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

BF600B 3 4 Line Freshwater Fly Fishing Reel Brand New Plastic Light Weight Gift    US $3.25

A 1930 WINCHESTER ROD REEL FISHING FLY HOOK RIVER LAKE ROTO RING NEW HAVEN LINE    US $44.95

50 GRUBS N BUGS BRAND NEW HAND TYED TROUT FISHING FLIES FLY rod reel line BN X    US $15.81

Airflo 40 Forty Plus Fly Fishing Line Di3 WF8    US $39.50

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

FLY FISHING REEL WIDE ARBOUR NEW Fitted AIRFLO LINE NEW    US $31.60

Scientific Anglers Mastery Series Headstart Fly Fishing Line WF 7 F Brand New    US $7.99

Irideus New 2012 8 wt Fly Fishing Line Running line Steelhead Pro Shooting Head    US $38.99

Flextec Fly Fishing Kit 10 7 Rod Reel Line Sunglasses flies    US $158.05

Cortland 86 Silver Stream MINT Fly Fishing Rod Martin 61 Reel Combo 5 6 Line    US $42.00

Cross Creek Flyfishing Reel CC5 6C with Fly Line    US $35.00

Fly Logic 8 9 10 Weight Center Line Disc Drag Big Game Fishing Reel New USA Made    US $89.99

Fly Logic Center Line Disc Drag Flyreel 5 6 7 Weight Fishing Reel Made in USA    US $84.99

Irideus 2012 9 wt Fly Fishing Line System Running line Shooting Head Sink Tips    US $33.33

LL Bean flyfishing reel New Streamlight 5 6 with WF5F line    US $20.50

Vintage Eagle Claw Line Fishing Patch UNUSED NOS SPINNING CASTING FLY Lure Boat    US $5.99

Irideus ZEN SPEY 456 Grain Steelhead Shooting Head Fly Fishing Line System    US $48.84

Vintage Kingfisher pure silk fly fishing line No0 75 yards coils new in box    US $99.99

Vintage Kingfisher pure silk fly fishing line No1 125 yards coils new in box    US $149.99

A 1919 FLY ROD WIGGLER HOOK ROD REEL JAMISON WILLEY LINE FISHING SPORTSMAN LAKE    US $21.95

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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 NEW IN THE BOX    US $615.00

SALE Abel Super 10 Fly Reel Dark Olive Large Arbor Ported Frame SALE    US $575.00

ABEL SUPER SERIES 9 10 N FLY FISHING REEL Dorado finish FREE $100 FLY LINE    US $1,025.00

ABEL SUPER SERIES 9 10 N FLY FISHING REEL Chrome Steelhead FREE $100 FLY LINE    US $1,025.00

Abel Super 10 Fly Reel Large Arbor Black NIB    US $500.00

Abel Super 10 Fly Reel NEW CLOSEOUT    US $499.95

Abel Super 10 Fly Reel Large Arbor Blue III NIB    US $500.00

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 9 10N Fly Reel 2012 Atlantic Salmon Matching Handle With $100 Line    US $1,025.00

Abel Super 9 10N Fly Reel Olive Finish With $100 Fly Line of your Choice    US $925.00

Abel Super 9 10N Fly Reel Dark Olive With $100 Fly Line of your Choice    US $925.00

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

SALE Abel Super 10 Fly Reel High Gloss Black FREE SHIPPING 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

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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.

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

TRL 17 40Lb 70 Travel Inshore Casting Rod W CorkEVA or EVA w palm reel Seat    US $79.95

OrangegrafiteWood spinning reel seatcork handle size 16 for rod building    US $17.85

Forcast I fly reel seat 4 10 wtfull wells cork grip for rod building    US $34.95

leopardwoodtich fly reel seat 2 6 wthalf wells cork handle for rod building    US $26.95

Spalt maple dyed greentich fly reel seat 2 6 wthalf wells cork grip rodbuild    US $24.95

Olive ashgrafite spinning reel seat cork handle size 16 for rod building    US $20.85

Zebrawoodtich fly reel seat 2 6 wtcork handle for rod building    US $26.65

Double Wells Fly Rod Cork Grip with Lamiglas high quality reel seat    US $10.50

New Item German Silver Plated Brass Skelton Reel Seat    US $9.99

Anodized Black Finish Aluminum Reel Seat Lge Size    US $14.95

Exquisite Reel Seat24K Gold Plating Nickel Silver    US $29.99

Made By American A Deluxe ALUMINUM Reel Seat AL10T    US $12.99

Made By American A Deluxe ALUMINUM Reel Seat AL7 T    US $8.99

Silver Chrome Plated Aluminum Skelton Reel Seat    US $4.99

Reel SeatBlack Aluminum W CoralWood Insert Seat 09    US $19.99

NEW PRICE SLASHED Slide Band Downock Reel Seats    US $19.99

Mesquite burltich fly reel seat 2 6 wthalf wells cork grip for rod building    US $26.25

Maple burldktich hardware fly reel seat 2 6 wthalf wells cork rod building    US $26.65

Forcast Y fly reel seat 4 7 wtfull wells cork handle for rod building    US $27.65

Hawiian toonnickel sil fly reel seat 2 6 wt with matching handlerod building    US $35.85

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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 $19.99

VALENTINE SINGLE ACTION FLY REEL FOLD OUT ADVERTISEMENT FLYER    US $5.99

Martin Caddis Creek Fly Reel Single Action 5 6 wgt CC61    US $11.99

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

Ex in Box Vintage Hi Fly Single Action Fishing Reel 1858 H 1 Co Utica NY    US $39.95

KALAMAZOO SINGLE ACTION FLY REEL WITH A BOX    US $16.99

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

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

UNMARKED OCEAN CITY SINGLE ACTION FLY REEL    US $9.99

OCEAN CITY MODEL 305 SINGLE ACTION FLY REEL    US $9.99

WEBER KRAFT SINGLE ACTION FLY REEL    US $11.99

HORTON BRISTOL MODEL 65 SINGLE ACTION FLY REEL MADE IN USA    US $15.99

LANGLEY CURRENT MODEL 166 FA SINGLE ACTION FLY REEL    US $10.99

OLYMPIC NO 470 FLY REEL SINGLE ACTION REMOVABLE SPOOL    US $38.00

Shakespeare Au Sable Single Action Fly Fishing Reel    US $49.99

Shakespeare Model 1094 Single Action Fly Fishing Reel    US $39.99

Eagle Claw Blue Pacific Single Action Fly Reel    US $22.50

VINTMARTIN SINGLE ACTION FLY REEL MODEL 67A W ORIGINAL BOX INSTRUCTION EX    US $21.95

Mitchell 758 Single Action Fly Reel Fishing Reel Made in France    US $49.99

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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"

2012 Waterworks Lamson Guru 2 Fly reel $20 credit toward new fly line    US $199.00

BF600B 3 4 Line Freshwater Fly Fishing Reel Brand New Plastic Light Weight Gift    US $3.25

Redington Crosswater 7 8 9 fly reel    US $15.00

Forcast I fly reel seat 4 10 wtfull wells cork grip for rod building    US $34.95

A 1929 HUNTING FISHING SOUTH BEND DART ORENO FLY ROD REEL HOOK LURE BOSTON CAST    US $21.95

A 1930 WINCHESTER ROD REEL FISHING FLY HOOK RIVER LAKE ROTO RING NEW HAVEN LINE    US $44.95

Vintage Fly ReelScientific Anglers Aircell Supreme 2    US $19.99

LAMSON WATERWORKS VELOCITY VELOCITY V2 FLY REEL SPOOL BAMBOO ROD STEELHEAD FISH    US $59.99

LAMSON WATERWORKS RADIUS 3 FLY REEL SPOOL BAMBOO ROD STEELHEAD FISH ORVIS USA    US $149.99

LAMSON WATERWORKS VELOCITY VELOCITY V15 FLY REEL SPOOL BAMBOO ROD TROUT FISH US    US $59.99

BLK PAINT ALUMINUM 2 3 21BB FLY FISHING REEL 70MM    US $.99

VINTAGE MARTIN 37 AUTOMATIC FLY REEL EX LK    US $20.01

New Gold Metal Casting Fly Fishing Reel 10 11 100MM    US $9.99

50 GRUBS N BUGS BRAND NEW HAND TYED TROUT FISHING FLIES FLY rod reel line BN X    US $15.81

ANTIQUE HARDY BROS PERFECT 2 7 8 FLY ROD REEL WITH ORIGINAL BOX    US $355.00

A 1929 MARTIN FISHING REEL POLE FLY CLOSED FACE MOHAWK AD    US $21.95

Mint SHAKESPEARE GLIDER Fly Reel WF7S Box    US $20.53

ABEL 45N SUPER 12 FLY FISHING REEL STANDARD ARBOR Custom Finish 12 15 weight    US $550.00

103M Machined Aluminum MedArbor Fly Reel 375 Diam    US $59.95

Flextec Classic Multispool Cassette Fly Reel aftm 7 9    US $47.41

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