"How to Choose the Right Fly Reel for Stillwater Fishing"

The thestillwateredge’s Podcast

Show Notes:

Episode 15: Finding the Perfect Fly Reel for Stillwater Fishing

Welcome back to The Stillwater Edge! Today, we’re diving into an essential but often overlooked piece of gear—the fly reel.

A good reel does way more than just store your line. It plays a crucial role in fighting fish, managing line, and keeping your setup balanced. Choosing the wrong reel can lead to lost fish, frustrating tangles, and fatigue over long fishing days.

In this episode, I’ll cover:
✔ Why choosing the right fly reel matters
✔ How to size your reel correctly
✔ The difference between drag systems and which one you should use
✔ Key reel features like porting, weight, line pickup, and spools
✔ How to pick a reel that fits your budget and fishing style

By the end, you’ll have everything you need to choose the perfect fly reel for Stillwater fishing.

Key Takeaways: Why Does the Right Fly Reel Matter?

✔ Controls fish during the fight – A smooth drag system prevents break-offs and helps you land more fish.
✔ Manages your line – Prevents tangles, helps with quick retrieves, and keeps your line ready to fish.
✔ Balances your setup – A reel that’s too heavy or too light will throw off your rod’s performance and tire you out faster.

How to Choose the Right Fly Reel 1. Reel Size: Match It to Your Rod and Target Species

✔ For trout: A 4-6 weight reel is ideal for finesse fishing and provides enough drag control.
✔ For bigger species (pike, muskie, carp): Use an 8-10 weight reel with a large arbor and more backing capacity to handle long runs.

2. Drag Systems: Click & Pawl vs. Disc Drag

✔ Click & Pawl – Classic, lightweight, and simple, but lacks stopping power.
✔ Disc Drag (Recommended for Stillwater Fishing) – Smoother, adjustable resistance that helps slow down fast fish and prevents break-offs. Look for a sealed drag system to keep out water, sand, and debris.

3. Porting, Finish & Reel Weight

✔ Porting (Cutouts in the Reel Frame) – Reduces weight without sacrificing strength.
✔ Anodized Finish – Provides corrosion resistance and durability.
✔ Lighter Reels – Reduce fatigue over long fishing days and make casting easier.

4. Line Pickup & Large Arbor Reels

✔ Large Arbor Design – Picks up line faster, prevents coiling, and helps keep pressure on the fish.
✔ Quick Retrieval – Essential for stripping techniques and keeping up with fast-moving fish.

5. Spare Spools & Interchangeable Lines

✔ Extra Spools Save Time – Quickly switch between floating and sinking lines without re-rigging.
✔ Great for Beginners – A single reel with multiple spools can save hundreds of dollars on extra reels.

6. Warranty & Aesthetics

✔ Invest in a Reel with a Good Warranty – Higher-end reels often come with lifetime warranties.
✔ Looks Matter (Let’s Be Honest!) – A good-looking reel isn’t just about style—it’s about loving your gear and feeling confident on the water.

Call to Action (CTA):

The right fly reel can make or break your day on the water. Choose wisely, and you’ll land more fish, fight less tangles, and fish comfortably all day long.

Try out these tips and let me know what reel works best for you!

• What’s your go-to Stillwater fly reel? DM me on Instagram (@stillwateredge) and share your setup.
• Subscribe to The Stillwater Edge for weekly expert Stillwater fishing insights.
• Share this episode with a fishing buddy who’s looking for a reel upgrade!

Episode Outro:

That’s it for today’s episode! Choosing the right fly reel isn’t just about price—it’s about performance, balance, and getting the most out of your time on the water.

By understanding drag systems, reel size, porting, and arbor design, you’ll be able to choose a reel that matches your fishing style and helps you land more fish.

If you enjoyed today’s episode, subscribe, leave a review, and follow me on Instagram (@stillwateredge). I’d love to hear about your favorite reels and what’s working for you!

Until next time, tight lines and happy fishing!