When Choosing a Reel

Choose a reel with an exposed rim, so that you can apply additional drag on a running fish with your fingertips. This is a delicate and effective way to fight fish, without the risk of getting your fingers anywhere near the revolving handle and breaking the fish off.

Straightening a Coiled Fly Line

A client of mine showed us a neat trick on-river in NZ! Stand in the water and let the current pull your fly-line downstream until your maximum casting distance is reached. With the point your rod tip about 1 meter above the water surface, rotate your rod and reel counter-clockwise for 10 revolutions (lefties go clockwise). This will remove the natural coiling in the fly-line that occurs through casting and you will now cast much more efficiently and more accurately. Repeat this process two or three times throughout the angling day. Even great casters create twists in their lines when they throw roll casts or change of direction casts.

I have been fishing my original Ridge Tactical for nearly 200 river days and it is still going strong. I can state with full confidence that the Ridge tactical is indeed the ultimate trout line.
Rene Harrop - Henry's Fork USA

For precise turnover and efficient energy transfer, you'd be hard pressed to find a better presentation line for Kiwi conditions than the Airflo Platinum Chalkstream.
Chris Dore. Fly Fishing Guide, Writer, FFF Certified Casting Instructor