First, let's discuss what is fly fishing and what is bait casting.  By their names it is fairly obvious, but each can be done by using the different types of tackle specified for the different sports(as they are different forms of the same sport).  Fly fishing is intended to be done with flies as the bait and usually requires a more proactive approach to fishing.  Bait casting uses a variety of baits akin to what fish will eat(including worms, maggots, and even flies), and alternatively uses artificial bait and/or spinners.

There is a continuous debate between which is the superior sport.  Fly fisherman tout that their sport requires more skill, and is more of a science of observation by identifying what flies are in the area and what flies the fish are surfacing to eat.  Fly fisherman usually release their fish and promote conservation.  Bait casting fishing is more for those that prefer relaxing, however just as much effort can be put forth into the science of fishing and the continuous casting and retrieval of the bait.  Bait casters are more often than not going to keep their fish for food, but also promote conservation and a deep respect for fish limits, rules and regulations.

The other thing to note, what the difference in these sports come down to is tackle.  Fly fishing uses lighter rods, and open faced simple reels, where as bait casting uses heavier equipment, open or closed face spin casting reels, and they both sport a different drag system.   It is more difficult to catch a fish on fly tackle, which is where a lot of the argument comes from as which is the better sport.  With bait casting it is easier to catch the fish, but it is also easier to hurt, scar, or kill the fish as they have more time to take the bait, whereas fly fisherman must set the hook in the fishes mouth.

In the end, the debate can never be won by either side.  It's like comparing apples to oranges.  Both are great sports, and any fisherman should get tackle for either sport as often is the case, one type will out fish the other depending on the day.

First, please note you should change your fishing line at least once a year, more depending on your fishing habits.  You should also buy new line every year, as even unused line becomes brittle over time.

1. To unspool the line, either strip it off by hand, or tie the line to another fishing reel(spinner works best), and reel the line off.  The only problem is later you will have to strip it off the other reel.  However, in a stitch this is faster.
2. Tie the new line to the reel.  Using a proper knot works adequate, and make sure to get it as tight as possible.  Cut any extra line.
3. Use a reel filling station or a pencil through a spool to hold the line while you reel.  Slowly reel the line on, keeping it taut as you do it.
4. Fill the reel until it is 2/3rds to 3/4 full.
5. Snip line
6. Attach leader to fishing line with a blood knot.  The length of the leader depends on your type of fishing.
7. You're done

Irideus Fly Fishing Line Sink Tips 3 Sinking Fly fishing line attachments Trout    US $19.21

NEW Rio Windcutter Head 4 5 Spey fly fishing line 320 grains    US $29.95

vintage fishing flies lot J C Higgins fly line dressing    US $8.00

50 KILLER DRY FLIES TROUT FISHING FLY BN rod reel line    US $19.77

Airflo 40 Forty Plus Fly Fishing Line Di5 WF6    US $31.62

FLY FISHING REEL WIDE ARBOUR NEW Fitted AIRFLO LINE NEW    US $39.55

VINTAGE OLD FLY FISHING LINE CORTLAND LOT REEL 4 LURE BAIT TACKLE hackle tying    US $9.99

PRO LINE PROLINE FLY FISHING DELUXE INSULATED THINSULATE WADERS PANTS WADER PANT    US $19.99

Vintage Penguin 440 Fly Fishing Reel with Line Japan    US $5.99

Fly Fishing Accessories 5 WF Line Fleece Hatband Tippet Holder Knot Tool    US $4.24

Irideus ZEN SPEY Casting Switch Fly Fishing Rod Shooting Head Fly Fishing Line    US $19.84

Cortland 444 Professional Sinking Rocket Taper WF 8 S Brown Fly Fishing Line    US $5.50

VINTAGE OLD FISHING LURE FLY LINE AIR CELL UNIQUE BRAND BOX BAIT PLUG TACKLE lot    US $9.99

VINTAGE OLD FLY FISHING REEL SHAKESPEARE W LINE 4 LURE TACKLE BAIT FLIES POPPER    US $20.50

5 PCS FLY FISHING LEADER LINE 4X 9FT TROUT SALMON    US $.99

5 PCS FLY FISHING LEADER LINE 0X 9FT TROUT SALMON    US $.99

◇ Mini Fishing Fish Rod Pocket Pen Reel Pole ◇ Fly Stick Ice Nylon Line Set ◇    US $.02

FLY FISHING LINE ORANGE TROUT SALMON WF 5F 100 FT    US $7.99

VINTAGE OLD FISHING FLY REEL PFLUEGER SUPEREX LURE BAIT TACKLE PLUG FLIES LINE    US $9.99

FLY FISHING LINE FRUIT GREEN TROUT SALMON WF 8F 100 FT    US $7.99

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SLA stands for Super Large Arbor, and this is what distinguishes the Cabelas SLA from the competition: the arbor is huge. You will notice in the pictures all the air, the space, in the reel. This has to be one of the lightest reels in its class. However it is still strong with specifically engineered construction with emphasis on sound structure.

The advantages of the SLA is quick line retrieval and better drag performance.

This is not our everyday reel but overall we do enjoy this reel, and pull it out on larger rivers and faster moving currents, when dropping under water wet flys. The fast retrieval allows us to avoid snags, which this reel is perfectly suited for. It is a favorite at record trout lake Henry's Lake in Island Park Idaho.

This product is no longer available in the Cabela's catalog, but is often brought back each season, usually in a fly rod and reel package deal.

In the end, this is a love or hate reel. Either you love it with a passion or you hate it. Although we haven't experienced it many have reported their reel breaking. Get more reviews from others here.

The Cabelas SLA

The convention is located at the Shilo Inn on Utah Avenue in their convention center. If you aren't sure where to go just follow the signs or get off the Yellowstone/Hwy 22 exit>Turn right, and immediately exit. When you reach the corner of Utah(there's a Denny's right there), turn left, and just a few spins of the wheel you will see you off to the left.

This is the biggest fly fishing and tying expo in southeast Idaho and one of the biggest in the state. The top experts, outfitters, and fly reel and rod manufacturers will be here demoing their wares, and you can even participate in free fly casting lessons and fly tying demos. Go away with a lot of free info and knowledge.

Again we hope to see you there. Ask for us and we will love to impart our wisdom, whether about the business or just to shoot the breeze.

Abel is a leader in the fly reel industry. Started before the 1900's, their established innovation and quality products has been long sustained.

As the name suggests, the Super 10 is a heavy duty 10 weight fly rod, specifically for saltwater fly fishing. If you need a smaller reel the "Super" series is available in smaller sizes with the same quality.

The reel is made from an aircraft grade machined aluminum billet. In layman terms, it's durable and will last a long time. Another quick note, is an anodized finish specifically tailored to withstand the wearing effects of saltwater.

The reel has little moving parts, so less break, and it is cheap to fix. The only downside is as Abel has discontinued this model it is harder to get the parts needed if you are to loose these small parts or break them.

This reel can handle most medium sized saltwater fish, but it is best to upgrade if going for the largest monsters of them all.

This is one of the easiest reels on the market. It easily converts to left or right handed, has a smooth cork bearings assembly, has a large arbor, and one of the easiest spool changes on the market.

This reel comes with a nylon pouch.

What I love about the next video is the "motorcycle test" performed by Field And Stream. This showcases attaching the fly leader to the spool, and having a motorcycle gun it and pull out the line. This is especially real world to saltwater fishing, as monster size marlin have been caught. The video notes a slight wobble in the reel, but not bad. The author also notes a tinge of pain in his knuckle. However, this reel performed solid in this test compared to other similar reels.

It's no wonder that the Abel Super 10 is responsible for some World Record fish.

Motorcycle fly reel test.

Unfortunately, this reel has been discontinued but can still be found online at record deals.

Abel Super 10 Fly Reel Standard Arbor Black NIB    US $400.00

Abel Super 10 Fly Reel Large Arbor Atlantic Salmon NIB    US $715.00

Abel Super 10 Fly Reel Large Arbor Blue III NIB    US $625.00

Abel Super 10 Fly Reel NEW CLOSEOUT    US $499.95

Abel Large Arbor Super Series 10 Fly Reel New In Box    US $600.00

Abel Super 10 Fly Reel Large Arbor Black NIB    US $475.00

Abel Super Series Standard Arbor Reel Black 8 10 11wt    US $680.00

Abel Super Series Large Arbor Reel Black 9 9 10 wt    US $825.00

Abel Super Series Large Arbor Reel Black 11 10 11 wt    US $850.00

Abel Super 10 Fly Reel Double Pawl free shipping line    US $820.00

Abel Super 9 10N Fly Reel Large Arbor Blue III    US $925.00

Abel Super 9 10N Fly Reel Large Arbor Striped Bass    US $1,000.00

Abel Super Series QC 9 10 Fly Reel w $100 Fly Line New    US $875.00

Abel Super 9 10 Fly Reel in High Gloss Black    US $875.00

SALE Abel Super 10 Fly Reel in High Gloss Black SALE    US $575.00

Abel Super QC Quick Change 9 10 Fly Reel NEW w Warranty    US $895.00

Abel Super 10 AR Anti Reverse Fly Fishing Reel Super10    US $799.95

ABEL SUPER SERIES 9 10 N FLY FISHING REEL Chrome Steelhead FREE 2 DAY SHIP US    US $1,025.00

ABEL SUPER SERIES 9 10 N FLY FISHING REEL Dorado finish FREE 2 DAY SHIPPING US    US $1,025.00

ABEL SUPER 10 FLY REEL NEW IN THE BOX    US $615.00

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First off the 2010 reels come in four colors: copper, black, grey, and green. The lower price point of $245 is another aspect of the reel. It is also great to know the price has lowered, but the quality has increased.

The 2010 Evolution fly reel has no plastic parts. It's all aluminum and metal, and the piece is cast from an industrial aluminum billet. It's manufacturing is top notch.

It has a machined drag knob, and spool covers, and has less moving parts, which means less breaking, and more time fishing. Replacing the line is a snap, with the builds is twist and snap release and close for when you need to add or remove line.

The new drag system works great, and casting and pulling extra line is a breeze. Fighting a large trout is a fun experience, and the reel smoothly lets out line as well as pulls in line. I have yet to see a tangle on this reel.

Get a first look at the Ross Evolution 2009 -2010 fly reel.

Ross Evolution LT Fly Reel 2 4 6wt Green NEW 2010    US $275.00

To start grab your the bottom rod blank, and take the wood or cork on the reel seat and slide it over the rod from the skinny end until it drops to the base of the rod. If it doesn't make it flush, you need to modify the reel seat. To do this you need a rat tail file. This is the safest way to not break the reel.

Sand the inside of the reel seat. Be gentle and then try until it is flush. If it gets loose, you can use masking tape at the end to hold it in place. Make sure all pieces fit including top and bottom caps.

Next, when all is ready, apply epoxy glue at the top of the reel seat(make sure the top cap was removed. And fill the seat full of glue. Prop the reel seat and rod blank upright until dry, which you will need to check epoxy glue's curing time. Once it is cured properly, put in all the other parts, and then continue onto the next step of the rod making process.

Reel Seat Prep

GREEN WOOD TITANIUM REEL SEAT By Roger    US $17.00

Stablised Geen Dyed Burl Fly Rod Insert Reel Seat Rod building RA 5    US $9.49

Box Elder Fly Rod Insert Reel Seat Rod building A5    US $7.55

25 Hard Plastic Fishing Rod Handles Reel Seats Drill for Rod Size see pic NEW    US $39.95

MadWood Cocobolo pen reel seat blanks x 6 255 Excellent Private Reserve    US $15.99

MadWood Cocobolo pen reel seat blanks x 6 256    US $5.99

MadWood Cocobolo pen reel seat blanks x 6 257 Excellent    US $5.99

Turquoise Flake Acrylic Fly Reel Seat Rod Building    US $25.00

Double Cherry Acrylic Fly Reel Seat Rod Building    US $25.00

AM SAFE FOUR POINT SEAT BELT 2 INERTIAS REEL NOS    US $115.00

20 Allan Patented Aluminum Fly Fishing Rod Reel Seats NOS    US $9.99

FUJI Reel seat tpsd 16 G    US $4.99

FLO Wild Berry Machined Aluminum Fly Rod Reel Seat LG    US $19.99

24 FISHING ROD REEL SEATS SIZE 16 NEW OLD STOCK    US $10.50

AWESOME BAMBOO CASTING ROD WITH TRIGGER CLAMP REEL SEAT BY DUO LOC    US $10.83

FLO Mossy Green Light Wt Aluminum Fly Rod Reel Seat LG    US $19.99

STUART H D REEL SEAT MACHINED ALUMINUM FISHING ROD UNI SEAT BLACK NEW    US $9.99

Red elmtich fly reel seat 5 9 wtfor rod building    US $17.95

Padauk mapletich fly reel seat 5 9 wtfor rod building    US $17.95

Tich Infinity Windowcoralwood fly reel seat for rod building    US $29.95

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Choosing a reel depends on two things: your skill level, and the type of fish you are going after. The range of reels are based upon a system known as the "weight" system. It ranges from 1 to 8 and is an indication of size.

Size 1 would be for stream and creek fishing. It usually has about 30 feet of line on it, and is meant for fish from 4 - 5 inches up to 2 pounds, but not more than that.

Size 8 is a saltwater fly fishing reel. It is meant for large fish like tuna, barracuda, and marlin. The line is thicker, at hundreds of pound "test", and goes out 3 hundred yards or more.

The video below will help you in your purchasing decisions of buying your first fly reel.

In between these weights are different sizes and are based upon your fishing type. So decide what type of fish you are going after, how big the fish are, how far the fish can take the line out, etc. Knowing this will help you choose the proper size.

The last thing to consider is the double or single action. These actions are a reel part that determine the movement of the reel, and the tension available on the line. When you are first starting you want a single action as it is the easiest.

SHAKESPEARE SINGLE ACTION FLY REEL 1094 NEW    US $11.99

VINTAGE ADVANCESINGLE ACTION FLY REEL JAPAN    US $13.00

VINTAGE FISHING REEL FLY WALLET FLIES SHAKESSPEARE SINGLE ACTION FLY REEL    US $10.00

Bogdan No00 Single Action Salmon Fly Fishing Reel Left Hand Wind Circa 1994    US $2,950.00

Vintage Kmart 44 Single Action Fly Reel In Box Made in Japan Click Drag Nice    US $17.99

HORROCKS IBBOTSON HI 1857 SINGLE ACTION FLY REEL SPOOL LINE AND ORIGINAL BOX    US $14.95

Shakespeare Single Action Fly Reel 1094B    US $8.00

KALAMAZOO SINGLE ACTION FLY REEL WITH A BOX    US $16.99

Apache Single Action Fly Reel 7 8WT New    US $32.99

ROSS FLYSTART 4 TITANIUM SINGLE ACTION FLY REEL NEW IN BOX    US $44.99

ROSS FLYSTART 3 TITANIUM SINGLE ACTION FLY REEL NEW IN BOX    US $44.99

ROSS FLYSTART 1 TITANIUM SINGLE ACTION FLY REEL NEW IN BOX    US $44.99

Vintage Martin 60 single action fly reel 7 ft Berkley fly rod    US $60.00

Vintage Martin 61 single action fly reel 7 ft South Bend rod    US $60.00

OCEAN CITY MODEL 36 SINGLE ACTION FLY REEL    US $9.99

Ocean City 35 Single Action Fly Fishing Reel 2 5 8 Spool Made In Philadelphia    US $29.00

Ocean City 36 Single Action Fly Fishing Reel 3 Spool Made In Philadelphia    US $29.00

Vintage Shakespeare Purist Single Action Fly Fishing Reel Model 7594    US $39.00

Shakespeare 1094B Single Action Fly Fishing Reel Black    US $14.95

MARTIN CRADDIS CREEK CC65 SINGLE ACTION FLY REEL REELS    US $15.95

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How To Clean Your Fly Reel.  For the beginner fisherman learning maintenance, and care is the first step.  Learn the steps to clean your fly reel properly.

The reasons to keep a sparkling fly reel is not only to make your gear always looking good.  Doing maintenance will make your gear last longer, prevent rust, remove the "fishy smell", and provide opportunities to do other things such as replace line and spool.

What you need to clean your reel from your fly pole is warm water, dishwasher soap, a compressed air can, wd-40(optional), and a little time.  Expect the process to take 45 minutes to 2 hours, depending on your patience and how long you want to soak the parts.  You may also need a screw driver or other provided manufacturer tool.

First, remove the line and spool from your reel.  If the line is good the best way is to wind the line on an extra reel.  If no extra reel, or the line is bad, toss it, and replace with new once reel is cleaned.

Next, disassemble the reel.  This is a matter of usually taken one or two screws either on the outside of the casing or in the center.  This varies depending on brand.  It should come apart in two to three pieces.

Get your lukewarm water and add a touch of dishwasher soap such as palmolive.  Soak the reel in the water for whatever you feel necessary.  Usually 30 minutes to an hour is more than enough.  If you want you can use a q-tip to real cut out grime and excess oil.

Once this is done, dry and spray with the compressed air.  Reassemble.

When this is complete make sure to tighten the tensioner to the appropriate torque.  Don't under or overdo it.  This takes practice, but respooling the line and then tugging on the line should give you a good idea of the proper tension.

Finally, use the wd-40 to oil any loose parts, and re line.

Below is a detailed video to help in your fly reel cleaning journey.

Thanks to Rick Passek, author and the "Fly Fisher Fanatic".  Get his book "Freshman Fly Fisherman"

Okuma Sierra S 7 8 Fly Reel New Retail $50    US $18.99

VTG SOUTHBEND 3140 8 1 2 2 PC ROD WITH HORROCKS IBBOSTON 1106 FLY REEL MOHAWK    US $5.50

0YL109 ALUMINIUM FISHING FLY REEL TROUT 1BB    US $34.00

Horrocks Mohawk NO 1106 vintage fly reel by IBBOTSON Co Utica NY FREE SHIP    US $9.99

ABEL FLY FISHING REEL BRIEF CASE CARRIER HOLD 10 REELS    US $95.00

L L BEAN GUIDE SERIES 500 MULTIPLYER FLY REEL MADE IN ENGLAND EXCELLENT W LINE    US $102.50

Vintage Shakespeare 1821 OK Automatic Fly Fishing Reel Model EB USA    US $6.95

Mint Redington CD 9 10 Fly Fishing Reel Black    US $59.95

Lamson Radius 20 Fly Reel with Line    US $83.00

New Black Fishing Fly Reel BF600B 2 3 63MM Nylon Body    US $7.99

Stablised Geen Dyed Burl Fly Rod Insert Reel Seat Rod building RA 5    US $9.49

Box Elder Fly Rod Insert Reel Seat Rod building A5    US $7.55

New Gold Alloy Casting Fly Fishing Reel BF600A 65MM    US $7.99

Fly Fishing Reel    US $19.99

MARTIN 56 MOUNTAIN BROOK FLY REEL VERY GOOD CONDITION NR    US $15.00

MEDALIST PLUEGER 1494 CJ FLY REEL MODEL CJ NO RESERVE    US $12.00

Vintage Shakespeare 1822 Auto Fly Reel w Orig Box Instructions    US $19.99

Bauer Mackenzie LM5 Fly Reel Spool New In Box    US $110.00

Bauer Mackenzie LM1SL Fly Reel Spool New In Box    US $95.00

Vintage Pflueger medalist fly fishing reel in box made in USA    US $10.00

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