will be much bigger than a reel you would normally use for freshwater fishing. Sea water also needs to be taken into account when choosing a saltwater fly fishing reel.

Reel Importance

When it comes to saltwater fishing the reel is one of the most important considerations. This is because a poor drag system or a too small reel can result in a prize catch getting away. When you are looking for a good saltwater fly fishing reel it is best to stay away from an automatic fly fishing reel. Automatic reels tend to be cumbersome and even the best automatic reels can cause problems when saltwater fly fishing.

Since the reel plays so much importance in saltwater fishing it’s important to choose a good reel and not skimp when it comes to this part of your equipment. Many people think that buying an expensive rod is the key to having the best equipment when it is actually the reel that matters most.

A saltwater fly fishing reel also needs to be bigger. The line and backing will be both bigger and heavier. It’s best not to use the rod and reels you usually use for freshwater fly fishing when you decide to start saltwater fly fishing. It may be an expensive transition but it will pay to invest in equipment suited to the sport.

Corrosion

A freshwater fly fishing reel will not have any protection against corrosion in seawater. This is why it is important to buy a saltwater fly fishing reel that will keep working. If you do not want to use a saltwater fly fishing reel than it is extremely important to wash and dry your rod and reel as soon as you can otherwise you will find yourself with a useless rod and reel the next day.

You should look for an andonized saltwater fly fishing reel. This ensures your reel will not rust after a day out in the sun and surf. The inside components of your saltwater fly fishing reel should be made of stainless steel. Again this is important to ensure that your reel stays in good working condition. The reel pillars should be made of either andonized steel or stainless steel.