There are some truly incredible fly rods on the market today. Modern technology, industry competition, and demanding anglers have pushed the envelope on what can be done with graphite and fiberglass. 12-weights perform while maintaining all-day comfort. Multi-piece pack rods cast beautifully. Across the board, fly fishers have access to some great tools across the price spectrum.
One area where resources and innovation have been making great strides is in the creation of small stream rods. 1- to 4-weights are being built as true casting implements. Furthermore, they are available in slow and fast actions; short and long lengths. Certain manufacturers are able to meet all of these criteria and produce a rod that weighs just a little bit more than the spool of line that it is meant to cast.
That total package – “castability,” flex profile, light feel – is what gets anglers so excited about their new rod. Of course, you can’t just fish with a rod and line. A reel is necessary. Even when the majority of fish get played on the line and stripped in, you need a reel. Even the smallest reels have some bulk to them. While a five-ounce reel was considered scant years ago, these days it causes significant balance issues with ultralight rods. Bad balance doesn’t just mean you lose that light feel. A reelseat/butt heavy rod is less efficient when casting.
While I own a number of reels I enjoy on my 1- to 4-weights, the Redington Zero is my go-to for all of my delicate rods.
The Zero isn’t new. It has been on the market for a number of years. Yet weighing in at 2.7 or 3 ounces (for the 2/3 and 4/5, respectively) it is still one of the lightest reels out there. The result is a perfectly balanced rig. Sub-5′ rods and gossamer-thin 2-weights have that same “light in hand” feel on the river as they do on the fly shop floor.
Rods that feel like extensions of your arm maintain that energy and casting stroke when paired with the right reel. For big saltwater rods, that might mean a beefy disc-drag model. Even for large trout combos, a solid reel just fits on that powerful 6-weight. Once you hit a certain lightweight weight and taper profile, there are only a few choices that will fit.
A perfect example is the quest to find a reel that matches 0- and 1-weights. There are some reels out there from other major companies that are excellent. But their cost and function can be overkill for many budgets and angling scenarios. The 2/3 Zero might not have those lightest weights in its designation, but I can attest that it fits and works just fine. Especially considering the price tag.
I’ve found the Zero to be an incredibly practical and durable little reel in both sizes. It has taken a number of blows from rocks and hasn’t cracked, dented, or been thrown out of alignment. The die-cast construction is admittedly not as rugged as machining, but if you’re relatively careful it should last for plenty of seasons and the occasional accident. Add in a great rubber handle, a solid clicker drag, and a lifetime warranty and it stands up to the competition pretty well. Plus, the Zero comes in at under $100.
If you love the feel of your small stream or ultralight fly rod, and you want a reel that will maintain that balance and feel, definitely consider the Redington Zero. Have any questions? Shoot me an email or leave a comment in the box below.