The Vision xlv nymph fly reel is my new best friend

I treated myself to a Vision XLV nymph fly reel (4/5 model) to complement my Vision Nymphmaniac fly rod because the leader kept getting caught behind the spool on my budget fly reel. 

It was an excellent decision because it eliminated the line jamming issue and proved to be a…  

good marriage with my 11ft 3# Vision Nymphmaniac rod.

So, how did this relationship begin?

After searching the internet, I found myself confronted with a daunting array of options, each vying for my attention and my hard-earned cash. The Vision XLV Nymph reel was just one name among many potential fly reels…

• Greys Fin Fly Reel
• Orvis Hydros II Euro reel
• Lampson Liquid reel  
• Redington Rise III
• Guideline Halo Reel
• Hardy Ultralite ASR
• Ross Evolution LTX
• Sage ESN Reel

Therefore, I added three selection criteria to narrow the euro nymphing reel choice:

• Budget of less than £250
• Cage design
• Smooth and sensitive drag system

After further reading, I decided on a Vision XLV 4/5 nymph reel because it was designed for Euro / Czech nymphing (tight line nymphing techniques), and it promised to complement my beloved Vision Nymphmaniac fly rod perfectly.

What is Special about the Vision XLV nymph fly reel?

The Vision Nymph XLV reel is packed with functional features and designed to accommodate the needs of nymphing fly anglers.

I already owned a Vision Nymphmaniac fly rod. Therefore, I expected this Vision fly reel would be a good choice, and I wasn’t disappointed. 

Build Quality – Robust construction for demanding nymphing conditions.

Upon opening the box, I was immediately struck by the reel’s aesthetics. It exuded a sense of craftsmanship and care, with decorative features like:

• stonefly nymph emblem,
• anodised green reel-foot,
• green dots that mark the drag settings.

The reel is constructed from a durable anodised aluminium alloy to protect against corrosion when nymphing in demanding conditions.

Overall, I felt the impressive build quality of the Vision XLV nymph fly reel alone justified its price tag.

Now, let’s delve into the functional features of this Vision fly reel that made me part with my money…

Tailored Features for Euro Nymphing Techniques

The Vision XLV nymph fly reel boasts a super-narrow large (95 mm diameter) arbor design for quick line retrieval and easy-to-play fish off the reel. Also, its large diameter means that euro lines and French leaders are stored on wide coils to minimise line memory.

On regular spool reels, I’m amazed at how often low-diameter leaders get underneath the spool and cause reel jamming. However, full-cage reels prevent line jamming, enabling you to focus on fishing when performing repetitive casting when tight line nymphing. 

The full-cage design does add additional weight to the reel, but on the plus side, it increases structural rigidity and protects the spool from accidental damage.  

Quick-change spool system & line capacity

The convenience of a quick-change spool system at the push of a button cannot be overstated, and the Vision XLV delivers on this front. However, what truly mattered to me was the spool’s line capacity, as I prefer not to carry spare spools when out on the water. 

I loaded the reel with 20 meters of backing, a WF3 floating line, and a 5-meter tapered shock leader for Euro nymphing. When I needed to switch to wet or dry flies, I simply spooled off the euro leader and added a standard tapered leader.

The long EVA handle is another feature I appreciate because…

• It’s easy to locate without looking,
• Provides a comfortable grip,
• Doesn’t turn frigid in winter, and
• Dries almost instantly when wet.

The handle is ideal for playing fish off the real, rather than hand lining them, especially for winter grayling fishing. 

Smooth Drag System with precise control for powerful fish

If there’s one feature of the Vision XLV nymph reel that truly won me over, it’s the drag system. It’s…

 disc brake drag mechanism is a marvel.

Offering 360-degree adjustment for precise control over line resistance. Just a single turn can take you from a gentle drag setting to nearly locked. A feature that is crucial for protecting light tippets and successfully landing fish. 

This drag system has been my saviour when hooking into big trout and grayling on the Welsh Dee. Whether the fish dashes into fast water or moves into a slower current, a few clicks of the drag knob are all it takes to regain control.

Final verdict of the Vision XLV nymph reel

After more than six months of fishing with the Vision Nymph XLV reel, I can confidently say that it has become my go-to nymphing reel.

While it may not be the most budget-friendly option at around £230, it has enhanced my tight line nymphing experience with its…

• Smooth disc brake, 
• Full cage design, 
• Super-narrow large arbor spool (95 mm diameter)
• and a host of other features.

This euro nymphing reel is more than just a tool; it’s a companion that helps me enjoy every moment on the water.

In conclusion, the Vision XLV reel is a superb nymphing reel that pairs seamlessly with my Vision 11ft 3# Nymphmaniac fly rod. While designed with Euro nymphing in mind, its functionality and features make it suitable for wet fly fishing and dry fly fishing alike.

Therefore, if you’re looking to improve your nymphing game and invest in a specialist nymphing reel, I would recommend looking at the Vision XLV Nymph Fly Reel.