Anti-Reverse Fly Reels

[ChemFly]

Here's a question that should generate some feedback:

What are the pro's and con's of anti-reverse fly reels?

I'm planning my next move into BFT & billfish tackle and have been looking
into the advantages/disadvantages of anti-reverse designs. I've only used
direct-drive all of these years so this is a new area for me. I'm considering Billy Pate Reels being as I have had great experiences with my Tibors.

OK, let's hear it...
Thanks,
Jeff

[Ray]

I imagine the only disadvantage is the increase in parts or mechanism to achieve the anti-reverse capability. I'm not sure of the design specifics but there is probably a roller clutch or ratchet and pawl used. Both are well understood and frequently employed devices. Therefore I wouldn't be too concerned about durability or reliability.

I imagine for Billfish and bigger Tunas not having that reel handle spinning around looking for knuckels to bust is a good thing.

[tsheehy]

The only potential knock I've heard with the anti-reverse reels is that if a fish is pulling hard against your drag, cranking the reel handle might not pick up any line.

The worst case would be when your drag is at its max setting, a big fish has you straight up and down and you can't retrieve any line after you drop the rod tip and crank.

So as long as the reel is matched to the size of the fish you are catching, it shouldn't be a problem.

-- Tom

[Smcdermott]

The worst case would be when your drag is at its max setting, a big fish has you straight up and down and you can't retrieve any line after you drop the rod tip and crank.

So as long as the reel is matched to the size of the fish you are catching, it shouldn't be a problem.

-- Tom

I learned a new techique this summer while fighting a SBFT that really shortened the fight time. I now clamp the line with my rod hand either between my fingers or against the grip when the fish sounds. This helps regulate the pressure, prevent knuckle busters and shorten the overall fight in my opinion. I do wear a fighting glove on that hand to prevent burns or cuts from the line or backing. The biggest fish we got into where in the 30lb class and I certainly don't think a antireverse reel is neccessary for fish that size. I could see it being usefull for fish in the 100lb class. However, I like the direct connection to the fish and look forward to giving a fish that size a shot with direct drive before moving to anti-reverse. The First Light guys reccommend direct drive reel models in their tuna video, FWIW.

Sean

[moxie]

As a newbe to tuna on a fly, I found out this year how much my
equipment was lacking. the drag on my reel was o.k for stripers,
but my first hookup with tuna and I thought my reel was on fire.
I could not get to the rim in time, and the handle looked like
a airplane prop. needless to say, I lost that fish. I am looking for
a new reel. What brands of anti-reverse are out there, and do
any list drag torque. What range of drag torque am I looking for?
MOXIE

[GULFSTREAM]

Saw on the Abel site a sale on the regular ported Anti reverse reels. Note that the reels also have the ability to change spools with large arbors. Might be worth looking at.

[ChemFly]

Being a direct-drive fly reel user all of these years I have to admit that I'm "trained" to deal with palming the spool and avoiding the knuckle busting knob as best as possible. Bonefish and Bonito will get you wise to these issues toot-sweet.

Whenever I use conventional or spinning gear I keep in mind the "No No" of trying to reel against the drag while the fish runs. I was able to break that habit when I was a kid. I suspect that as long as I keep this practice in mind I'll be OK with a direct-drive fly reel. I'm leaning towards direct-drive for BIG fish-100+ pounders... (#$119)

[danny]

Saw on the Abel site a sale on the regular ported Anti reverse reels. Note that the reels also have the ability to change spools with large arbors. Might be worth looking at.

i'll admit that they've been really good to me, but this is not an advertisement. abel did come out with an anti-reverse reel last year. i believe it's part of the super series, kind of an option. i have not fished one, but i own 6 of the super series and they are great. i would have to assume that the anti reverse model is every bit as good as all their other stuff.