2013 8-Weight Challenge: Fly Reel Review
- This topic has 28 replies, 9 voices, and was last updated Mar 14, 2013 at 2:39 am by
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Back to the test. I do think the amount of line on the reel is important. It needs to be the same for each reel tested, ideally in mass and diameter as these will both effect the speed at which the line is travelling (larger arbor faster) and the start-up inertia (mass). Both of combined effect the drag. Like Buzz said, 10lbs plus of drag is really academic when you consider all the other factors, including the drag of the line through the water!
I would suggest it is very rare for a reel in real world conditions to start working straight from the backing. Usually there is 30% or so of the line still on the reel when the fish starts to run. The tests appeared to be based purely on backing.Zach…it’s along story…but UofA Fayetteville is my alma mater!
As they used to say I got lost on my way from Cornell to Rice, and couldn’t find my way out of the Ozarks.
;DOn the reel thing, no science, just observation from fishing where there is a lot of casting of fairly heavy outfits (9-10 on up to 11-13) at decent distances either blindly or to breaking/schooling fish that can take out a lot of backing (albacore, dolphin, etc). So, big rods, big lines, big reels. I’m not a big guy.
Two points. First, a stiffer rod is more tiring to cast. I think it’s because the rod is bending less, and (forgive/correct any physics mistakes) the mass of the line is further away from your hand, putting more strain on your arm/wrist/thumb than with a more moderate action rod.
Second, on the reel weight, I agree with Zack. I’ve tortured the drags on some very light weight bonefish-size reels on albacore, and those few ounces less weight also make the rod feel heavier, or at least put more strain on the arm/wrist/thumb during long casting sessions.
Again, I’m talking about the larger outfits only. I don’t notice this with lighter outfits, and to a lesser degree with more moderate action rods. In fact, switching from a big stick to, say, an eight weight makes the latter feel like a four weight. It’s all relative . . .
Buzz
I think Buzz has a point in regard to weights.
I was thinking along the line of a video cameras and the counterbalance system (I only have limited experience) used to keep them steady when on the move. The heavier weights are actually less fatiguing than the lighter ones, which seems almost perverse logic.
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