#FlyReels

Paul

Jan 11

New Sage ENFORCER Saltwater Fly Reels

(words and images by Sage/Farbank) For 2023, Sage introduces the next generation of flats-specific fly reels in the ENFORCER Reel family. Sage’s all-new ENFORCER Reel family has been built around the performance developed with their big game THERMO Reels–sized down to accommodate a lighter package and the overall needs of the serious saltwater flats angler. Designed with peak performance in mind, the ENFORCER offers everything the flats angler needs in a reel, whether taming

Paul

Dec 17, 2022

Kistler Bakk 5/6 Fly Reel Review

Intro/Specs/Craftsmanship If you're a conventional bass fishing addict like I am, the name Kistler should instantly ring a bell. Based in Texas, the brand has garnered a loyal following over the years, especially with rods such as their well-known Helium series. For 2023, Kistler is switching things up by expanding into the fly fishing market with both rods and reels. Although this move came as a complete surprise to me, it's always intriguing when a company decides to jump i

Fly Fishing Rods and Reels: Try Something NEW!

Paul

Dec 12, 2022

Fly Fishing Rods and Reels: Try Something NEW!

If you're fly fishing and catching fish, it's most likely a pretty good time. However, if you're in a constant routine of targeting the same species, in the same places, and with the same tackle, it can take a little off the excitement factor. Don't get me wrong; catching fish is always a great time, but I've always enjoyed changing things up in one way or another. Even if typically fishing the same places every week, just altering your tackle can bring some "newness" to the

Paul

Nov 14, 2022

Ross Evolution LTX 3/4 Fly Reel Review

Intro/Specs/Craftsmanship The Ross Evolution LTX series are not exactly new reels, having been out for about four years now. Designed with attributes from the Evolution R and original Evolution LT, the result is a modern, downright sexy lineup that's suitable for fresh and saltwater use. While it took me forever to get my hands on an LTX, I recently became the owner of a new 3/4 model, which is the smallest in the family. Let's get into this reel and see if it's truly as good

Preview: Cheeky Sighter Fly Reels and Sink Tip Fly Lines

Paul

Nov 7, 2022

Preview: Cheeky Sighter Fly Reels and Sink Tip Fly Lines

(descriptions and images courtesy of Cheeky Fishing) Cheeky Fishing Launches a New Reel and Sink Tip Fly Line for 2023 Cheeky Fishing makers of performance fly fishing equipment is proud to bring new reel and new sink tip fly line to the market. The New Sighter Reels set the bar for versatility and value. With a full cage frame design, the new Sighter is light enough for your standard 9-foot, 5-weight rod, but is also at home with thin-line set ups and running lines found in

Preview: Hardy Fortuna Regent Saltwater Fly Reel

Paul

Jul 18, 2022

Preview: Hardy Fortuna Regent Saltwater Fly Reel

Hardy Fortuna Regent Saltwater Fly Reel From Pure Fishing/Hardy: Iconic fly-fishing brand Hardy continues to surpass expectations in the saltwater space with the new Fortuna Regent fly reel. Built to exceed the expectations of competitive saltwater anglers, the Hardy Fortuna Regent reel was designed to deliver effortless control and power under the most demanding conditions. With up to 22 pounds of drag in a single 360-degree rotation you can fight big fish without missing a

Paul

Feb 13, 2022

New Sage THERMO Big Game Fly Reels

(Words and images by Sage) BAINBRIDGE ISLAND, Wash. (January 25, 2022) – It’s disorienting—there is no land, only sea and sky, and everywhere marlin blitz and tuna dive and mahi swarm weed patches. There are no beaches or mangroves to stop them, only you, a reel, and a piece of tippet that you can only pray will hold. “When entering the world of big game flats fishing and bluewater behemoths, heavy-duty is the name of the game. That lifetime tarpon, monster trevally, or massi

Waterworks-Lamson Litespeed F 4/5/6 Fly Reel Review

Paul

Jan 2, 2022

Waterworks-Lamson Litespeed F 4/5/6 Fly Reel Review

Intro/Specs/Craftsmanship I have always viewed Waterworks-Lamson as one of the more innovative—or even daring—companies in fly fishing. Constantly thinking outside the box, their products often push the envelope of design and really set themselves apart from many others on the market. For example, remember the Center Axis integrated rod/reel they introduced a few years back? It doesn't get much more unique than that! The new Litespeed F marks the sixth generation (where has t

Paul

Nov 28, 2021

The Lightest 5-Weight Fly Reel?

There are a lot of important things to look at when it comes time to choose a new fly reel. Stuff like drag type, dimensions, and looks all surely come into play, but weight has always been one of the most critical specs I make note of. If I have a rod that feels like a feather in my hands, choosing a super-lightweight fly reel is a great way to compliment it. When a rod and reel setup feels extremely light for its size, that combo typically becomes one that I REALLY look for

Paul

Nov 15, 2021

Greys Tital 5/6 Fly Reel Review

Intro/Specs/Craftsmanship Hugely popular across Europe, Greys returned to U.S. shores in 2020 and now offers several new fly rods and reels for us stateside anglers. Covering both freshwater and saltwater sizes, their new Tital series of fly reels took home the Best Fly Fishing Reel award at ICAST 2021. Having never touched a Greys product before this year's show, I was eager to test the 5/6 Tital to see if the performance matched its sexy good looks. Reel Size: 5/6 Measured

ICAST 2021: Upcoming Fly Reels from Greys

Paul

Aug 1, 2021

ICAST 2021: Upcoming Fly Reels from Greys

TITAL Fly Reels We recently previewed the Greys TITAL reel as part of our Pure Fishing new product overview found right here, but only a single image was available at the time. At ICAST 2021, we met with Jen Ripple at Pure Fishing and finally had an in-person look at all the new rods and reels, including the TITAL. As the new flagship fly reels from Greys, they will offer machined bar-stock aluminum construction, sealed drags, and futuristic designs. We're excited to test one

Paul

Jul 26, 2021

ICAST 2021: Cubalaya Outfitters

Click pawl reels. Simple, lightweight, dependable, and only good for smaller fish like trout and panfish...or are they? At ICAST this year, I discovered there is one company out to change that way of thinking. Although most of my work at the show covered the latest conventional tackle for TackleTour.com, I stumbled upon a new company called Cubalaya Outfitters, which makes click fly reels geared towards saltwater fishing. Yep, you read that right! Much like the resurgence in

New Rods, Reels, and Storage From Pure Fishing

Paul

Jul 19, 2021

New Rods, Reels, and Storage From Pure Fishing

(from Pure Fishing) Hardy Ultralite X Rod Designed to be the lightest and most versatile rod in the Hardy collection. Hardy’s legacy as the gold standard in fly-fishing gear began in 1872 and continues today as the company maintains its leadership position in the construction of dynamic and original offerings in both fresh and saltwater, including the new Hardy Ultralite X rod—the lightest and most versatile rod in the Hardy collection. Designed and crafted to excel even in

Paul

Jul 12, 2021

Why I'm Still a Cork Dork

Modern technology is great, but do you miss something from the past that is no longer made anymore? Or, maybe you still love using a product that many people have moved past in favor of the "latest and greatest"? Many fly reels nowadays that are not of the click-pawl variety offer a drag system that's fully sealed. With this setup, the drag material sits inside of a (supposedly) watertight housing which means it's isolated from outside elements and requires no maintenance. So

Rinsing Off a Fly Rod and Reel After Saltwater Fishing

Paul

Jun 7, 2021

Rinsing Off a Fly Rod and Reel After Saltwater Fishing

Fly fishing in saltwater offers heaps of challenge and excitement, but it can also take a toll on your gear. Proper freshwater rinsing of rods, reels, hooks, pliers, etc that came in contact with saltwater is really important to help avoid such issues as salt buildup, rust, and corrosion. Gear that isn't properly cared for will not only have lower resale value, but more importantly may not function as it should. I always try to rinse my gear as soon as possible after a saltwa

The NEW Ross Colorado 4/5 Fly Reel Review

Paul

Jan 3, 2021

The NEW Ross Colorado 4/5 Fly Reel Review

Intro/Specs/Craftsmanship Along with fiberglass rods, click-pawl reels have grown in popularity over the last several years. Out of the various offerings on the market, the Colorado LT undoubtedly was and still is a favorite among trout chasers everywhere. Those reels are lightweight, high-quality, and offer a ton of visual appeal. While the Colorado LT has enjoyed a highly-successful run, production of those reels has ceased, but the brand-new Colorado now takes over! Reel S

Paul

Dec 27, 2020

How to Spool a Fly Reel by Yourself

When purchasing a new fly reel in-store, most any reputable shop will offer to load it with backing and fly line using their spooling machine. This is a very convenient service for the sheer speed of it plus the peace-of-mind knowing that your reel should be rigged properly and with the optimal amount of backing. But, at some point there likely will come a time when you need or want to do it yourself. Luckily, it's really a piece of cake! Here's the step-by-step process of ho

Paul

Nov 15, 2020

The More the Merrier

When you go fly fishing, do you tend to just grab a single rod/reel and head out the door? I've usually preferred packing as light as possible, but bringing only one combo isn't always a solid choice. Granted, it often may not be practical or feasible to bring multiple setups, but if you can do so it can pay big dividends. Whether extras are kept with you the entire day or they're back in the truck just a short walk away, you'll often find having this extra tackle available m

Paul

Sep 20, 2020

New Casey Underwood Edition Abel Reels

Images and words by Abel Reels: Every now and then, we come across an artist whose work naturally fits Abel's palette of custom finishes. This time, we're proud to collaborate with outdoor artist Casey Underwood. Check out all the details below. - Six original Casey Underwood designs created to correspond with a specific model in the Abel lineup - Each reel is individually laser engraved, and put through a proprietary polishing/texturizing process featuring an innovative, fi

Paul

Jul 15, 2020

ICAST 2020: PENN Battle Fly Combo

From Penn/Pure Fishing: A range of high quality fly combos aimed at the neophyte saltwater fly angler. This rod, reel and line combo comes pre-spooled and fitted with a tapered saltwater leader and is supplied in a handy travel case. • High quality 4 section, medium fast action blank • Anodised aluminum reel seat with carbon spacer • Die cast aluminum construction fly reel • Fully adjustable disc drag • Pre-spooled with backing, high quality pre-looped flyline and tapered lea

DEMYSTIFLY

Demystifying the Gear and Art of Fly Fishing