Define Mooching Reel

AlwaysAbu

What is the difference between a mooching reel and a fly reel? They seem to be 1:1 with a drag but still direct drive?

DRIFTER_016

Diameter and weight are the biggest differences.
They are also designed to run mono or braid not fly line.
Because of this they may not hold enough backing when using flyline.

Permit Rat

Historically, I always thought mooching was more of a technique than anything else. Many decades ago, "mooching" rods were nothing more than a fly rod with a long extension butt. Anglers used bait casting reels with them. This rod enabled salmon fishermen to cast a light bait (like an egg sac) and a split shot, a decent distance into shallower parts of streams and rivers. Then later the technique was adapted to use with downriggers in deeper water. But still, their use and the techniques were pretty much limited to salmon.

It made perfect sense that real mooching rods were developed, placing the guides on the opposite side of the blank.....but I did not know that special reels had been developed as well. To the best of my knowledge, mooching has nothing to do with fly fishing, although the tackle did carry over to "noodle rods," that are popular in some circles today.