Before I start let me say I am very thankful to be in the situation where I have saved enough to buy a new reel.
Why is it that when its time to pick out a new piece of fishing tackle its rather hard, at least for me. There are so many choices and things to consider like brand loyalty, price, resale value and even cosmetics. That getting lost in just one purchase is not a hard thing to do, so I wonder, is it in our nature to get wrapped up in things that occupy all of our free time, or do we just need something to think about.
Take for example my latest purchase I am thinking about. With a vacation to Florida fast coming up, I am in the midst of picking out a new fly reel for the day, yes one day, of fishing that’s budgeted. Now this reel will also be my new 7wt. reel for light saltwater and freshwater around my place. Most fish that the reel will be used for cannot take out over 100 yards of backing, but that one time, that one day when I am Florida bound there is a chance of that happening. Since the odds of going back in the next several years are slim, this is not something that will be regular.
Currently there are 2 extra large arbor reels that are being looked at, one can hold 125 yds of 20lb. backing while the other can hold 225 yds of 20lb. backing. So do I want to go with the reel that can hold more backing for that one day when it might count? It’s not like they are the same price, there is a 55 dollar difference from the smaller one to bigger. Still thinking about that one trophy fish is making me think the extra money is worth it, but then again 55 dollars is still 55 dollars. You can also say that there is a chance I may hook something by me that can spool me out, but after having battled 10lb. bluefish and not having them come even close to 100 yds, I think the odds of that happening are very, very slim.
Perhaps why it is such a tough choice is because as a fisherman I have a lot of hope and positive outlook. The next cast is going to be the cast, the next trip will go down in the record books, the next lake will hold the mother lode of fish. All these things pass through our minds when we set out on the water and if it does not pan out, then next time. This train of thinking is what keeps us going even after the worst day on the water. When that next trip does come, and we succeed in a big way, it’s like I knew it! This is making me and probably anyone decide on the bigger reel for that one day, that one possible chance at a big fish. Still no matter which one I choose I know I would have made the right choice.
Swimbait Dave
