Many anglers are careful, that the fly reel is only used to comfortably wind the line. This is a mistake. It is very important during the lobby, how the fly cord comes off the reel.
For some fly fishermen, the fly reel does not play a major role during the haul. It is only a rotating reel for winding and retrieving the line. You can definitely catch small trout without touching the reel handle. A jammed fish is pulled down by hand, and the rope itself is laid on the ground or flows with water. If the leader is strong enough and the rod is flexible, the little fish has no chance during the haul. It loses strength quickly and is easy to insert into the landing net.
Down with your hands!
If, however, a larger fish is taken for a fly rod, hands have nothing to look for with a rope. Even a one-kilo trout pulls the line from the reel. When someone at such a moment decides to use "traditional” picking a rope with your hand and placing it under your feet – on the second, the third time the fish is gone, he will have a beautiful hedgehog and will probably lose his attractive prey. The fly reel is also used to tow fish and it is not without reason that good quality reel models have excellent brakes. Many anglers apply the drag very easily, so, so that the reel does not rotate and, if necessary, they inhibit the escape of the fish by pressing the finger against the edge of the spool. Others only apply the brakes during the haul. It mainly depends on the reel model.
It is a mistake to assemble the fly rod in such a way, that the cord exits the reel at the back of the guide. The fly line that bends on the reel or the smooth surface of the guide then comes off the reel much worse. (increased friction) and in extreme situations it can even lead to overloading and breaking of the leader while hauling. The more string there is in the water, the greater the angle, under which the line led from the rear of the reel is placed on the guide. In addition, increased friction successively damages the cable. It is correct to lead the cord out to the front of the guide. As a result, there is direct contact between the fish and the spool and the reel brake. The guide then fulfills its task and protects the line pulled out during the throw. It was invented for this purpose.
Link protection
The Orvis CFO reel shown in the photos has a double-sided guide, adapted to the work of the reel on the right or left hand. English fly reels are produced with a single-sided guide only (set for right-hand anglers).
In the attached leaflet on the use of the reel, however, it is explained, that, if necessary, you can unscrew the fastening screw and turn the guide the other way.
When you put the reel on your left hand, the guide will be pointing forward again.
I am writing about it, as it may have eluded many fly-reel users.
