Line Weight: 7-8
Targeted Species: Large Trout, Bass, Steelhead, Salmon, Carp
Get loaded! The PreLoad 375 Fly Reel comes spooled up and ready to fish with Cheeky’s premium 20-lb backing, specially paired weight forward floating fly line, and a 9-foot loop-to-loop tapered leader. Spend less time and money rigging up and more time on the water.
The PreLoad’s diecast frame and body, coupled with CNC componentry and post-fabrication machining, make this reel the ideal choice for the angler needing a lightweight and durable performance fly fishing reel that doesn't break the bank. Known for its strong and smooth drag systems, Cheeky Fishing has delivered yet again with the PreLoad’s S-Power Drag. This system incorporates a stacked alternating disc drag providing no detectable startup inertia and more than enough power to stop any fresh or saltwater beast in its tracks.
But the PreLoad 375 Fly Reel doesn’t stop there. Cheeky has taken the hassle and expense out of rigging by preloading the fly reel with its specially designed backing, fly line and leader. The low-friction, abrasion-resistant 20-lb fly line backing ensures you’ll have the perfect foundation to tire out that trophy fish while the Cheeky designed WF 7/8 90-foot floating fly line has the taper to cast big streamers, dry flies and nymphs alike. Top it all off with an included 9-foot loop-to-loop tapered leader and you’ll be ready to hit the water instantly.
PreLoad 375 Fly Reel Features:
- S-Power Drag System
- Quick change spool and B2 Backing Channel
- Silent retrieve
- Lightweight 4.7 oz design
- Ships left-hand retrieve (easy to convert to right-hand)
- Reel case, backing, fly line and leader included
- 20 lb backing
- WF 7/8 90' floating line
- 2x tapered loop-to-loop leader
- No spooling/rigging required
- Free shipping
Specs & Backing:
How to choose a fly rod
In full disclosure, up until five or so years ago, this topic was as puzzling to me as what fly to use, when and where. I have found more and more that there is a lot of personal preference here when it comes to reel seats, handle design, colors, wraps and brands. There are however a few fundamentals you should know in choosing the right fly rod for you.
As a jumping off point, the beginning fly fisherman, especially those looking to catch trout, will likely be in search of a 9-foot, 5-weight, medium-flex rod. This is a universal size, and you can catch everything from wild trout to carp out of a drainage ditch.
Weight
Fly rods are rated by weight. The weight indicates the size of fishing line that matches the rod. Generally you can line up or down by one size, which is why a 5wt is the best universal size for a trout rod. Most people think about fish species when it comes to choosing a weight and while that works just fine, I would also encourage you to think about the size of fly you are going to be throwing, and the intended use of the rod.
As a general rule on rod weights:
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1-4: sunfish and small trout, small streams
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4-6: general trout, larger streams and rivers
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6-8: bass, carp, light steelhead, salmon. and saltwater
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8-10: winter steelhead, salmon, and saltwater
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10-14: big game
Length
Fly rods act as a lever, so length is a very important aspect when picking a fly rod. The longer the rod, the easier it will be to get more distance on your cast, mend your line, and fight fish. However if you are on a smaller stream you will want a shorter rod to navigate overhanging brush and for added precision when casting at close range. As noted before,the standard trout rod is a 9ft 5wt rod. This length lets you get the distance, accuracy, and line control needed in most trout situations.
Action
The three types of fly rod action are fast-action, medium-action and slow-action. Each of these types of action have their benefits and drawbacks. It is important to match up the type of fly rod action with the type of fishing you will be doing.
Fast Action
A fast-action rod is just what the name implies. At the end of the backcast, the tip of the fly rod is slightly bent but the rest of the rod is virtually straight as an arrow. This has benefits in the following circumstances:
- Long Casts - The stiffness of the rod allows for more power in the cast.
- Fishing on windy days - The stiffness of the rod allows easier casting on windy days since the rod is more powerful.
- Somewhat less physically demanding - Due to the power inherent in fast action fly rods, the angler works less to cast the same distance compared to using a slower, more flexible rod.
Disadvantages of fast-action rods include :
- Difficult for Beginners - Beginners might struggle learning how to cast with a fast-action rod. The sheer power in the rods makes "getting a feel" for the fly and fly line difficult. Precise casts in particular will be difficult for new anglers.
- Not ideal for short casts - Not the best rod to be used where short casts are necessary - such as spring creeks. For short casts, a more flexible rod provides greater accuracy and a "smoother touch." For small stream fishing, a fast-action rod has a substantially greater likelihood of leading to the fly and fly line being slammed into the water - making the fish you're stalking head for the hills.
Medium-Action
Medium action fly rods are the most versatile of the rods available. They perform well in a wide variety of conditions. They are also easier to learn with than with a fast-action rod. On the backcast with a medium action fly rod, the rod will be bent beginning from about halfway down the rod - thus falling in-between fast and slow action rods.
Overall, if an angler will only own one fly rod for freshwater trout fishing, then it should be a medium action fly rod unless the fishing situation falls into one of the other categories above or below.
Rod Features
There are other features to a rod that might make it the best choice for you.
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Number of pieces: These days most rods come in two or four pieces. Four-piece rods are becoming the standard as they are easy to pack and travel with.
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Materials: Most rods these days are composed of a Carbon or Graphite compound (numerous debates out there on the similarities and differences here), although fiberglass has been making a comeback in recent years.
In Conclusion
There are plenty of people who love nothing more than discussing fly fishing (myself included). So if you have any other questions about rods and which is the best for you please get in touch with us.
