This book is the definitive guide to one of the most exciting advancements in modern fly fishing: the rise of the semi-automatic fly reel. As these reels gain rapid momentum among serious anglers—and even find their way into competitive fly-fishing arenas—the need for a clear, trustworthy explanation has never been greater.

If you’ve heard the buzz but aren’t sure what sets these reels apart, this book gives you the inside track. You’ll discover exactly how semi-automatic fly reels work, why they’re outperforming traditional systems in key situations, and what separates them from fully automatic reels. I also break down how they compare to standard fly reels, so you can make confident, informed decisions about your gear.

Whether you're a curious newcomer, a gear enthusiast, or a competitor looking for an edge, this book will show you why semi-automatic reels are becoming essential tools for the modern angler.

Now available on BOOK.BY and AMAZON.COM

My latest book available on Amazon

 

Newest books available on Amazon now!

 

How To PROPERLY Seat Fly Rod Ferrules & Thoughts on Ferrule Wax

Mirror carp caught on my Maxcatch fiberglass 6wt fly rod, Loab Lake

After several years of not catching any mirror carp, I landed two in less than a week!

The smaller one, on my last outing and the larger, a few days earlier. Weather was nice,

about 60F. There was very little wind but now the sun sets at about five o'clock exactly.

 

Fish are still feeding between 2PM and 4PM.  This time I didn't chum except just before

I started to fish. Less work for me.  I used my 6 wt, Maxcatch fiberglass rod and the Thinkfish 

Bold semi automatic reel.

Amazon's generic semi automatic fly reel

I caught this ten pound carp this afternoon using the Amazon generic semi automatic fly reel;

proving that it can be used for big fish. I used a double taper 4 wt fly line &

a 6 wt, 8 foot six inch 4 piece fiberglass, Maxcatch fly rod; which I call "Orange Betty".

The generic fly reel has the standard, Franco Vivarelli fly reel interior. Nothing new here just

 standard semi automatic fly reel insides.  This reel (first edition) came with a special

wrench that allowed the spool to be removed. The spool has a knob that can be used to

retrieve fly line manually

I fitted my Japanese 6 foot, six inch 2 wt with this nymphing reel 

Pictured here are the OCR Bighorn and the Amazon generic semi automatic fly reel. While 

these reels have similar features ; they have different uses.  The Bighorn is a multiuse fly reel, 

everything from trout to light saltwater.  The Amazon reel is designed for nymphing.

This picture shows the reel with my 10 foot 2 wt  nymphing rod.                            

Rear view of the reel

My 10 foot, 4piece 2wt  nymphing fly rod.

Close up of the Amazon generic semi automatic fly reel. Still less than $55.00.

Can you name the semi automatic fly reels?

 
 Pictured are the semi automatic fly reels I have used in the past. A few are no longer in production.

Every thing from the generic reel available on the Amazon to the old Franco Vivarelli Goldstar.