Re: Oren-O-Matic reel: Help Wanted
Nearly all automatic fly reels have a tension release built into to them so that you neednt leave it stored with the spring under tension. Depending on exatly who actualy manufactured the one you have 'the release will appear in different places. The two most common designs were Martin and Shakespere. In the case of a Martin the release will appear as a small serated thumb slide protruding from the cover lock ring. Deppress it and the ratchet will release the cover to unwind,(turn backward) and releive spring tension. The other more common design is the shakespere, were the release is a kneraled ring located on the top of the spring houseing, about the size of a quarter. It will have a screw in the center with a notched ring locate around its base. By advanceing the ring in a clock wise direction the tension will be released. It is a good idea to familurize yourself with these features on automatic reels for a couple of reasons. First of course to help preserve the spring itself. Second is to allow line to be drawn without tension, should you get a run with a fish and the spring becomes fully wound tight, thus unable to release line against a light tippet. Too, to preclude the paratice of winding line all the way up into the reel as a way of releiveing spring tension. Doing so runs the risk of the line or leader spinning at speed witha loose end to slip itself under other loops of line on the spool and creating a catch that will work its way further down thru the layers of line till reaches a cross over point undertension and causeing the effect of a jammed reel. That last one is not unique to automatic fly reels, but has manifested itself in all types of reels when the line end is allowed to be wound on to the spool without consideration. Now that may be more information than you realy wanted, but how else could I have fashioned it, as to leave JC an opeaning to chim in and plug the use of Reel Dots. I mean fair is fair.
Capt. Paul Darby Dont wait to be ask, get out and teach.