Using the Scientific Anglers Regulator Spool
One of the biggest challenges with fly fishing is also one of the easiest to overlook. Having the right fly line for the conditions. Over the years, I’ve accumulated more fly lines than I care to admit. Different tapers, different densities, different temperatures and different species can all call for something different. The problem is that carrying a dedicated reel for every line gets old pretty quickly—especially when you’re traveling. That’s where the Scientific Anglers Regulator Spool comes in.
In my latest video, I take a closer look at the Regulator Spool and show how I use it to make changing fly lines quick, simple and far more manageable when I’m on the road.
One Reel, Multiple Lines
The idea behind the Scientific Anglers Regulator Spool is pretty simple! Instead of carrying a separate reel for every fly line you own, you can store your extra lines in the boxes they come in. They are organized and labeled, and you can swap them onto a reel in a second with the Regulator Spool.
For someone who travels with fly fishing gear, that can make a pretty big difference in the way you pack. Not to mention how much weight it saves you in your bag.
When I’m traveling, I want to bring enough gear to be prepared without bringing an entire fly shop with me. Reels take up space, and once you start carrying multiple rods and reels, that space disappears quickly.
Being able to bring one reel and several lines gives me a lot more flexibility without adding a pile of extra equipment. And do not get me wrong, I love reels and have a bunch of those too! But I have favourites! And when I am travelling, there are only so many reels I can actually fit in a suitcase!
From Cool Water to Warm Water with the Scientific Anglers Regulator Spool
In the video, I walk through changing from a cool-water fly line to a warm-water line before heading out to chase peacock bass.
This is one of those situations where having the right line matters. Fly lines are designed around specific conditions, and the way a line performs can change considerably with water and air temperature. Learn a little more about that in this video where I break down some fly line basics
Rather than bringing another reel with me, I brought the Regulator Spool. I can pull the line off, store it on the spool it came on, and put the line I need onto the reel.
The whole process is considerably easier than trying to wind and manage a loose fly line by hand.
And, perhaps more importantly, it means I can carry several lines without needing a corresponding reel for each one.
Putting the Scientific Anglers Regulator Spool to the Test
Of course, talking about a piece of gear is one thing. I wanted to actually put the setup to work.
Once the warm-water line was on the reel, it was time to go find some peacock bass.
Peacock bass are one of my favorite fish to chase on a fly. They are aggressive, powerful and incredibly visual, which makes them a perfect species for putting your gear through its paces.
The line change was the practical part of the video, but getting out on the water and putting that setup to work is what really matters. Pairing the Scientific Anglers Magnitude Bonefish Plus line with a Whuff Rod Co. Fish Whistle was not the best combo. Don’t get me wrong, they work great together! But here I am not presenting a small shrimp pattern to a tailing bonefish 50 feet away. So I am going to have to utilize that Regulator Spool again to swap out to another line for close quarter fishing!
Gear is supposed to make fishing easier, not become another thing you have to worry about. Having options and solutions is what allows you to focus on the fishing and not the problems!
A Handy Tool for Traveling Anglers
I think the Regulator Spool makes the most sense for anglers who travel, fish multiple species or regularly encounter different conditions.
If you’re heading somewhere where you might need a floating line in the morning and something completely different later in the day, and can not pack multiple reels. Just having the ability to change lines without carrying multiple reels can be a big advantage.
For me, that’s the kind of gear I appreciate most. The stuff that doesn’t necessarily look exciting sitting in your gear bag but makes life easier when you’re actually out fishing.
So in this video, I put the Regulator Spool to work. I swap out my line, head for warm water and go looking for peacock bass.
Give the video a watch and let me know what you think. And if you’ve been carrying a bunch of extra reels around simply because you want different fly lines available, this might be worth adding to your travel kit.
