How to SETUP a Fly Fishing Reel! Step-by-Step Tutorial - 2019

[@tonyu674]

Hi Brian, great video! I recently lost my Dad, who was an avid sportsman and LOVED fly fishing. He was very ill his last ten years from the effects of the Agent Orange he was exposed to in Vietnam, so he wasn’t able to get out as much as he wanted. He hated the amount of hours I work and the last time I sat with him, he asked me to go get his fly rig. We sat for hours, as he went in and out of consciousness, talking about the good’ol days and the ones that got away. He asked me to take his rig and care for it, as he did with everything he owned. I hugged his neck and kissed his face and we said our goodbyes. His last words to me, as I walked out the door were, “Honey.... go fish’n”. Well, here I sit, thankful for your instruction, but missing my Dad something terrible as I set up his rig for tomorrow’s German Brown trip. btw.... I love the American Flag in the background and thank you for your patriotism. Please note the US flag may be displayed vertically or horizontally. The union (stars) should be at the top to the observer's left. 😉👍🇺🇸🎣

[@Madriveroutfitters]

Thanks for the note and sharing. We appreciate you being here.

[@eddiedegnan1246]

Amazing how fishing can mean so much to so many people x sorry for your loss

[@eddiedegnan1246]

And a big thanks to M. R. O. Your videos have helped a Scottish person catch his first fish on a fly only took 3 cast on a big loch.

[@toddduncan4071]

Aw man that really hit me hard, Im sorry for your loss, my dad also was a nam vet who was exposed to agent orange and god knows what else while serving on the USS KITTYHAWK '66-70. He came home, was told he wouldn't live to see me turn two well I was lucky to have him for 37 years. He passed away 10 years ago. My dad also loved fishing, I now use his rods and his boat but there's a few rods I just cant use because they're still rigged up by him and I just cant cut the knots. It never gets better, I miss him everyday but I do smile sometimes knowing im doing what he loved. Thank you for sharing and keep on fishin! Best wishes to you and your family.

[@bigrod0069]

very sorry for your loss

[@coreybrockamp5383]

Brian Flechsig is the uncle I never had and always wanted. Fantastic video as usual! So much knowledge delivered in the right way. Thank You!

[@Madriveroutfitters]

Thanks for watching. He'll appreciate that! Please stay tuned.

[@roderickmaloney7255]

This is my first time having a fly rod. Thank you ever so much of tying a fly line.

[@Madriveroutfitters]

Thanks for watching.

[@markdoyle8713]

Do to work travel I found my self near my old fishing grounds so i dusted off the old fly fishing gear and quickly realized i knew nothing, so i turned you Chanel to up my line tying game in no time i renewed my lines on two reels and actually wet a line tonight , good times . Cheers and thanks

[@Madriveroutfitters]

Thanks for being here!

[@scottmitchell8691]

I wanted to say I appreciate this video and your method of presenting it. I just purchased my first fly rod tonight with a goal to learn this summer. I've been thinking about it for a couple years now. I spin fish all the time and typically chase trout in the brook and I've watched a ton of videos on fishing techniques and find they all speak way too fast and technical. You slow things down and make it easy to understand and relatable to those who are trying to learn and haven't been exposed to years of the slang and jargon with fishing. I truly appreciate this, please keep up the good work and keep the content flowing.

[@Madriveroutfitters]

Thanks for watching and please stay tuned.

[@eddfraczek3974]

Ok c m no

[@tomm7301]

New subscriber here. I already commented once. But I can’t recommend Brian’s videos highly enough for the beginner or intermediate fly angler! Thanks Brian!

[@Madriveroutfitters]

Thanks for being here and for subscribing!

[@downtownlife]

I learned so much from this one video, than probably a 10 year subscription to Field & Stream back in the 80's and 90's.

[@Madriveroutfitters]

Wow! Thanks for that. Stay tuned.

[@pacificcaselman8224]

This is the most detailed fly fishing gear setup video, this is very useful, thank you!

[@Madriveroutfitters]

Pacific Caselman Thanks for watching.

[@myfourbits6901]

Brian, you are a brother. Thank you for assisting me. 😊

[@Madriveroutfitters]

Thanks for being here.

[@059echo]

I never quite paid much attention to the nipper and tying tool but watching this video made me realise i could've done two more casts in the dying light instead of wasting the time retying a new leader to my main. Cheers !

[@Madriveroutfitters]

Thanks for watching.

[@adrianmoehling6578]

Thank you for your videos being a slightly advanced novice at fly fishing I have learned a lot from you.thanks again

[@Madriveroutfitters]

Thanks for being here.

[@davidhalesmith2491]

Just bought a gorgeous barely used Hatch Gen 2 Finatic 2+ from a friend. Helpful reminder for how to set up from scratch while my favorite local Dallas fly shop is closed due to the COVID 19 pandemic.

[@Madriveroutfitters]

Thanks for watching. We'd love to be your local fly shop!!!

[@kogabear1]

I've been struggling trying to use that tool. I never caught you hold the line on top with your thumb. Got some new fly line for my birthday so following your video I got it loaded on a reel. Thank you so much.

[@Madriveroutfitters]

Thanks for being here!!

[@berks8260]

Brian , great instructional video….you made it super simple….I’m a seasoned fly fisherman but don’t rig up new reels very often….so I looked for a refresher video and came across this. I have been familiar with your channel via your fly tying videos….well my new reel is all rigged up and ready to go!,, Thanks!

[@Madriveroutfitters]

Thanks for watching.

[@brown8174]

Just used this video to set up a reel I already owned with backing and line ordered from Mad River Outfitters. Good video.

[@Madriveroutfitters]

Thanks for watching and thanks for the support!

[@seajaecocalope6752]

What a great and effective video. 89k people have watched this in under a year, so 89k more fly fishers entering the realm.

[@Madriveroutfitters]

Thanks for being here. Glad to reach so many folks with this information.

[@artbysteve215]

Thanks for posting this video.. I have referred to it a few times as I put all new line on an old Phlueger Medalist reel. We i nherited a few fly reels and other assorted flies and a couple of rods from my wife's grand parents.. both were avid anglers. Long story longer.. the line on the reels was very old.. for fun I actually took one fishing as it was.. the line would never straighten out.. I think 40 years might exceed the usable life of a fly line. You have a great channel!

[@Madriveroutfitters]

Thanks for being here and please stay tuned.

[@raykev27]

My son and I would like to thank you Brian and Mad River for teaching us about fly fishing . You make it easy to understand and follow in setting up our fly fishing gear . Thank You !!

[@Madriveroutfitters]

We appreciate you being here. Please stay tuned.

[@Madriveroutfitters]

This is a valuable skill for every angler 🤙 What do you think?! Comment below.

[@mattstacy9412]

I just want to know where you get your shirts. I'd bump up my numbers in a shirt like that.

[@Madriveroutfitters]

@@mattstacy9412 At a place called Mad River Outfitters. www.madriveroutfitters.com/m-93-howler-brothers.aspx

[@JohnVangKB]

I reel and cast with my right hand is that weird??

[@Madriveroutfitters]

John Vang A bit but there are no rules. You can do what you want.

[@Thwarptide]

Very valuable to. I'm a noob, just started learning to cast (it's quite relaxing). Though as you said, you can have this done in a store; what if you're out, not near one? It's a basic but valuable skill set to have no doubt. Don't depend so much on the convenience of tackle shops that you can't do most things on yer own if you need to. Thank you for the effort in putting this video together.

[@Allyourbase1990]

Got got a 9ft 5wt fly rod and had no idea how much backing and line to use . Great video man .

[@Madriveroutfitters]

@@Allyourbase1990 Thanks for watching and feel free to call the shop anytime with questions. Always happy to help!

[@RockyMtnGobblers]

New fly fisherman here going on my first fishing trip tomorrow. This video was invaluable thank you so much for the upload!

[@Madriveroutfitters]

Thanks for watching. Happy to help.

[@dogsoldier0372]

Very Informative Videos. I’ve been fly fishing hard core for 19 yrs. But I’m still far from a pro. So given that, I am still eager to learn more, & correct any improper habits I’ve developed. Mad River Outfitters is a huge help, very straight to the point, no BS’ing around. Thanks for all the great tips & advice MRO.

[@Madriveroutfitters]

Bottomland & Treestands Thanks a ton for being here. Stay tuned.......much more to come!

[@HugDeeznueces]

Barabuk Barabing! Great vid!!!!🎉

[@Madriveroutfitters]

Thanks for watching.

[@ArmyRob13]

Awesome video! I’m a novice fly fisherman and always look for more tips to get better this video has a lot of great info

[@Madriveroutfitters]

Thanks for watching and please stay tuned.

[@jenenissen7866]

Just rigged my first reel, video was great, process was like butter!

[@Madriveroutfitters]

jene nissen 👍 Couldn’t have said it better!!!

[@xanxangel8640]

Never fly fished in my life and I'm all set to try after this. I didn't have a "quick tie" so I made one with 1ply craft wood and T-Rex tape. Worked perfectly on 2nd attempt.

[@Madriveroutfitters]

Cool! Thanks for watching and thanks for sharing.

[@zirconzircon8861]

Hey Brian, thanks a lot for the refresher. I’ve been fly fishing for Atlantic’s for about sixty years ... still it’s not often I tie on backing to an arbor 😊. I just wanted to check that I hadn’t forgotten since we just purchased a rod, reel, backing, and line for our granddaughter who will be 10 years old in July.

[@Madriveroutfitters]

Thanks for watching and happy to help. Stay tuned and stay in touch.

[@hanastevanovic4808]

I love this channel; it is the most helpful for beginners. I watched another video on the same subject, "setting up a reel," before this one, and it wasn't as good. Thanks!

[@Madriveroutfitters]

Thanks for being here. We are happy to help. Please stay tuned.

[@PatrickMedley-g6n]

To Brian and the customer service at mad river, you guys are the absolute best!! I have made several purchases from your store, pretty much everything I needed and anything I need in the future will come from you. You've videos are great, I've learned so much from you and Kelly Galloup, I enjoy the fact that he says what is on his mind at the moment. But yes, thank you very much for everything, and maybe if you have any idea of how to get Redington to get rod tips in stock faster, maybe you could let them know. I'm sure I'll be ordering something soon, have a great day

[@Madriveroutfitters]

Thanks so much for the note and the kind words. All of us here really appreciate it. Stay tuned and stay in touch.

[@gabeah]

Shirt game STRONG! 🤙🏿

[@Madriveroutfitters]

Firm handshakes all around, Gabeah. Howler Brothers always has us looking our best. www.madriveroutfitters.com/m-93-howler-brothers.aspx

[@jonnygranville281]

Those howler bros shirts are AWESOME . Pricey but worth it.

[@farmfishandfreedom2933]

I sure love the blue backing I got on my hydros 3. This is excellent info to add to my fly fishing portfolio lol. Love everything you guys do. Looking forward to your entomology tutorial. Keep up the great work!

[@Madriveroutfitters]

Thanks for watching.

[@farmfishandfreedom2933]

Always

[@simonjohansson7284]

You are the guru of flyfishing! Thanks from Sweden

[@Madriveroutfitters]

Thanks for watching.

[@robertfusco7415]

Very good video, well organized and presented. Bob

[@Madriveroutfitters]

Thanks for being here.

[@joshuasutton3175]

I need that quick tie tool in my life! I used a regular nail to do my nail knots and I dare say it takes me a few time to get it correct/confidant on my knot ! Amazing videos as always guys!

[@Madriveroutfitters]

We'll be happy to send you one! Thanks for being here.

[@joshuasutton3175]

Mad River Outfitters thanks! I just sent you guys a email that y’all just replied too. Thanks for all the help

[@dong8307]

Perfect video for my new reel and fly line I got for Christmas. Cheers and Happy New Year 🍻

[@Madriveroutfitters]

Thanks for watching and please stay tuned.

[@stephengosda3178]

Great video!! Only thing is i had to do this last week🤦🏻‍♂️. It worked out but your video would have saved me about an hour. Keep it coming! Your videos are great.

[@Madriveroutfitters]

Thanks for watching, Stephen. Don't worry, it'll be here for you next time.

[@johnnyrotten3116]

This guy, all the videos, all so amazing. Just got into fly fishing and this is the exact video I needed, thank you!!!!

[@Madriveroutfitters]

Thanks for watching and please stay tuned.

[@ianwhale9279]

Excellent as usual Brian👍👍🎣🎣

[@Madriveroutfitters]

Thanks for watching.

[@triple10outdoors]

Awesome video, love the explanation and guidance! Keep it up!

[@Madriveroutfitters]

Thanks for being here.

[@SaskFisher]

Awesome, cant wait to start. This will be the first year fly fishing

[@Madriveroutfitters]

Thanks for being here and best of luck!

[@thederka1393]

Funny and informative! Fav channel for sure.

[@Madriveroutfitters]

Thanks for being here.

[@stevenshanofski6801]

Very helpful as always! Just got a tie fast. Thank you!!

[@Madriveroutfitters]

Thanks for being here.

[@ethanhoepf7013]

Great video as always. Noticed the chart in the video looks like I need to use a lot of butter. 👍

[@Madriveroutfitters]

Thanks, Ethan. Fish love butter. Especially the big ones.

[@andrewleedesign]

Thanks for making videos like this! Very well done and much appreciated!

[@Madriveroutfitters]

Thanks for being here.

[@ianj616]

Hey Brian, just wanna tell you that these video series have been invaluable to me, I'm trying to pick up fly fishing tips, in an area where bait and spinning rule supreme. Thank you so much, youre a good bloke for doing these for free, and the production values are cock on. Wishing you all the best from Wales.

[@Madriveroutfitters]

Thanks for watching and please stay tuned.

[@Robert-hr6sh]

New to fly fishing, thank you for your wonderful videos!!

[@Madriveroutfitters]

Thanks for watching.

[@chiro1706]

Great videos Brian!! Very straight-forward and informative!! Thank you!

[@Madriveroutfitters]

Thanks for being here! Stay tuned.

[@michaelmiller8089]

I loved it... I'm just now starting to learn how fly fish and this video was really useful thank u

[@Madriveroutfitters]

Thanks so much for watching. Stay tuned.

[@jakobjonsson9656]

Alot of big thanks for this help! I just used yours uni knot for attatching The backing to The spool, and it really helpt me this Time! / Best greetings from Jakob in sweden 😀

[@Madriveroutfitters]

Thanks for watching.

[@wholelottadc]

Great tutorial. I’ve certainly learnt a lot from you guys

[@Madriveroutfitters]

Thanks. Glad to help.

[@giltuck434]

I love your videos I’m so glad I watched these now I’m a fly fisher

[@Madriveroutfitters]

Welcome aboard! Please stay tuned....the best is yet to come!!!

[@saml9772]

Love all your videos. I have the tie-fast for freshwater as well as the magnum that I use for my saltwater knots and it fits better in my hand.

[@Madriveroutfitters]

Thanks for being here.

[@markcoel550]

New subscriber. Loved this video. Simple and easy to follow. Can't wait to watch more.

[@Madriveroutfitters]

Thanks for being here and please stay tuned.

[@Madriveroutfitters]

Thanks for watching and for the sub!

[@jaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaa3117]

I thought I’d try fly fishing after some guys I were speaking to were fly fishing for carp on a lake and just pulling one after the other and this has definitly taught me a lot because before I didn’t know what the backing was for

[@Madriveroutfitters]

Thanks for watching.

[@abbyhollenbaugh3654]

thanks for the info, your vids are a BIG help to me

[@Madriveroutfitters]

Thanks for being here.

[@bomaite1]

I caught a big long-nosed gar once that took me half way through the backing or more. I could hear the glue cracking under the grip. When I finally got it in, all I could see was teeth. I just played him until he wasn't going to argue with me anymore. I had to jump out of the boat and ease him up onto the beach, where the fly just fell out, luckily, a little the worse for wear. I wasn't going to bring that into the kayak with me. I had a 5wt rigged for bluegills. Those are some tough old fish.

[@Madriveroutfitters]

Thanks for being here.

[@thebigroy]

My go to video for nail knot 1x per year...

[@Madriveroutfitters]

Thanks for the continued support.

[@midgemaniaflyfishing]

Just bought my second rod and reel (a week after buying my first one from Walmart to see if I liked it) and I decided to do it myself ! This video was perfect thank you so much ! And the only thing I “messed” up was I didn’t buy different colored backing but it was a 60 Percent off sale sooo I didn’t have much to choose from I was barely able to get the sizes I needed !

[@Madriveroutfitters]

Let us know when you are ready to move up. Thanks for watching.

[@paulloughlin9154]

Great explanation...keep the videos coming!

[@Madriveroutfitters]

Thanks for being here. As long as folks keep supporting the shop, we'll keep making videos.

[@thamerendyck1795]

I got a couple rods made local about 50-60 years ago and a beautiful hand made walnut and maple fly/real/line box with well over a 100 flies of all sorts in it hopefully I quickly learn how to fly fish properly before this year ends

[@Madriveroutfitters]

Let us know how we can help!!!

[@MMartinBen]

That is a top shelf shirt.

[@Madriveroutfitters]

Thanks. Howler Brothers Gaucho Snapshirt. One of our best selling shirts for years now!

[@MMartinBen]

@@Madriveroutfitters thanks for the tip!

[@joelhorn5858]

Great content, please keep them coming!

[@Madriveroutfitters]

As long as folks continue to support the shop, we'll be able to continue making them. So far so good!

[@Blktailhunter53]

Great tutorial

[@Madriveroutfitters]

Thanks for being here.

[@TheBoogeyMan__]

I'm going to go out on a limb and say orvis is that big box store 😂

[@Madriveroutfitters]

Our lips are sealed.

[@DaddyyCrab]

Thanks man. Good tutorial. 🐠

[@Madriveroutfitters]

Thanks for watching.

[@ronaldfisher5093]

Very good Brian, but I like tat your sop takes care of this for us.

[@Madriveroutfitters]

We're always here to help! Thank you for watching, Ronald!

[@funnyfarmdad9997]

I’m really wanting to drop into the store soon. I just live south of Canal Winchester.

[@Madriveroutfitters]

They would love to see you!

[@joelmcpherson9789]

Great video! Helped me set up my first fly reel. FYI The flag is hanging wrong, when vertical the blue field should always be on the left.

[@Madriveroutfitters]

Thanks for watching.

[@TheActionStack]

I used a stick from the forest for my first nail knot, it took a few tries but I got it.

[@Madriveroutfitters]

Thanks for watching.

[@gilleslafreniere]

Thank you for the clear instructions.

[@Madriveroutfitters]

Thanks for watching.

[@richardstyles3946]

Thanks for the tips great help I'm new to fly fishing and can't wait to get on the trout at my local river

[@Madriveroutfitters]

Happy to help! Stay tuned and stay in touch.

[@jimraybyers7789]

Awesome video

[@Madriveroutfitters]

Thanks for watching.

[@evanv4779]

Thanks Brian for an excellent tutorial video.

[@Madriveroutfitters]

Thanks for watching.

[@timzajac]

Great tutorial!

[@Madriveroutfitters]

Thank you for watching, Tim! Hope it helps.

[@TroutDaze]

Helps me every time!

[@Madriveroutfitters]

Thanks for watching. Happy to help!

[@andrewwolfsberg213]

Great video - super clear. Exactly what I needed (brand new to this). Thanks!

[@Madriveroutfitters]

Thanks for watching and please stay tuned.

[@jamesslater8702]

Great video. Thank you. Could you give a detailed list of products you used in this video?

[@Madriveroutfitters]

Thanks for watching. Please send Brian an e-mail at the shop and he should be able to do that for you.

[@user-ib5pu9hm1y]

Great information.

[@Madriveroutfitters]

Thanks for watching.

[@georgemitchell9114]

Excellent video, thank you!

[@Madriveroutfitters]

Thanks for watching.

[@jkjuger]

I love your tutorials

[@Madriveroutfitters]

Thanks a ton!

[@jokoriyanto2975]

Good video say hey there ,joko from indonesia

[@Madriveroutfitters]

Thanks for watching.

[@MegaVicar]

Great stuff! Thanks for this! The other day I was looking at Rod tubes on your website and accidentally bought one. When I realized it a few hour later, I contacted y’all and y’all cancelled the order even though it was already processed. I know that Buckeye honesty well; I attended Trinity Lutheran Seminary in Columbus!

[@Madriveroutfitters]

Thanks for watching and please stay in touch.

[@pesca_santacatarina]

Hello from brasil... nice lessons

[@Madriveroutfitters]

Thanks for being here.

[@scottstubbs9913]

Thanks. Great refresher.

[@Madriveroutfitters]

Thanks for watching.

[@bobandsherylmyklebust6525]

Loving your tutorials! You do a fantastic job!! Thank you!! My question is, when practicing casting, do you do do it with leader or just the fly line?

[@Madriveroutfitters]

Thanks for watching. Must have a leader or the energy has nowhere to go. Make sure to have a leader on there.

[@skpilot7]

Very clear and concice video, thank you.

[@Madriveroutfitters]

skpilot7 Thanks for watching.

[@doniefleming5834]

Great video Brian. You mentioned if the loop at the end of fly line breaks where you attach the leader to use a nail knot to attach leader to fly line why not just tie another loop in the end of fly line to attach the leader. It would be easier an it'll be loop to loop again

[@Madriveroutfitters]

Please contact Brian at the shop with questions. He’ll be happy to help.

[@Feeeeeeeeeeeesh_10]

Going to buy some stuff off the site now!

[@Madriveroutfitters]

Thanks so much for the support!

[@Feeeeeeeeeeeesh_10]

@@Madriveroutfitters np

[@patdejong1396]

I have been fishing since about 8 yrs old.So, hubby buys me a starter fly rod and some flies and after inspecting the purchase, and then watching this video, there's a few items i need. basically line and that tying tool for the nail knot. Is that nail knotting tool a 'common' item or a specialty, hard to find item?? I'm excited to try my hand at fly fishing. My son is an avid fly fisher and is giving casting lessons with his rig. Living in Idaho and loving the nature and fishing spots. Thanks for this vid ! Found it helpful.

[@Madriveroutfitters]

Happy to help and thanks for watching. Feel free to contact the shop directly with needs or questions. They will be happy to help.

[@mattdudek5336]

I've set up 4 rods in the last year and always come back to this video b/c I simply can't remember how to tie a Nail knot.

[@Madriveroutfitters]

Glad to help! Thanks for being here....again.

[@VanHoLaw]

Thanks for the tips!

[@Madriveroutfitters]

Thanks for watching.

[@georgewolkoff1349]

thank you for all the help.

[@Madriveroutfitters]

Sure thing. Thanks for being here.

[@Skeezah_l]

Thanks dude this was super helpful im just getting into fly fishing for bonefish here in hawaii

[@Madriveroutfitters]

Thanks for watching!

[@fishingfriends8511]

If the tag on my fly line is gone and both ends hang loose on the spool, is there a way to know which end must be attached to the reel? Great videos, I love them!

[@Madriveroutfitters]

Please contact the shop directly and they should be able to help. Thanks.

[@patrickdevine1085]

Love your videos they help me a mountain, I would just like to let you know the flag behind your right shoulder is hung incorrectly, the blue field should be on the left as one looks at it. Just a pet peeve of mine.

[@Madriveroutfitters]

Thanks for watching.

[@catonhlee]

Nice tutorial!!

[@Madriveroutfitters]

Thanks as always.

[@glennbourbon3679]

Hey, I just wanted to say thank you for these How-To videos on setting up my first fly reel and rod. I’m 58 and learning about fly fishing for the first time in my life. My wife and I moved to Southwest Missouri and have access to Lake Tanycomo and other great places to trout fish. I actually love rainbow trout. So I’m hoping to learn how to do this so it’s enjoyable and I’m fishing ethically. What would you recommend for fishing on Lake Tanycomo?

[@Madriveroutfitters]

Thanks so much for watching. Please send your questions directly to the shop via e-mail or give them a call and they will be happy to help.

[@kenyonstephan3925]

I’m brand new, never fly fished and setting up my first reel. Why do you suggest a Nail knot to connect the fly line to backing when most everything else I see says to do an Albright knot? Thanks! Love your videos

[@Madriveroutfitters]

Please contact the shop directly and they will be happy to help. Thanks.

[@jameskreiter]

Love your video tutorials. What if your fly line is looped on both ends, what is the best way to attach them?

[@Madriveroutfitters]

Thanks for watching. Please send your questions over to the shop via e-mail or feel free to give them a call. They will be happy to help.

[@HookLife]

Great video Brian. Lifelong angler and New fly fisherman Question for you. Is there a difference between fly backing Dacron and braided Dacron used in bass fishing?

[@Madriveroutfitters]

Thanks for watching. Please send your questions directly to the shop via phone or email and they will be happy to help.