Click & Pawl Drag or The One Way Clutch Drag--Which??
This past week has been
Spring Break for most of Alabama
and the weather has been nothing like spring. In fact the only day that might
be good for fishing would be Friday, when I will go. Cold days and nights can make fishing
horrible anywhere and that includes the South. So with some time on my hands
this week I decided I would search the net for another Gloomis Venture 3 Fly
reel. This fly reel was discontinued by Gloomis last year, why I don’t know but
in my mind they discontinued a fantastic fly reel. It had the one way clutch
drag feature which enables one to retrieve coils of line at your feet back on
the reel in a matter of seconds. Spinning the face of the reel will accomplish
this. I found while searching that most of the fly reels descriptions listed on
the net never mention this feature and better yet the tech support personal at
Cabelas and Bass Pro didn’t have a clue about a one way clutch drag, quick
release or free spool when it pertains to fly reel drags. If you notice when
descriptions are written for fly reels, there is more information about the
appearance of the reel as opposed to the type drag. The only fly reel I found that
mentioned the one way clutch was the Pflueger Trion. The Pflueger retrieves
line as fast as the Gloomis. I know that a lot of us still use the old click
and pawl drag, which is used on the Redington Drift and the Orvis Battenkill reels.
Don’t get me wrong I like both drag features and have the Redington and the
Orvis reels, but I am still partial to the Venture because of the quick retrieve.
I never found another Venture in all my searching, but I found out some things I
didn’t know about drags on fly reels. What is your preference the click and
pawl or the one way clutch fast retrieve?
There's a new trend with reels where they are silent. They don't make a noise at all when reeling in or if line is bing pulled out against the drag. Some of the manufacturers have found people are so used to this sound they actually put something in the reel that has no other function than making that clicking noise.
ReplyDeleteAs cool as the one way clutch thing is, I just don't ever find myself in a position where I wish I could pick up more loose line that much faster.
ReplyDeleteThe click and pawl is a good enough set up for me on 4wt's and lower...maybe even a 5. Anything above that though, and I want something stronger but none of that has to do with a desire to pick up loose line any faster
Bill, I have fished fly reels that have both type drags, too. Don't know that I have a preference. Other than to say that for trout fishing most of us pay for and use drag systems that aren't really necessary in every day trout fishing. I did like the Orvis Battenkill reels, that is, before I didn't have them any more.
ReplyDeleteKevin
ReplyDeleteThis is one of the reasons I like the Venture, no noise on retrieve. Thanks for the comment
Rick
ReplyDeleteLoose line at my feet getting tangled under my shoes and anywhere else is sometimes annoying for me, especially if you have a good fish on and trying to get it on the reel as soon as you can. This is another reason I am into fast retrieve reels. Thanks for the comment
Mel
ReplyDeleteI agree one seldom needs the drag on most trout streams. I do have to utilize the drag when I am using my 6 wt. for Spotted Bass on my home lake. I too use a Battenkill and really like it's performance. Although I must admit I could get the bigger bass on the reel faster if I was using the clutch drag. Thanks for the comment
I have used Battenkill disc reels for years, and I love them. I also just purchased a Redington Drift click and pawl and the sweet sound it makes is so fine.
ReplyDeleteAlan
ReplyDeleteI have both of those reels and the little 2/3 Drift reel has got to the lightness I have ever used. Thanks for the comment
I'm a bit of old school. I only have and use old Orvis click/pawl reels. I've used the Battenkill disc and like it, but just didn't find it necessary for the type of fishing I do. Since I've got about 30 reels with varying qualities and sizes I just switch out reels depending on my needs.
ReplyDeleteHoward
ReplyDeleteI could see where having many reels would give you a host of options--I think the Orvis fly reel is one of the best fly reels ever made. thanks for the comment
All I've ever owned so far are click and pawl reels. I do agree with Mel in that too much emphasis is put on the drag system when it comes to the average trout fisherman.
ReplyDeleteI have the Adventure 3 Loomis reel which I received as a gift in 2002 or so. I love it. Other than my Lamson, it's my go to 3/4 wgt. reel.
ReplyDeleteJosh you are the only blogger I know beside me who uses the Venture 3 fly reel----yes it is an amazing fly reel, I have 3 and hope they will bring it back soon. thanks for the comment
ReplyDeleteJust stumbled upon this post. I LOVE click and pawl reels. Anything under 6wt, that's what I prefer...especially 3 weight and under. If I want my reel to be silent, I'll fish tenkara! :) Seriously, I have the Redington Drift 2/3 for trout and an Albright (don't know the name) for panfish and the like...the Albright takes a beating and is still going. Great reel. Now that I live in Florida, I am realizing the need for a good drag system (sealed) if possible.
ReplyDelete