When most people take up the sport of fly fishing, they primarily think about the rod. It is essential to have a high-quality rod because that allows you to cast and work to bring in the fish. However, it’s not the only piece of equipment you will need.
The reel is also important. Therefore, we have chosen to review Lamson Reels, in particular, the Waterworks Guru Series II. We’ll discuss the finer points of the product to help you reach an informed decision.
Lamson Reels
Waterworks was founded in 1996 because fishermen learned a better way to release a fish caught by a fly. Hemostats weren’t suitable for the fly or fish, so they created a tool called the Ketchum Release. They continued to innovate reels and other items until they acquired Lamson in 1998.
Both brands share the same core technology and high-quality workmanship. Now, you can find a variety of specialty niches within the reel world. These include super-arbor, salt-water, and two-handed types.
Who Is This Product For?
Primarily, the Lamson Guru Series II Reel is designed to be used with almost any rod you may already have. Therefore, you don’t have to buy new equipment. If you have a fly fishing rod, it’s ideal to have a reel.
What’s Included?
This product is a standalone option, which means that it does not come with anything else that you may need to fly fish. Hence, you will need to find the right fly line, backing, and the rod itself.
With that said, you’d be glad to know that you can use this reel with many brands, not just Lamson. Therefore, you can buy it to work with your current rod systems.
Overview of the Features
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When it comes to choosing a fly reel, the goal is to pick something that is sturdy and durable. The Lamson Guru Series II reel features stainless steel and 6061 aluminum. Because of this, you can rest assured that it is going to last a long time and be weather resistant.
You’ll also find that this reel has a conical drag. You want an adequate range without any start-up torque. It also has to be sealed from its environment and offer a smooth operation. Typical drag systems focused on counter-rotating, flat discs. It was counterproductive, so the manufacturer chose to use the cone shape.
Since they match perfectly, there’s a reduction in the assembly diameter, allowing it to be smaller and lighter. With that said, the power arm also had to be efficient and distinct. The brand’s power arm frame allows everything to be aligned to support the spool along the load path.
This product comes in a variety of colors. These include black, silver, grey and orange, and “Anodize,” which is like chrome on vehicles. Though no one chooses a reel based on appearances, this product still doesn’t disappoint. Regardless of the color you choose, it will look great on the rod.
How to Use a Fly Reel
We understand that owning the fly reel and rod are the first steps. However, you must get them set up correctly. In order to help you out, we’ve provided some tips on how to use it to catch and fight big fish.
It requires some skill to get the hang of how to get the fish. You’ll have to be good at multitasking. Since it’s unlikely that you’ll get it straight away, you may want to practice as often as possible.
- Ensure that the drag is set correctly. For this, you need to know the species you’re fishing and the leader size.
- The goal is to get your fish on the reel as quickly as possible. However, you can’t rush, or you’ll make a mistake. If there are coils of line on the ground, make sure it is away from your feet so that you don’t get tangled in it.
- When you’re streamer fishing (stripping inline), collect your line in large coils using the line hand, don’t just bring it in and put it on the ground.
- Also, when reaching to strip, hold the line as you draw back. Keeping the line in the palm, reach forward again, taking it between the forefinger and thumb to make another strip. Now, keep that in the palm, and reach out for another strip, continuing the process for as long as necessary.
- When it comes time to shoot the line from your hands, just form a circle using your thumb and forefinger. The line will automatically flow through it and through the guides. If you don’t create the ring, the coils from the line could cause the guide to jam.
- To get a fish on the reel when a line is on the water or ground, grasp the line that goes to the rod between your forefinger and the rod (in the rod hand). In doing this, you can keep tension on your fish. Take the line that comes from the reel and put it over the little finger holding the rod to control line feeding.
- You should set the drag before you do anything else. When using a light tippet, you shouldn’t adjust drag while you’re fighting the fish. If you add more drag, the tippet is likely to break off.
- The most important thing to remember is not to panic. Evaluate your circumstances and ask yourself basic questions.
- From where you’re standing, do you have enough clearance to fight your fish?
- Do you need to move down or upstream?
- Use caution when moving downstream, as that’s where the fish naturally wants to go. It could make your job harder if the water is fast.
Alternative
Of course, the first thing you probably noticed with the Lamson reel is that it was quite expensive. Though the value you receive is well worth it, we did want to provide you with a more cost-effective option.
We believe that everyone should get to have a high-quality reel, regardless of their budget. With that in mind, you will find that the Piscifun Sword Fly Fishing Reel is an excellent alternative. The stainless steel drag system works quite differently than the conical disc version, but it still offers smooth engagement.
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This product is made of aluminum alloy for durability. It is similar to the Lamson version, though the Piscifun product has larger circles and a more hollowed design so that it is lighter.
Conclusion
Those who love fly fishing or want to try it must have the right equipment. Once you find a rod, the next step is to get the best reel. We have talked extensively about Lamson Reels, especially the Guru Series II Fly Reel. Although it might be expensive, this fly fishing reel is what you’ll need to get the best fly fishing experience.