Outside of being able to discuss quality fairly confidently, I have to point you directly to manufacturers, articles, fly fishing websites and those who I consider fly fishing experts when it comes to these next items regarding fly reels. I've listed below some important things to consider when purchasing a fly reel and links to "required reading" for each one.
Arbor
Match the size of the reel arbor to the fish you want to go after
- Check out Fly Fishing Discounters for good information on arbor size.
- Should you go for a large arbor reel? Read this to find out.
- Not the typical place for fly fishing information, Shopping.com has a good article concerning arbor size as well as reel suggestions.
- Orvis has a top-rated mid-arbor reel (machined bar stock, so it has not only has a quality name behind it but also material) for sale right now that I highly suggest
Drag Systems
Any bass fisherman will tell you a good drag system is a must. The same is true for fly fishing.
- A go-to site for fly fishing, Midcurrent has a very detailed explanation of fly reel drag (brake) systems
- This blurb, found in the middle of a buying guide, discusses the two different drag systems found in fly reels. Fly Fishing Discounters also has the same information.
Line Capacity
Each reel has a maximum amount of line that it can hold wile still functioning properly, just be sure to have enough to withstand a run from the fish you are going after.
- Check out the North American Fly Fishing Forum for not only this topic concerning line capacity, but also all things fly fishing.
- For you saltwater enthusiasts, the information found at Cancun Tarpon Fishing will help point you in a good direction for the reel characteristics you need to be looking at. They also go into depth about line capacity, which everyone should take note of.
If all of this hasn't been information overload (at least I didn't throw line retrieval at you) and you still want to go down the fly fishing path, be on the lookout for the third, and final, part of this series. Hint: It'll hopefully lure you in and get you hooked.
-C.B.