Anglers Edge Tackle

Tarpon Fly Line

Selecting a Reel for Fly Fishing

If you’re like me, you get your Orvis or LL Bean catalog or some other “wish book” in the mail and drool over the vast array of fly reels they have to offer. Modern reels are made from various grades of aluminum to high-grade plastic, and alloys unheard of before this century. Regardless of cost or material, there is one attribute they all have in common that you need to keep in mind:

Basically, a fly reel is nothing more than a place to keep your line. Period.

Oh, sure, reels have drag systems and high capacity spools and ball bearings, but, in the end, they are used because it’s hard to store 20 yards or so of fly line and another couple hundred yards of backing in your pocket without it getting tangled. But, really, the basic function of a fly reel is to hold your line in an organized manner.

Now, that being said, reels designed for large fish do require an effective drag system. Reels for most freshwater applications and many saltwater uses don’t have to have anything more than a rudimentary drag.

“What?” You say, “how can I fight a fish without a drag?” Well, friend, how do you think it was done in the old days before effective drags were developed? It’s simple—you fought the fish by controlling your line by retrieving it or playing it out with your off hand. When a fish took line, you doled it out to it as needed, creating the requisite drag by how tight you held the line. You also retrieved the line by stripping it in by hand. Tension in either direction was metered by your hands as line slipped through them. Obviously this is an iffy proposition when fighting large fish like tarpon and billfish. But that’s they way it was done, once upon a time.

For many of you experienced anglers, especially the older ones, you’ve played your fish by hand more than once and still do whenever reasonable. For you new ones it’s considered old school, which makes it “classical,” which makes it proper, again—when possible.

Okay, all that being kept in mind, how do you select a good reel that won’t cost you a fortune?

1. Buy a name brand. Name brand reels (and rods) can be trusted more so than off-brands for one simple reason: the maker has a name to protect and will not turn out a piece of junk just to make a buck. A good, entry-level reel will benefit the maker because a satisfied customer is more likely to by the same brand when it’s time to upgrade. Call Orvis if you don’t believe me.

2. Buy an exposed rim reel. Even though you may not be able to rely on the drag, you can apply palm pressure to the spool to supplement it. Drag can be increased or decreased as necessary with little effort. Note high-end reels: for the most part, they have exposed rims for that very purpose in spite of having the best drag systems known to man.

3. If buying aluminum, buy machined, not stamped. Stamped aluminum reels can warp and will bend if dropped. Stamped spools are prone to bending because they don’t really have the material strength to support themselves. Stamped reels can also get out-of-round if over-stressed. Only the smallest reels can get away with stamped spools, but always go for a cast or machined body.

4. Buy a reel that will readily hold the line and backing you need. An undersized reel will only cut down on the backing you need to effectively fight a fish by hand.

5. Buy quality, not glitz. The fish don’t care what color your reel is, neither should you if you are trying to buy wisely. If you are drawn to a more expensive reel because of its fancy coloration, spend that extra money on a better reel! “A fool and his money are soon parted” is a truism.

6. Take pride in your new-found ability to fight a fish by hand. When fighting a fish, let it take line as it needs it; don’t keep a death grip on the line, but meter the drag gently. Let your rod absorb shock. Let the line run when the fish goes on a hard run then gradually increase pressure. When the fish jumps, give it slack, “Bow to the King,” as we say in tarpon fishing. As your line goes slack, retrieve it quickly enough to prevent the hook from coming loose. Maintain constant tension without risking your tippet and your fish will succumb just as though you fought him off the reel. Or not.

Read more by this author at: http://www.EdwardMaurer.com

About the Author

Read more by this author at: http://www.EdwardMaurer.com

Rio Tarpon Saltwater Fly Line $74.95 Perfect for tarpon and other tropical species, the Rio Tarpon Saltwater Fly Line has a long back taper for smooth, controlled casts and is slightly heavier than the AFTMA standard to load rods for quick accurate casts. The tropical AgentX coating is combined with a medium stiff core that will not wilt in the heat. Welded loops are included at both ends for easy rigging. Color: Sea Grass. Length: 100′.

Scientific Anglers Tarpon Mastery Sinking Fly Line $69.95 Scientific Anglers Tarpon Mastery Sinking Fly Line is simply the best choice when taking on silver kings. The line features an ideal taper length that?s optimal for balance between casting distance and accuracy, and improves the lines performance in the wind. The core is constructed with a stiffer braided monofilament designed to reduce tangling,improve shoot-ability and provides a superior overall performance in warmer saltwater environments. This ultimate low-visibility sinking tarpon line sports a clear color, and a modest sink rate of 2.0 – 2.5 inches per second (ips). Length: 110′. Color: Horizon. Made in USA.

Scientific Anglers Tarpon Taper Floating Fly Line $69.95 Scientific Anglers Tarpon Mastery Floating Fly Line is simply the best choice when taking on silver kings. The line features an ideal taper length that?s optimal for balance between casting distance and accuracy, and also improves the lines performance in the wind. The core is constructed with a stiffer braided monofilament designed to reduce tangling, provides a superior overall performance in warmer saltwater environments. The Horizon colored line is clearly visible to anglers, but blends in to the sky and sea making it less visible to skittish fish. Length: 110′.

Fly H 2 O? Tarpon Fly Assortment $74.99 Tie any of these Tarpon files on, cast it out and watch as tarpon attack the fly like a great white attacking a man on a surf board. 24 piece assortment. Features: Baja Baitfish Tarpon Caliente Tarpon Streamers Tarpon Toads Tarpon Destroyers Clear fly box

Tarpon on Fly by Donald Larmouth and Rob Fordyce $30 The most comprehensive book on fly fishing for the Silver King. In Tarpon on Fly , Larmouth and Fordyce provide readers with in-depth coverage of tarpon biology, tackle, flies for tarpon, casting and retrieving, striking, fighting, tournaments and much more. Includes an excellent introduction by Flip Pallot. 95 pages.

Umpqua Tarpon Fly Assortment $39.99 A Bass Pro exclusive! A powerful eight fly assortment that reflects the heaviest hitters day in and day out. A well-rounded lineup regardless of your destination.

Fly H2O? Tarpon Baby Backcountry Fly Assortment $69.99 Warning, these flies produce the perfect movement to grab any tarpons attention and are not for the faint of heart. This 24-piece fly assortment includes a clear fly box and the following flies: Features: 4 Glass Bunnies ? 2 Chartreuse and 2 White 4 Sea-Ducers ? 2 Red/White and 2 Orange 4 Sea-Ducers ? 2 Red/White and 2 Orange 4 Tarpon Screamers ? 2 Purple/Black and 2 Orange 2 Everglages Gurgler ? Chartreuse 4 Fakahatchee Minnows ? 2 Tan/Grizzly and 2 Chartreuse 2 Tarpon Toads ? Chartreuse 2 Gurgling Shrimp ? Tan

Enrico Puglisi Saltwater Fly – Tarpon Streamer $6.99 A realistic imitation of the actual baitfish that tarpon, snook, and redfish thrive on, this classic tarpon streamer pattern is incredibly effective in the Florida Keys. Tied around a tough Gamakatsu hook, Pulglisi?s tarpon streamer features a seductive mix of fish-attracting flashabou and Enrico Pulglisi?s incredibly translucent synthetic fibers for extra durability; these high-performing streamers undulate in the water and simulate the natural movement of baitfish.

Cortland Precision Tropic PE+ Crystal Fly Line $80 Cortland?s Precision Tropic PE+ Crystal floating fly line is made from a revolutionary blend of polyethane and advanced co-polymers creating a floating fly line that will revolutionize the way you fish. Inside and out PE+ Crystal Fly Line is designed extremely hard to handle all the challenges tropical saltwater fly fishing presents. The innovative, hard PE+ jacket provides an abrasion-resistant, super smooth finish with a dramatically low amount of friction for outstanding shootability and since the jacket is fused to the mono core there?s virtually no line stretch. Whether you?re chasing tarpon in the backcountry or casting to line shy bonefish, Cortland?s Precision Tropic PE+ Crystal Fly Line is up to the challenge. Color: Crystal Clear. Length: 90?. Features: Unsurpassed durability Exceptional strength Ultra-smooth finish Optimal performance: Temps over 70 Crystal Clear Length: 90?

”Location X: Chasing Silver: A Tarpon Journey” Fly Fishing Video – DVD $29.95 The most amazing tarpon fly fishing ever caught on film. The destination is a secret, but you won?t care! A must-see for fly anglers! Over 90 unbelievable minutes.

Glide? Fly Line Dressing $7.99 Glide Line Dressing will help you shoot fly line with greater ease. It can be used on all types of fly line and protects lines so they?ll perform better and last longer. Glide dries with a hard, slick finish that will not accumulate unwanted debris. 1 oz.

Rio AquaLux Fly Line $69.95 Rio?s AquaLux Fly Line is a must have for every angler serious about fly fishing lakes. This high-quality sinking line features an intermediate sink rate of 1.5 ? 2 inches per second, making it ideal for subsurface fishing or shallow shore lines. AquaLux excels when going stealth is required because it?s engineered with proprietary lubricants incorporated into the running line coating to ensure smooth, effortless casts. Sporting a translucent green running line and a completely clear head, this low memory line is designed with a supple monofilament core with a coldwater coating and welded loop on the front end. Length: 100?. Color: Clear Head with Green Tint Running Line.

White River Fly Shop CV2 Fly Line $29.99 White River Fly Shop’s CV2 Fly Line is the ideal all-purpose line for performance-oriented fly fishers at an unbelievably low price. Offering superb casting qualities and shootability, our CV2 Fly Line mends well, floats high, picks up smoothly and is abrasion resistant. Color: Light Green. Length: 90′.

Hobbs Creek? Fly Line $19.99 Perfect for any beginner, this high-quality Hobbs Creek Fly Line is incredibly responsive and very forgiving. Constructed with a super slick surface coating for longer more accurate casts and to protect against abrasion, this weight forward line delivers large flies through wind with ease. The fluorescent yellow color is easily visible to your eye, but not the fish. Length: 82′.

Rio Classic Fly Line $44.95 Rio?s Classic Fly Line is an all-purpose trout line designed with a unique taper for superior casting and handling. The supple, self-lubricating coldwater coating provides for smoothing casting as well as turnover and deliver where shorter casts and accuracy are crucial. Front taper improves presentation even in harsh conditions. Color: Yellow. Length: 82′.

Rio MainStream Saltwater Fly Line $39.95 Rio’s high-performing MainStream Saltwater Fly Line is an all-purpose saltwater fly line perfectly suited for fly fishers fishing in temperate-to-tropical conditions for multiple species. This weight-forward floating fly line features a hard tropical coating that will not soften in the harsh tropical heat. Rio’s MainStream Saltwater Fly Line is designed similar to the Rio Clouser line where a reverse compound taper and bullet front taper allows anglers to effortlessly turn over big, heavy flies into the wind. Length: 90′. Color: Light Blue.

Lot of 8 New 5.9 Deep Diving Fishing Lure Crankbaits $17.99 Born To Fish brand premium lures are designed with one crucial element in mind; to ensure that you land the fish of your dreams. Our lures start with premium grade lifelike bodies with high grade hooks. Then we incorporate additional premium features to ensure nothing but the best action and sound on the market. Strikingly lifelike lure profiles, action, and sound make it known that you mean serio…

Rio Tarpon Fly Line The Saltwater I/I line is a full intermediate (1.5 ips .7 cm/s) line with a green tint and a 9.5 ft clear tip. It is a great line for laid-up fish that are a little deeper in the water column or for keeping in touch with the fly in choppy water. Based on the Clouser taper and built with RIO’s XS Technology for slickness, it is the perfect full intermediate line for fishing in warmer climes. Welded…

Tarpon Wonderline Generation 3 Fly Line / Only Tarpon Wonderline Generation 3 $79.00 With a short, condensed front taper, this fly line punches out quick, accurate casts, turning over large flies crisply. A powerful combination when paired with one our saltwater fly reels. Braided mono core and Wonderline® technology give traditional heavy fly line weights quick-strike capabilities. In sand. 105′. Fly line in weights: 10-13….