The classic "click" sound of a fly reel comes from a simple and dependable click-pawl drag system. Found in many traditional, minimalist, and entry-level fly reels, this design uses one or two spring-loaded pawls that engage with a gear on the spool. While click-pawl reels don't provide the stopping power of modern disc drag systems, they offer reliable overrun protection and the traditional sound many anglers enjoy.

One of the most common adjustments anglers make is switching the reel from a left-hand retrieve fly reel setup to a right hand retrieve fly reel conversion, or vice versa. Fortunately, most click-pawl reels are designed to make this process straightforward by changing the orientation of the pawl(s).

This guide explains fly reel click pawl orientation, how the mechanism works, and the general steps for converting your reel safely.

If your reel needs replacement parts or professional service, Mike's Reel Repair offers expert Fly Reel Repair and Fishing Reel Repair services for many popular brands.

Understanding the Click-Pawl Mechanism

To understand fly reel click pawl installation, it helps to know how the drag system functions.

Imagine a gear rotating inside the reel. A small triangular or wedge-shaped pawl is held against the gear by a spring.

Outgoing Drag

When a fish pulls line from the reel, the gear rotates in one direction.

The steep edge of the pawl catches the gear teeth, creating resistance while producing the familiar clicking sound.

Retrieve

When retrieving line, the gear rotates in the opposite direction.

The sloped side of the pawl slides smoothly across the gear teeth, creating little resistance and often producing a quieter click—or none at all.

Changing retrieve direction simply means repositioning the pawl so the steep edge engages during the new outgoing direction while the sloped edge remains on the retrieve side.

Preparation and Tools

Before opening your reel, prepare a clean workspace.

Work Area

Choose a clean, well-lit surface where small springs and parts won't get lost. A white towel or shallow parts tray works well.

Tools

Many click-pawl reels require no tools at all. Some models may need:

• Small flathead screwdriver
• Tweezers
• Pick tool

Safety Tip

Be careful when handling springs. They are small and can easily pop loose during disassembly.

Step-by-Step Guide to Fly Reel Click Pawl Orientation

While reel designs vary slightly by manufacturer, the basic process remains the same.

Step 1: Remove the Spool

Separate the spool from the frame according to your reel's design.

This may involve:

• Opening a latch
• Moving a release lever
• Unscrewing a center cap

Once removed, you'll have access to the internal drag components.

Step 2: Locate the Pawl and Spring

Identify the small pawl (or pawls) along with the spring that keeps each pawl pressed against the gear.

Some reels use:

• One pawl
• Two opposing pawls

Understanding which style your reel uses makes fly reel click pawl orientation much easier.

Step 3: Observe the Current Orientation

Before changing anything, study how the pawl currently engages the gear.

Notice:

• Which edge contacts the gear during outgoing drag
• Which edge rides over the teeth during retrieve

The steep side should always provide resistance while line leaves the reel.

Step 4: Reorient the Pawl(s)

This is the main step when performing a right hand retrieve fly reel conversion or changing to a left-hand retrieve fly reel setup.

Single-Pawl System

Carefully lift the pawl from its post.

If necessary:

• Remove or relax the spring.
• Rotate the pawl 180 degrees.
• Reinstall the spring so it applies proper pressure.

Dual-Pawl System

Many fly reels use two opposing pawls.

Depending on the reel design, one of the following methods is used.

• Identical Pawls

Some reels use two identical reversible pawls.

Simply rotate both pawls 180 degrees and reinstall the springs correctly.

• One Active Pawl

Other reels use one primary pawl for outgoing drag while the second provides lighter retrieve resistance.

Changing retrieve direction may involve:

• Flipping both pawls
• Flipping only one pawl
• Moving the spring to activate the opposite pawl

Because designs vary, carefully observe how your reel operates before making adjustments.

Step 5: Verify Proper Seating

Make sure:

• Pawls sit fully on their posts.
• Springs apply gentle pressure.
• Pawls remain engaged with the gear.

Incorrect spring placement may eliminate the clicking sound or reduce drag performance.

Step 6: Test Before Reassembly

If possible, rotate the gear by hand before reinstalling the spool.

You should notice:

• Stronger clicking in the outgoing direction
• Smooth movement during retrieve

Testing now helps prevent reopening the reel later.

Step 7: Reassemble the Reel

Reinstall the spool according to the manufacturer's instructions.

Make sure everything locks securely before testing.

Step 8: Perform a Final Test

Rotate the handle normally.

During retrieve, the reel should operate smoothly with little resistance.

Pull line from the spool.

You should hear the familiar outgoing click while feeling consistent drag pressure.

If everything works correctly, your fly reel click pawl installation is complete.

Important Things to Remember

• Keep Track of Small Parts

Pawls and springs are easy to lose.

Working over a towel or tray helps prevent misplaced components.

• Check Spring Position

Improper spring placement can prevent the pawl from engaging correctly.

Always verify that the spring applies light pressure toward the gear.

• Follow Manufacturer Instructions

If your reel manual is available, refer to it before beginning.

Manufacturer instructions provide model-specific guidance that may differ slightly from general procedures.

• Not Every Reel Is Convertible

Although most click-pawl fly reels allow retrieve conversion, some older or specialty models have fixed configurations.

Always confirm compatibility before disassembling the reel.

• Lubricate While the Reel Is Open

With the reel apart, apply a very small amount of reel grease to:

1. Pawl posts
2. Gear teeth
3. Pivot points

Avoid getting grease directly on the pawl faces or springs, as excess lubricant may affect performance.

Keep Your Fly Reel Working Smoothly

Changing fly reel click pawl orientation is a simple adjustment that allows anglers to customize their reel for comfortable left- or right-hand retrieve. By understanding how the pawl engages the gear and following proper installation steps, you can complete a left hand retrieve fly reel setup or right hand retrieve fly reel conversion with confidence.

Regular maintenance and careful fly reel click pawl installation help keep your reel operating smoothly while preserving the classic click that makes traditional fly reels so enjoyable. If your reel needs replacement parts or professional repairs, Mike's Reel Repair offers experienced service for a wide range of fly reels.

Frequently Ask Questions

1. How do you change a click-pawl fly reel from left to right-hand retrieve?

Most click-pawl fly reels can be converted by removing the spool, locating the pawl and spring, and reversing the pawl's position. After reassembly, test the reel to confirm smooth retrieval and proper drag resistance in the new retrieve direction.

2. What does the click-pawl mechanism do in a fly reel?

A click-pawl mechanism provides light drag resistance by allowing the pawl to engage the spool gear when line is pulled out. It also produces the classic clicking sound while helping prevent spool overrun during a fish fight.

3. Do you need special tools to adjust a click-pawl fly reel?

Many click-pawl fly reels can be adjusted without special tools. Some models may require a small flathead screwdriver, tweezers, or a pick to reposition the pawl or spring safely during the conversion process.

4. Why is proper pawl orientation important?

Correct pawl orientation allows the reel to provide drag resistance when line leaves the spool while keeping retrieval smooth. An incorrectly positioned pawl may reduce drag performance, create excessive resistance, or stop the click mechanism from working properly.

5. Should you lubricate a click-pawl fly reel during maintenance?

Yes. Apply a small amount of reel grease to the gear and pawl posts while the reel is open. Avoid greasing the pawl face or spring, as excess lubricant can interfere with the click action and proper drag operation.