[Sockeyeguy]

Well i took the plunge and picked up a 9wt Sage Launch for 75.00. It was on the close out rack and was the last one they had and they took my offer. Well now he is the tough part. How does one use a fly reel. I will be fishing reds on the Kenai in Alaska. I have fished them the last few years on a spinning reel. Whith a fly reel do you let them take drag on a run like with a spining reel? How do you wind them in? I fished a lot with a fly rod as a kid buy that was for small trout and panfish in MN. There i had an automatic fly reel. Guys i need some help here!

 

[Jmills81]

your reel choices are many...how much do you want to spend?

 

[Keith Hixson]

Don't hold unto the handle with heavy fish or you'll have lots of break offs. That's the biggest mistake I have see in those switching to fly fishing from conventional type fishing. The drag on most fly reels don't work when you hold onto the reel handle. You have to have more feel when playing big fish. Conventional fishing you can rely up the drag more than in fly fishing. Yes, I do use the drag but you have to know when to let go of that handle and let the drag do its work.
There are a lot of good fly reels out there. You can pay 100 dollars or 500 dollars for a fly reel check around and make a good choice. I'm sure there will be plenty of advice on this site.