Big Buck Fly reels

Looking through the new Cabela's fly fishing catalog today got to the fly reel section, and after looking at them and there prices,came to the conclusion that these things are getting way out of hand.I am sure that these reels are works of art but are they really necessary, I personally think they send a message to people that are thinking about getting into the sport a message that this is a very expensive sport.When in reality it is not,but if you don't know any one that can help they may think so.I spent over 25years fishing with a 1494 Pflueger Medalist with a couple of spare spools.Used it for every thing fished out west for trout in Wisconsin and the UP for every thing from Steelhead and salmon to bluegills.I would still be using it but it was stolen,never fished salt water with a fly so maybe I could see a reason to use them there they are suposed to have great drags and that would help with the way they fight.But for fresh water? give me a reason to spend 200 to 500$ for a fly reel?

Ham most ever one thinks that lighter is better,but this is my opinion, I like a little heavier reel on a fly rod just for balance.Evey one is different but on a shorter rod a light reel balances well but longer rods need a heavier reel.I have always liked the balance point right behind my middle finger.I do know that there is a big difference between actual weight and felt weight on any rod even spinning rods. Years ago we put lead shot in are medalist's to make the setup feel lighter.Back then we were using glass rods so we even needed more weight.I do understand the better drag for long running salt water fish but for fighting fresh water fish I have never had a problem using a clicker and palming the reel I do Know if those high end reels were not knuckle busters I may feel that they were worth the money.It's funny because I have know problem spending 500 for a rod but until the day I start fishing for Bonefish or permit I will stick with my cheaper ross reels.

As already stated, a higher end fly reel is needed for big fish applications because of their better drag systems. I think a bigger factor of higher vs lower end fly reels is simply the actual weight of the reel. A higher end reel almost always weighs less than a lower end reel. This is a major factor when balancing out the rod. Most of the better graphite rods weigh only 2-4 ounces. You wouldn't want a heavy reel on a nice rod, so by default you're almost forced into a higher end reel.

Yes after my last post I thought the same thing, a lot smaller market.Probably why the large reel manufacturers like Shimano and Daiwa have not produced reels like this.As far as myself starting to make fly reels,I slapped myself on that one,retirement is way to good to start that again even though I do sometimes miss the excitement, of pushing that start button after programming.

Ross Reels was born out of a Machine Shop in Montrose CO, now owned by 3M.. Ross Hauck is now probably satisfactorily retired and smiling ear to ear. It is also a product of volume. They don't sell anywhere near the volume of high end spinning and bait casting reels so the volume and the market is much smaller effecting the price and competitiveness..

Dave,yes I am a retired Machinist and actually ran CNC machines the last 15 years of my career, so yes I can appreciate a fine piece of equipment but in reality cast parts can be as good and some times better, cast is much more stable material (resists warping from heat)that's why they use it for machine frames.I have several baitcasters and spinning reels that would be considered high end.I can understand why they cost so much with gear trains level winds and anti backlash systems that they have.I here you about lite leader trout fishing all I have ever done was use the clicker never had a problem.But in the end if some one wants to spend 500bucks on a reel with out a gear train level wind it is totally up to them.Because I was a machinist basically is why I think they are over priced.Maybe I should come out of retirement by a multi spindle CNC and have at it.I think I am just jealous that I did not think of it first.

I spend that much on my reels, usually, for a couple reasons. First off, most of the high dollar reels are designed for the needs of saltwater fishing, and saltwater environments. Fishing in the salt and for species in salt a good, or exception, drag system in critical. Bonefish, Tarpon, Permit, etc. have explosive runs and are pretty much guaranteed to run you into your backing several times. A high functioning drag is is imperative to success in the salt. In most Trout and warmwater fishing applications that is not as important unless you are fishing for trophy trout on light leaders, and tippits.. something I do quite a bit as well (like the dream stream here in Colorado). I have landed 12+lb trout using 5x tippit and size 22 or smaller flies. The small flies and tippits are required to fool these monsters with PHd's. Highly pressured and educated trout. I agree that in most trout and Bass applications the reel is but a line holder and an effective, reasonably priced reel is more than appropriate. I do tend to use a higher functioning reel for Pike because again they are more than likely getting me into applications of tough conditions with a strong fish. The higher priced reels generally are also machined, not cast. I think your a retired machinist, so you can appreciate the difference. I personally am willing to spend more on a high quality machined reel, made in the US of A than I am a cast reel made in China or other Countries. My reel of choice for most trout applications is the Ross Evolution and Ross Vexsis which have a price range from $225 to $500, they can also cross over to saltwater applications. That is my personal choice, could I use a less expensive reel? Sure, but from my perspective you get what you pay for and I know what I am getting with those choices. Luckily for us we have a choice, and to each their own.