transition to fly type reels

[icefishnrancher]

purchased 2 reels (w/drag) not realizing how these work. When giving fish line, the handle spins in reverse. I have always used reels with drag & keep my hand on the crank all the time. Tips for making the transition? I guess I like the reels otherwise.  Practice practice practice...

[willisdotcom]

which did you get?  i have 2 of the original black betty and a 6061 black betty, and i prefer the 6061.  i would have never paid 100 bux for the 6061, i got last year for 50 bux so wasn't bad.   i plan to try this http://www.gandermountain.com/modperl/product/details.cgi?pdesc=No-8-Tackle-Co-CGi-Cold-Gear-Inline-Ice-Reel-CGI-RH&i=788999 out this year for a second reel to be like the 6061, but less costly.

[slipperybob]

First of all, you might want to try on a noodle type rod.  They are very forgiving.  Since I use fly reels, I got to feel the rim of the spool.  This in turn allowed me to develop that feel of fish on.  Its the same principal when using baitcasting reels.

[Shoe]

Yes, it is a transition.  I did it as a kid when spinning reels had poor drags - I was told it was better to turn off the antireverse and "back crank" to the fish rather than use the drag.  You have to gain a sense for when to give line by releasing the handle, and when to crank.  It might be good to tie the end of your line to stationary object like the car bumper and just test the drag, line strength, and rod by backing up and moving forward like fighting a fish.

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[icefishnrancher]

these i have are the 241 frabill, which, after purchased i found mixed reviews, they do have a drag, but you have to let the handle spin backwards when you need to let a fish run, just have to turn loose of the crank while doing so. Hope to get some practice w/them here soon!

[Warren_G]

If you are using the drag, you should not have to let the reel spin backwards. That is not an actual fly reel since it is geared and has a drag. If you need to let the fish run, then decrease your drag so it can take line without spinning the handle. You can treat that one just like a spinning reel, except that it won't introduce twist to the line when you let it out or reel it in. They are a good reel!

[Chris338378]

I tried a fly reel and wasn't too happy with it in deep water because it took too long to get my jig back down the fish in deep water because you have to pull the line out by hand.  This year I'm going to buy the Eagle Claw ECILIR inline reel because it has the features I like of the spinning reels (you push a button and the line feeds itself out) and is inline like the fly reels.  The nice thing with this reel is it has a drag and you can adjust the spool tension to reduce excess line from feeding out and knotting up your line. 

[icefishnrancher]

If you are using the drag, you should not have to let the reel spin backwards.

i thot the same thing but seems thats how these are designed, or i'm not smart enuf to figure it out.  Do you have the same reel?

[Angler15]

I tried a fly reel and wasn't too happy with it in deep water because it took too long to get my jig back down the fish in deep water because you have to pull the line out by hand.  This year I'm going to buy the Eagle Claw ECILIR inline reel because it has the features I like of the spinning reels (you push a button and the line feeds itself out) and is inline like the fly reels.  The nice thing with this reel is it has a drag and you can adjust the spool tension to reduce excess line from feeding out and knotting up your line. 

I have a frabil 101 fly reel and the eagle claw inline reel. Both bought and used last year. I only use them for my really sensitive and tiny jig panfish rods. I really don't see a need for them on anything bigger like spoons. I like the frabill fly reel for shallower water because you have to pull the line out by hand. The eagle claw is my favorite and for the price I don't know if you can beat it. I'ts extremely smooth and well built in my opinion. It drops your jig super fast. I don't think you'll be disappointed with it.