Study Material / Answers to Reel Quiz

3.) List the advantages and disadvantages of each.

aluminum - advantages: light, strong, corrosion resistant; disadvantages: expensive

stainless steel - advantages: strong, corrosion resistant; disadvantages: heavy

tin - advantages: light, inexpensive; disadvantages: weak

graphite - advantages: light; disadvantages: expensive, more susceptible to breakage upon sharp impact

polymer - advantages: light, inexpensive; disadvantages: more susceptible to wear

I wasn't aware of any reels made of tin. Can you specify a manufacturer for those ? Also, stainless steel is used for many internal and some external parts of reels, but I don't know of any reels made with stainless steel frames. G.

6.) List some features you would think to be important on a fly reel used on a 3 wt. rod for trout fishing. lightweight, low starting friction on drag

Agree with your addition of the low starting friction of the drag... also called "low start up inertia". Some anglers do catch large trout on # 3 outfits which would make this an important requirement. G.

8.) Your buddy has a 14' # 10/11 Spey rod. He's about to go on a trip to New Brunswick to fish for Atlantic salmon and wants to know what to look for in a suitable reel. What do you advise him ? weight (with line) which places the balance point a finger width or so from top of cork, large & wide arbor to support longer & thicker spey line with at least 200 yards backing

Balance weight apparently is important to some two handed fly fishers. *

* SPEY CASTING by Simon Gawesworth, pp. 5-7. G/

10.) What features would you consider important on a salt water fly reel to be used for bonefishing ? low starting friction, nonreflective coating.

The use of non reflective finish is debatable. One well respected reel manufacturer came out with reels of dull color and non-gloss anodized finish. The called this series of reels, "Guide models". I fish for bonefish regularly and have not found that the finish makes any difference. G.

16.) Why ? placing the handle on the left side for a right hander means rod won't need to change hands from casting to playing a fish (handle is on the line hand side)

I have no quarrel with that reasoning when applied to most fly fishing. When big game fishing, I change hands many times anyway during a prolonged battle. I (and many others) hold the grip with my dominant hand as the fish runs or sounds. I switch to my non-dominant hand to hold the cork when retrieving and use my dominant hand to retrieve. Certainly OK to do it the other way around if comfortable and non-fatigueing for the angler.   Speaks to "fighting style". G.

17.) Reel makers talk about "VENTING". What do they mean ? allowing heat build up in gearing to escape :) or allowing holes in spool for reduced moment of enertia

Moment of inertia when casting would be related to the mass of the reel as well as its position. Venting would lower that mass. I have "smoked" a few drags with vented and unvented reels over the years. I frankly don't know if the venting helps dissipate heat.      G.

25.) Do you set the drag on your reels ? of course How do you do that ? set the drag as low as possible but just enough to prevent spool overrun when stripping

Alternative (longer answer) attempt to achieve resistance equivalent to about 50% of the breaking strength of the tippet (this can be acheived with Newtonmeter under constant pull although probably like most anglers in the field, I typically do it by feel)

Is that Newtonmeter a kind of scale ?   How and to what degree the angler sets the drag will depend upon the kind of fishing being done. Vast difference between drag setting when fishing with 8X tippets or 20 lb. class tippets !   G.

29.) Of what importance is the position of the handle with respect to the center of the reel ? handle placement effects moment of inertia and also ergonomics

Yes. Especially if the reel isn't balanced with repect to the additional eccentrically placed handle. That is why one method of doing that is to add a counterweight 180 degrees opposite the handle. This is done by some reel makers by simly adding more spool material there or less venting opposite the handle. Something to consider if you purchase a reel and then add a custom large "Gorilla" handle.    G.

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From Jim Barr :

20.) Several years ago, Mel Krieger and Steve Able designed a special fly reel foot which was marketed by the name of "The Able Arm". It was first sold in a California tackle shop. What was it ?

"Such is the Abel Arm. It seems so obvious ? now ? that by hanging the reel below and slightly forward of the casting hand and moving the center of gravity away from the reel seat, the improved balance offers greater comfort and significantly less fatigue. If you suffer from tennis elbow (tendonitis) or arthritis, you will feel the difference when you use the arm." (http://www.abelreels.com/pages/abel_arm.htm)

Jim..... I added your entry because you were helpful in including that link. This shows a picture of the Able Arm. G.

25.) What happens to the drag setting on your fly reel when a large fish makes a long run ?

I believe it moves toward loosening but I don't know that

26.) What, if anything, do you do about it ?

Tighten the drag gradually as the fish is running

Exactly what so many fly fishermen think.  You are certainly not alone ! As you now know, this is incorrect. This is why I dwelt on the subject in my comments, yesterday. So many anglers lose fish this way when they come to fish with us in the salt and hook up with a large salty critter which makes a long powerful run.   The mindset seems to be, "WOW, I better stop him before I run out of string !!!!! " G.

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From Frank Harford's answers ( Red highlighting is mine. )   G. :-



2.) Name as many materials as you can used for the main frames and spools of fly reels.

   Brass, Steel, Aluminum, Graphite, Magnesium

Thanks for reminding us about reel frames which were made from BRASS and those of MAGNESIUM. I'd forgotten about those.    G.

12.) BRIEFLY list 5 different types of fly reel drag systems.

   1- spring and pawl

   2- disc and caliper

   3-multiple disc systems

   4-cone type disc system

   5-turbo

Frank .... Educate me. What is meant by turbo ?        G.

26.) What, if anything, do you do about it ?

   The only thing you can do is to decrease the drag setting , but that's not a great idea. It is better to start with a lower drag setting to begin with than to start adjusting the drag up and down during the fight.

Interesting comment. You are right about decreasing the drag being a problem.... some really overdo it and then the spool spins out of control and a tangle results in a broken tippet. I agree that its best to set the drag less tight from the start. As I pointed out, yesterday, some big game fishers disagree.

Lots more to consider on that topic.... for example, when fighting a large pelagic from a skiff, another way to handle this situation is by moving the skiff carefully in the direction of the fish. Expert guides do this as a matter of their judgement as they assist the angler. When wading, it may not be possible to make a move toward the running fish.

Sometimes I'm alone in my skiff. The skiff is staked out or anchored. I hook a large fish and he's off to the point I have to go after him. I have no guide .... so I have a set way of handling this. I drop off the tether, maintain good rod bend, and go back to my center console, start my engine and slowly work toward the fish all the while also handling my rod.   This used to be a "Beserabian cluster fandango" until I gained the experience of doing it many times over the years. Now I'm cool with it.    G.

25.) Do you set the drag on your reels ? How do you do that ?

   Attach a piece of tippet to the line and tie it to something stationary. Increase the drag till the tippet breaks .The drag will then be set to the strength of the tippet material .

The usual recommendation is to set the drag at 25% of the strength of the tippet that you will use .

Frank ! If you set your drag at the break strength of your tippet and the fish makes a long run, it seems to me that you will have a breakoff every time !!!   I wonder if you mean set it that way and then back off do a degree ??  Your answer, below helps to answer this question, too.  G.

25.) What happens to the drag setting on your fly reel when a large fish makes a long run ?

   The setting will be the same , but the drag on the fish will increase .

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From Andrew Connell :

18.) Can you name a reel maker who claims to produce a reel with a SEALED DRAG ? Nautilus

Yes.   In addition to Ryall, Orvis, and Charlton. Probably some others as well.   G.

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Jim Chestnut comes in with his "long answer" to questions # 3.) & 4.):

Hi Gordy,

I received the answers before I had a chance to reply to the questions,

but I had a different take on the drag question than Gavin.

#3) Principal advantage: is easy changing of spools, no parts to lose

except entire spool. Disadvantage. Hard to dry, not possible to clean

without specialty tools and expert knowledge. Taking apart voids waranty

on Ross Canyons, possibly others as well. Dunking in salt water could

result in returning to factory service center.

#4) Principal advantage: virtually maintainence free. Disadvantage, cost.

Probably not possible to repair at home without entire drag system

replacement. I do not own either of these and do not know for sure. Gordy

any insight?

Personally, of the first three, I prefer type #2- the old Tibors such as

the Gulfstream pictured (Black). The enclosed frame keeps water, aside

from a dunking, away from the drag, and I keep a blob of grease on the

inside in case of a dunking or stiction problems due to old grease on the

cork composite drag.

I have had, and continue to have major stiction problems with the Ross

after a dunking in salt water. I think the open frame in conjunction with

a closed, but not totally sealed, drag system is asking for problems when

it is so difficult to disassemble. Just my opinion.

If I could afford a Mako, I would have one already. However, Tibors are

very reliable, easy to maintain and have a long history of dependability.

I also prefer black reels to shiny ones for all fishing. Pictures left to

right: Tibor Gulfstream, Ross Canyon BG5, Colton (Not Carlson) CG11.

I also have an observation and question about the Vallentine reels. I too

looked them up on the internet and checked out the parts list exploded

view. It appears to me that the only way they will work is if the crank

knob spins upon its own axis as a fish takes line.

This implies that one must hold the crank knob tightly enough to prevent

it from rotating in order to reel the fish in. So if a fish were to run

while the angler is cranking, he would need to release pressure on the

knob immediately in order for the spool to turn (the drag would then by

engaged).

Does anyone out there have one of these reels? And if so, is this how it

operates, and how do you like it?

Thank you all.

Cheers,

Jim

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Comments: - I have never fished a Valentine reel, though you may be right about that handle.　

                    - Tibor and Billie Pate reels have been utterly reliable in my hands, too.      G.

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Good list of answers using different words by Bob Stouffer :

Bob & Group...

Under the master title of FLY TACKLE, we now have FLY REELS.

Let's begin with a little quiz . Try to use SHORT ANSWERS followed by longer ones only if necessary :

1.) What do you consider the two primary purposes of a fly reel ? Line Storage and Retrieval

2.) Name as many materials as you can used for the main frames and spools of fly reels. Machined metal, cast metal, stamped metal, composite materials, plastics

3.) List the advantages and disadvantages of each. Machined metals are sturdy and costly. Stamped and cast metals can be lightweight but may bend easily with impact. Bakelite is beautiful but scratches.

4.) BRIEFLY describe the following types of fly reels:

      a. Direct drive. No mechanical advantage and the spool turns when the line is pulled from reel.

      b. Anti-reverse. When line is pulled from reel, the spool does not turn in reverse

      c. "Automatic". Spring driven retrieve.

      d. Dual mode. Select direct drive or anti-reverse

      e. Multiplier. Turn the handle one revolution and the spool turns more than one revolution.

5.) Why have so many reels used for trout fishing had narrow spools ? To increase the effective diameter for retrieving line.

6.) List some features you would think to be important on a fly reel used on a 3 wt. rod for trout fishing. Light weight large arbor smooth drag with minimum start-up inertia.

7.) You are about to fish for Atlantic salmon with a single handed # 9 fly rod. What features would you look for on a reel to add ?

8.)   Your buddy has a 14' # 10/11 Spey rod. He's about to go on a trip to New Brunswick to fish for Atlantic salmon and wants to know what to look for in a suitable reel. What do you advise him ? Large diameter large arbor high line/backing capacity.

9.) Let's consider a reel which has a wide spool.

      a. Advantages. Storage volume

      b. Disadvantages. harder to "level wind"

10.) What features would you consider important on a salt water fly reel to be used for bonefishing ? High backing capacity, rust-free construction, smooth drag.

11.) What features would you look for as you purchase a salt water reel to be used for big game such as giant tarpon ? Large reel, large capacity, rust-free, reliable drag

12.) BRIEFLY list 5 different types of fly reel drag systems. Free-spool with palming rim, conical drag, turbine, click and pawl, pressure plate (natural or man-made)

13.) What is a "Casette reel " ? Reel with a spool and frame that disengage so you can place a keyed spool (plastic insert) between them. You buy the plastic spool inserts for different lines instead of the machined spools.

14.) What is a LARGE ARBOR FLY REEL ? The arbor is greater in diameter than the mechanical (rotational) requirements.

     a. Advantages ? Reduced line memory problems.

     b. Disadvantatges ? Reduced line/backing capacity

15.) Should the handle on a fly reel be on the right side if you are right handed ? Depends on your preference and how much cranking you may have to do in a day.

16.) Why ? Dominant hand cranks faster for fast species, line hand side means you don't have to transfer the rod to crank.

17.) Reel makers talk about "VENTING". What do they mean ? Machine porting to reduce material weight.

18.) Can you name a reel maker who claims to produce a reel with a SEALED DRAG ? J. Ryall and Orvis

19.) Some reel manufactures claim that their reels are made to very tight "aircraft tolerances."

      a. Advantages ? Good marriage between spool and frame. Smooth and solid operation.

      b.   Disadvantages ? Not impact tolerant and more difficult to shake out the grit.

20.) Several years ago, Mel Krieger and Steve Able designed a special fly reel foot which was marketed by the name of "The Able Arm". It was first sold in a California tackle shop. What was it ? A stand-off foot so that you could grip the rod at the rod-reel connection.

21.) What is meant by the term, "SPOOL OVERRUN" ? Spool travels faster than the line is paying-out.

22.) What are the advantages and disadvantages to using a DIRECT DRIVE REEL for large salt water fish ? Great for control and palming. Blood spatters on the boat from your knuckles.

23.) List the advantages and disadvantages to using an ANTI-REVERSE REEL for these fish ? The handle does not spin, but you sacrifice the drag control and have to rely on the equipment.

24.) Large arbor reels with increased diameter have become popular for use when fishing large, powerful fish. Why ? Better rate of retrieval and a torque advantage.

25.) Do you set the drag on your reels ? How do you do that ? Yes. I use Lefty's lip method.

25.) What happens to the drag setting on your fly reel when a large fish makes a long run ? Nothing happens to the drag setting, but the drag does increase due to the melting of the backing into a smaller diameter and spins the reel faster.

26.) What, if anything, do you do about it ? Set the drag for the long run (lighter)

27.) Can you name an author who used the term, "FUNCTIONAL DRAG " ? Have not used the term, nor do I know it.

28.) What did he mean by that ? Something very important.

29.) Of what importance is the position of the handle with respect to the center of the reel ? Increased speed closer to the center, increased torque farther from the center.

30.) One reel company made a reel designed with what they called a "PLANETARY GEAR SYSTEM". Can you name that manufacturer ? William Mills & Sons catalog, patent by James Boulton (1882) (Smithsonian Patent Website)

Have fun with these !

Gordy

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