Thread: auto fly reels / garbage

Originally Posted by deathb4disco

This is an interesting thread. With auto reels, it seems you either love 'em or hate 'em. For the record, I have never used one, mainly because I've heard bad reports on the newer models.

For you guys who do use them, what kind of drag do they have? How do they handle big fish? (I guess they handle them pretty good if Pete could land a ladyfish with one. )

DB4D - They were rather small ladyfish! :o
As far as drags go, I guess you could call the recoil spring that winds the "auto" part of the reel a "drag", depending on how tightly you would it, but it wasn't intended to do that job. A buddy had a Vivarelli (Sp?) that someone mentioned had an adjustable drag, but you needed a wrench (Allen?) to adjust it. It was a cute reel, but IMHO not worth 300 clams!
Pete

Does any one have an opinion on the Shakespeares? I have one that I was thinking of cleaning up. If it is garbage, I will not waste my time. This is for gill popper fishing with fenwick rod.

Thanks

Southbend-Been using them for years...:D:D

If you dont' think anyone use's them you're wrong. Go over to fiberglassflyrodders and lot's of folks still use them for panfishing up to bass. I have one at home but not sure what brand it is.

Fatman

I have two Martins 8A that I use for bream. They are at least 40 years old. I never had any problems with them. One exception the cover and spring attachment some how came unlocked and the cover and spring fell in the water. I sent the rest of the reel to Martin with an explaination and guess what. No questions asked. They sent me a brand new 8A in the box. And they also thanked me for using their products.

I don't say they are the best, nor do I knock any other brand. I have never owned any other auto flyreel but Martin 8A. I don't saltwater flyfish at all. I am strickly a bream and bass fly fishermen. I can't atest for crank and drag on other reels. I use the line to fight the fish. This is only thing I can say.

I have always used Perrine reels because everyone around here used to use them and they repaired them free. From what I have been reading Martin sounds like a good reel am now looking on ebay for an older Martin.

Auseable, Ebay often has 8A models. As for as todays newer Martin auto reels are concern, the 8A topps them by far. I got a newer model for a friend of mine.NO COMPARISON. I got 40 years of at least 90 good days a year.

Definately an inertesting thread. I had never even heard of an automatic fly reel until now but then again I would have never looked for one.

I can only imagine what a "purist" fly fisher I know would say. He scolded me for using a reel that technicaly had a drag as much as it was. I think he would throw me in for using an automatic one. He would also say using anything but plain old cane poles is flat out cheating.

I don't see the issue with them, I doubt I will ever use one but hey, if I am still fly fishing at 85+ and need one then I am gonna buy one before I quit doing it.