Fly Reels
Many fly reels will satisfy kayak anglers. Fly reels with a solid drag system and the ability to pick up line quickly are the best for fly-fishing from a kayak. The Ross Vexsis seems made for kayak anglers. The reel is very smooth and will pick up line by simply flicking the handle. The reel has a durable build and the drag is easy to adjust. The feature that makes this reel stand out is the magnetic spool security. When the spool attaches to the reel, a magnet fully secures it in place. This will prevent the spool from accidentally falling off the rod and sinking to the bottom of a lake.
Ross Reels USA
One Ponderosa Court
Montrose, Colorado 81401
970-249-1212
rossreels.com
Spinning Reel
Spinning reels are often the choice of kayak anglers because they are easy to adjust and easy to cast. The reels also are easy to use for trolling because of the quick bail closure to control the line. The Daiwa Sol is a top choice because of the waterproof drag system and smooth cranking action. The waterproof drag is important because kayak fishing puts your reel through excessive contact with water and the smooth action means it is easy to pick-up slack while the kayak is moving. The reel also has a very high rating from Tackle Tour.
Daiwa Corporation
12851 Midway Place
Cerritos, CA, 90703
562-802-9589
daiwa.com
Bait Casting Reels
Kayaks are an excellent method of travel for the bait fisherman. The boat allows a quiet entry in shallow, weed bed areas where big bass and aggressive fish species wait to ambush prey. The Shimano Curado is a top choice for bait-casting from a kayak. The reel has a durable build suited for banging around the shell of the kayak. It also has a low profile, ideal for fishing from the tight quarters of a kayak cockpit. The E5 version of the Curado was an Editors Choice on TackleTour and is the reel of choice from Canoe & Kayak. It has a 5.0:1 gear ratio and can hold 110 yards of 14-pound test line. The reel has a side plate for easy spool access while sitting on a kayak, and it has a star-shaped drag adjustment.
Shimano American Corp.
1 Holland
Irvine, CA 92618
877-577-0600
http://fish.shimano.com
Article Written By Zach Lazzari
Zach Lazzari is an outdoor writing specialist. He has experience in website writing as well as standard newspaper writing. He wrote an outdoor column for the Silver World in Lake City, Colo., and articles for Colorado-mountain-adventure.com. Lazzari is currently completing his bachelor's degree online through Arizona State University and lives in southwest Montana.
