Drew's Question:

Why is it that so many people insist I buy a disc-drag reel, when my click-pawl one seems to do the job? I have no great skill at palming a disc reel, and they cost a hell of a lot more. Thanks.

Drew Sanzenbacher

Mark's Answer:

Drew,

A good disc-drag reel is a lot smoother than your palm. They really shine when you're about to net the fish and he decides to show you your backing one more time.

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You land the fish quicker with less wear-and-tear on it. Also, a good disc-drag reel doesn't cost much more, in many cases, than it's spring-and-pawl counterpart. To be sure, you can pay as much as you want — and there is nothing wrong with owning a finely-machined work of art — but most of us can't afford it. And most of the time, you can get by with either a click-pawl or a disc-drag.

What line weight are you fishing and what size are the fish? If we're talking panfish or smaller trout, then you will never be able to distinguish between the two. And since you are used to palming the reel, I imagine you can handle fish in the 1-3 pound range as well. But for fish with attitude, a disc reel makes a difference.

My point is that on small fish, the reel acts only as a storage device. Larger fish or fish in a strong current need to be landed as quickly as possible, facilitating in a healthy, released fish.

As far as a differential in costs, disc-drag reels are only marginally more expensive than their spring-and-pawl counterparts. I discussed your question with Ken Cole, who works at the Orvis Dallas store, and he pointed out that the Orvis Battenkill pawl and disc model reels are only $10 apart in price. There are other similar product examples.

I suggest you go to your local fly shop and ask to see both the bottom- and top-of-the-line reels in both versions. Most shops will be glad to load them with line and let you take them out and try them. Play with the drag systems on all of them. You may answer your own question.