A fly reel is more than just a device to store line. Once a large fish is hooked it is the rod that fights the fish but it is the reel and its drags that keeps you from loosing it.

A high quality fly reel is truly a pleasure and can outlast several rods. Lower quality reels will work under good conditions but may have poor finish leading to rust, weak components leading to failure, or poor drag leading to lost fish. The author likes to use quality reels with extra spools such that floating and sinking lines can easily meet fishing catching conditions. The author buys extra spools when he buys the reel to ensure they can be purchased.

The retrieve system of a fly reel is not of vital importance. Most will use the single action as it is the simplest and most durable. There are occasions where a multiplying reel is advantageous. The drag system is very important especially with larger fish. The drag lets fish strip off line. A good drag allows the fish to tire itself by fighting against the drag. It also reduces shock on the leader and tippet making for less lost fish. A high quality reel remains smooth longer minimizing the shock of the fish's erractic, zig-zag run for cover.

There are two main types of drag: Spring and Pawl and Disc. Spring and Pawl work by increasing or decreasing tension against a spring which applies pressure with a triangular shaped pawl against the reel’s spool. Spring and Pawl are usually the least expensive and work well for small fish but have shortcomings against larger fish. Disc drags apply pressure flatly against the disk. There are usually more hardy and are preferred with larger fish. The disc drag reel is designed to exert a smooth but hard pressure on the fly line without seizing up and is ideal when large fish strip out hundreds of feet of line.