I am in the market for my first fly rod.  My quest for a fishconomic fly rod has generated more questions than answers.  In fact, my  research has left me in a state of “paralysis by analysis”.   That is, until I read  “Don’t Fear The Fly Rod” by Joseph Manette.

Manette’s article starts with a technical comparison of spin fishing and fly fishing; the best I have ever read, actually!  Manette then wades deeper into the subject and describes fly lines and the four fly rod classes:

1. Light Tackle    (3 – 5 wt)
2. Finesse Tackle (6 – 7 wt)
3. Power Tackle   (8 – 10 wt)
4. Heave Tackle   (11 – 15 wt)

In the second half of the article, Manette gives practical advise on selecting your first fly rod and fly casting.

If you are at all curious about fly fishing, pick up the December 2010 issue of On The Water, New York & New Jersey Edition.  You will not be disappointed!  Why?  Because “Don’t Fear The Fly Rod” is a well written, comprehensive, and concise guide to transition from spinning rod to fly rod.

In the general maintenance video, Tim shows how to break down a ZeeBaas reel in less than 3 minutes by removing 9 screws.  He then demonstrates how to inspect the O-rings and re-lubricate.  In the advanced videos he covers:

1. Spool Pinion Housing Maintenace
2. Gear Maintenance
3. Pinion Housing Maintenance

The required tools to perform these advanced maintenance operations include:

1. An external retaining ring tool from Emperial to remove the clips
2. A gear seal tool to push the gear seal into the gear cover
3. The ZeeBaas Pinion removal tool
4. A metal rod less than 9500th thick

ZeeBaas Self Service Maintenance I

ZeeBaas Self Service Maintenance II

These videos will give you the confidence to break down your ZeeBaas reel, service it, and put is back together.  Tight lines and screaming reels. ;-).