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Feature |
What does it do? |
When is this feature needed? |
| "adjustable drag" | enables you to increase or decrease the drag by turning a knob on the frame of the reel | generally speaking, helpful when fighting fish you have to "play from the reel" |
| "anodized" | the finishing process which coats reels to resist corrosion | mandatory if you fish in saltwater; and helpful everywhere |
| "anti-reverse" | keeps the reel handle from spinning as the spool spins (at
up to 12,000 rpm); hence it doesn't bang your knuckles (as opposed to "direct drive" reels) |
for fighting very large fish or those that have power (something like a Bonefish, Tarpon, etc.) |
| "big game reel" | this is a generic term for larger, beefier reels designed for bigger fish | when fishing for larger species |
| "cartridge spool" | newer style of plastic interchangeable spool that is less expensive than a metal spool (extra cartridges cost $12-$30) | encourages the use of multiple lines with the same reel as the cost for the cartridges are not prohibitive |
| "cast reel" | a reel that is made by casting individual parts from a mold
& assembling together (as opposed to being "machined") |
perfectly adequate for all but the most demanding fly fishing |
| "counter weight" | "counters" the effect of a rapidly rotating spool handle to provide added stability | nice feature, but not really important until fish are consistently big enough to take line from your reel |
| "direct drive" | reel style with the handle connected directly to the spool providing a 1:1 retrieval; the spool rotates one full turn for each turn of the handle (as opposed to "anti-reverse" reels) | this is the most popular & commonly used, suitable for all but the largest fish |
| "disc drag" | drag system which uses a compression/disc mechanism to aid in slowing outgoing line | very helpful for fish that will regularly require you to fight them from the reel |
| "double click" | drag system which uses a two-pawl drag mechanism | a bit stronger drag than single pawl, but still designed for smaller fish |
| "exposed rim" | allows you to "palm" the smooth edge of the spool for added drag | nice feature to have on any reel, but not actually used until a fish is big enough to "get into your backing" |
| "high speed
retrieve" (multiplying) |
greater than 1:1 line retrieval rate (up to 1:2 ratio), gives faster line-in for each turn of the handle (as opposed to "direct drive" reels) | when fishing for large fish known to take lots of line which requires rapid retrieval to the reel in order to control them |
| "machined reel" | a reel that is made by stamping it out of a single piece of
metal (as opposed to parts being "cast") |
this is another "nice-to-have", but not necessary to reliable reel performance; mostly a quality/price issue |
| "removable spool" | allows you to easily remove the spool from the reel frame (extra spools might cost up to $100 or more) | common feature; good to have so you can use a variety of lines with one reel (e.g., switch from a spool loaded with floating line to one with a sinking line) |
| "reversible retrieve" | allows you to alter/change the spool so you can reel from either side of the frame | common feature; helpful if you change your mind about which hand you use to "reel the reel" |
| "single click" | drag system which uses a single-pawl drag mechanism | adequate for smaller fish, such as trout or panfish, that pull little, if any, line from the reel |
| "spool capacity" | the amount of line (fly line & backing) a spool will hold relates directly to the rod to which it will balance | just be sure you match the reel's line capacity with the fly rod & the type of fishing you will be doing |
| "spool diameter" | critical measurement to consider to be sure it matches with the intended use of your rod | most "everyday" spools will be 3" to 3 1/2" wide; "big game"/saltwater reels are as wide as 4 1/2" |
| "spool width" | "standard" reels are 11/16" to 1" diameter | "wide arbor" reels are up to 1 1/2" spool width |
| "wide/large arbor spool" | more surface area results in a slower line-out speed & faster line-in speed (higher retrieve ratio) and more consistent drag pressure | for fighting very large fish or those that have power (something like a Bonefish, Tarpon, etc.) |
Reel Features