Fly Reels

Types of Vintage and Classic Fly Reels

Click and Pawl

This is the original fly reel mechanism, but still very popular today. A "pawl", usually a triangular-shaped piece of metal, clicks into a toothed wheel mounted on the back of the spool. The resulting friction slows down the run of a fish (to some extent) but is mostly there to prevent over-spooling. The angler applies additional control on the line itself. Most of these reels employ some sort of adjustable spring to put tension on the pawl as it clicks through the teeth.

While these reels do not have a "drag" per se, they do help prevent over-spooling when playing a large fish.

Advantages? Click-and-pawl reels have a simple mechanism and are lighter in weight than disc drag reels. They are also great fun to use.

Disadvantages? They can be challenging for new anglers to master, and are better suited to smaller fish.

The best aspect of a click-and-pawl reel? That signature "screaming" of the reel when a big fish takes off with your fly! There is just nothing else like it!

Disc Drag

Click and Pawl

Similar to a disc brake on a car, this system forces two discs together, creating friction and slowing the outgoing line when a fish runs with your fly.

Disc drags are adjustable and very precise, allowing the angler to set the drag correctly based on the fish being pursued.

Advantages? Disc drag reels offer more line control and are adjustable and smooth. They are better for large fish that would otherwise make long runs on a click-and-pawl reel.

Disadvantages? Thery are more expensive and usually heavier than click-and-pawl reels, and the mechanism needs to be fully sealed for salt water fishing and dirty environments. Also, they can be overkill when pursuing small fish, leaving the angler feeling a lack of control.

Colorado Vintage Fly FishingExperience Fly Fishing at Its Best!

Fly Reels

Vintage and Classic Fly Reels

Types of Vintage and Classic Fly Reels

Click and Pawl

Click and Pawl

Click and Pawl

Disc Drag

Click and Pawl

Click and Pawl

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Colorado Vintage Fly Fishing

Experience Fly Fishing at Its Best!