FAQ
Do FW and FW+ reels share the same frame?
How do I remove the spool on my Nautilus CCF or NV fly fishing reel?
Old Florida Products: Do you offer warranty on Old Florida Reels and Pliers?
Can I upgrade my Nautilus drag system to the CCF drag system?
Can I upgrade my Nautilus spool to the screw on version?
Where is the serial number located on my reel?
What do custom colored reels cost and what color options do you offer?
How do I maintain my Nautilus CCF Fly Fishing Reel?
Do the Nautilus 8-12S have the same size drag cylinder?
Can I change my Nautilus CCF fly fishing reel from left hand retrieve to right hand retrieve?
Can I use the Nautilus FW series in salt water?
How do I maintain my Nautilus FW (Feather Weight) reel?
Can I change my Nautilus Feather Weight fly fishing reel from left hand retrieve to right hand retrieve?
Can I use Power Pro or Gelspun backing on my fly fishing reel?
Do FW and FW+ reels share the same frame?
All FW and FW+ spools in the same size (3 &3 +, 5 & 5+, 7 & 7+) have identical housings. That means that any FW+ spool will fit the frame of a regular FW housing in the same size and vice versa. to determine if you have a + or regular spool we have laser engraved the spindle inside the top of the handle with a + sign.
How do I remove the spool on my Nautilus CCF or NV fly fishing reel?
The nameplate on the spool (the cap with the Nautilus Reels logo/shell on it) needs to be turned counter clockwise. This name plate is a screw cap that stays on the spool. Once you feel it is completely loose, pull off the spool.
Old Florida Products: Do you offer warranty on Old Florida Reels and Pliers?
Nautilus reels will honor Old Florida Reel warranties for reels made in 2003 or later. All older reels, rods and pliers are not covered by Nautilus Reels' limited lifetime warranty.
Can I upgrade my Nautilus drag system to the CCF drag system?
Yes you can upgrade the drag system on your reel to the newer CCF drag system. Upgrades feature the signature red backplate. The cost for the CCF upgrade is $65.00 and covers S&H. To request an upgrade, please send in your reel (with all spools) to the factory, attention repairs, along with a check or credit card information for the payment. Please include a telephone number where you can be reached during office hours in case we need to contact you.
Can I upgrade my Nautilus spool to the screw on version?
Older style latch-on spools can be upgraded to the new screw-on version with the red logo on the name plate. The cost for this service is $95 and includes shipping and handling (UPS Ground) within the continental USA. Please ship complete reel as modifications need to be made on the hub as well, and remove all line and backing as the upgrade requires that. If the reel is sent in with line and backing, only the line will be returned as the backing needs to be stripped from the spool for the service.
This is a separate service from the CCF drag upgrade.
Where is the serial number located on my reel?
The serial number on your reel is laser engraved into the underside of your reel foot where it fits into the reel seat. When on the rod, the reel seat will entirely cover the serial number.
What do custom colored reels cost and what color options do you offer?
All Nautilus reels can be ordered with custom colored housings and spools. They must be ordered at your local Nautilus fly fishing reels dealer. The cost for a custom colored reel in 1 color is an additional $100 per reel. If at the time of the order an additional spool is ordered, the spare spool is an additional $50 for the color option as long as it is the same color as the housing.
Delivery time for custom orders varies from 2 to 4 weeks, depending on availability. Available colors are Blood Red, Violet, Purple, Burned Orange, Pink, Deep Gold, Moss Green, and Electric Blue.
How do I maintain my Nautilus CCF and NV Fly Fishing Reel?
Nautilus fly fishing reels are very easy to maintain. After an outing to salt water, remove and rinse the spool and housing / center hub lightly with tap water. Allow ample time for the reel ans spool (line and backing) to dry. Our sealed CCF drag system is maintenance free, but keep in mind that the fly fishing reel is built to precise tolerances, and if you do not wash the spool off after several outings in salt water, salt may cake up the fly fishing reel and seize the spool to the housing / center hub. While not required, feel free to apply a light coat of oil to the center hub.
Do the Nautilus 8-12S have the same size drag cylinder?
The Nautilus 8,10, 12 and 12DD all share the same drag cylinder (Center Hub).
The Nautilus 12T and 12S have a larger center hub than the 8,10 and 12 to allow for a larger drag surface for bigger fish and longer runs often encountered in blue water.
Can I change my Nautilus CCF and NV fly fishing reel from left hand retrieve to right hand retrieve?
Nautilus CCF and NV fly fishing reels are available in right hand or left hand models only. In order to preserve the integrity of the parts that are sealed inside the center hub of our maintenance free fly fishing reels, Nautilus reels are strictly left-hand or right hand retrieve models. The RH/LH mechanism is housed inside the center hub of the fly fishing reel. We urge you not to attempt to change the direction of the retrieve yourself, since attempting to open the center hub will not only damage the Nautilus fly fishing reel permanently but will also void the lifetime warranty. Should you require to have the retrieve direction changed, take it to you local Nautilus reels dealer who will have center hubs in stock and will switch it for you in less than five minutes. If you prefer you can send the fly fishing reel in its original packaging directly to our factory (Attention: Service / Repairs) and request a conversion, and we will convert the retrieve direction for you. Please include a $20.00 money order or check for shipping and handling.
Can I use the Nautilus FW series in salt water?
Yes. You can use the FW reels in salt water. However, as with most reels, when used in salt water, additional care must be taken when rinsing out the reel: The one-way clutch must be thoroughly rinsed and lubed with a light to medium heavy oil/grease for rust prevention (on all reels prior to shipping from the factory we apply BoeShield to our one-way clutches and bearings). Dry all fly reels thoroughly before extended storage.
How do I maintain my Nautilus FW (Feather Weight) reel?
When used in fresh water, just make sure it is dry before storage. To dry, remove the spool from the housing and let dry for a day or two.
If used in salt water, wash down with fresh water, dry thoroughly and apply anti-corrosive oil/lubricant to the one-way clutch when dry. Dry all fly reels thoroughly before extended storage.
Can I change my Nautilus Feather Weight fly fishing reel from left hand retrieve to right hand retrieve?
Yes. The operation is very simple. Remove the spool and remove the stainless steel c-clip (preferrably place a small zip-loc bag over the shaft to avoid losing the c-clip). Pull the one-way clutch off, turn it over and replace it on the shaft. Place the c-clip back onto the shaft groove above the one way clutch and put the spool back on.
Can I use Braided or Gelspun backing on my fly fishing reel?
Yes. Braided and gel-spun lines have become a very popular alternative for fly-line backing. All Nautilus fly fishing reels can be loaded with gelspun and braided lines. We recommend 50 lb. Gelspun or braid to replace 20 lb backing and 65 lb. gelspun or braid to replace 30lb backing. This should enable you to double the backing capacity of your fly fishing reel.
How do I remove the spool on my Nautilus CCF or NV fly fishing reel?
Old Florida Products: Do you offer warranty on Old Florida Reels and Pliers?
Can I upgrade my Nautilus drag system to the CCF drag system?
Can I upgrade my Nautilus spool to the screw on version?
Where is the serial number located on my reel?
What do custom colored reels cost and what color options do you offer?
How do I maintain my Nautilus CCF Fly Fishing Reel?
Do the Nautilus 8-12S have the same size drag cylinder?
Can I change my Nautilus CCF fly fishing reel from left hand retrieve to right hand retrieve?
Can I use the Nautilus FW series in salt water?
How do I maintain my Nautilus FW (Feather Weight) reel?
Can I change my Nautilus Feather Weight fly fishing reel from left hand retrieve to right hand retrieve?
Can I use Power Pro or Gelspun backing on my fly fishing reel?
Do FW and FW+ reels share the same frame?
All FW and FW+ spools in the same size (3 &3 +, 5 & 5+, 7 & 7+) have identical housings. That means that any FW+ spool will fit the frame of a regular FW housing in the same size and vice versa. to determine if you have a + or regular spool we have laser engraved the spindle inside the top of the handle with a + sign.
How do I remove the spool on my Nautilus CCF or NV fly fishing reel?
The nameplate on the spool (the cap with the Nautilus Reels logo/shell on it) needs to be turned counter clockwise. This name plate is a screw cap that stays on the spool. Once you feel it is completely loose, pull off the spool.
Old Florida Products: Do you offer warranty on Old Florida Reels and Pliers?
Nautilus reels will honor Old Florida Reel warranties for reels made in 2003 or later. All older reels, rods and pliers are not covered by Nautilus Reels' limited lifetime warranty.
Can I upgrade my Nautilus drag system to the CCF drag system?
Yes you can upgrade the drag system on your reel to the newer CCF drag system. Upgrades feature the signature red backplate. The cost for the CCF upgrade is $65.00 and covers S&H. To request an upgrade, please send in your reel (with all spools) to the factory, attention repairs, along with a check or credit card information for the payment. Please include a telephone number where you can be reached during office hours in case we need to contact you.
Can I upgrade my Nautilus spool to the screw on version?
Older style latch-on spools can be upgraded to the new screw-on version with the red logo on the name plate. The cost for this service is $95 and includes shipping and handling (UPS Ground) within the continental USA. Please ship complete reel as modifications need to be made on the hub as well, and remove all line and backing as the upgrade requires that. If the reel is sent in with line and backing, only the line will be returned as the backing needs to be stripped from the spool for the service.
This is a separate service from the CCF drag upgrade.
Where is the serial number located on my reel?
The serial number on your reel is laser engraved into the underside of your reel foot where it fits into the reel seat. When on the rod, the reel seat will entirely cover the serial number.
What do custom colored reels cost and what color options do you offer?
All Nautilus reels can be ordered with custom colored housings and spools. They must be ordered at your local Nautilus fly fishing reels dealer. The cost for a custom colored reel in 1 color is an additional $100 per reel. If at the time of the order an additional spool is ordered, the spare spool is an additional $50 for the color option as long as it is the same color as the housing.
Delivery time for custom orders varies from 2 to 4 weeks, depending on availability. Available colors are Blood Red, Violet, Purple, Burned Orange, Pink, Deep Gold, Moss Green, and Electric Blue.
How do I maintain my Nautilus CCF and NV Fly Fishing Reel?
Nautilus fly fishing reels are very easy to maintain. After an outing to salt water, remove and rinse the spool and housing / center hub lightly with tap water. Allow ample time for the reel ans spool (line and backing) to dry. Our sealed CCF drag system is maintenance free, but keep in mind that the fly fishing reel is built to precise tolerances, and if you do not wash the spool off after several outings in salt water, salt may cake up the fly fishing reel and seize the spool to the housing / center hub. While not required, feel free to apply a light coat of oil to the center hub.
Do the Nautilus 8-12S have the same size drag cylinder?
The Nautilus 8,10, 12 and 12DD all share the same drag cylinder (Center Hub).
The Nautilus 12T and 12S have a larger center hub than the 8,10 and 12 to allow for a larger drag surface for bigger fish and longer runs often encountered in blue water.
Can I change my Nautilus CCF and NV fly fishing reel from left hand retrieve to right hand retrieve?
Nautilus CCF and NV fly fishing reels are available in right hand or left hand models only. In order to preserve the integrity of the parts that are sealed inside the center hub of our maintenance free fly fishing reels, Nautilus reels are strictly left-hand or right hand retrieve models. The RH/LH mechanism is housed inside the center hub of the fly fishing reel. We urge you not to attempt to change the direction of the retrieve yourself, since attempting to open the center hub will not only damage the Nautilus fly fishing reel permanently but will also void the lifetime warranty. Should you require to have the retrieve direction changed, take it to you local Nautilus reels dealer who will have center hubs in stock and will switch it for you in less than five minutes. If you prefer you can send the fly fishing reel in its original packaging directly to our factory (Attention: Service / Repairs) and request a conversion, and we will convert the retrieve direction for you. Please include a $20.00 money order or check for shipping and handling.
Can I use the Nautilus FW series in salt water?
Yes. You can use the FW reels in salt water. However, as with most reels, when used in salt water, additional care must be taken when rinsing out the reel: The one-way clutch must be thoroughly rinsed and lubed with a light to medium heavy oil/grease for rust prevention (on all reels prior to shipping from the factory we apply BoeShield to our one-way clutches and bearings). Dry all fly reels thoroughly before extended storage.
How do I maintain my Nautilus FW (Feather Weight) reel?
When used in fresh water, just make sure it is dry before storage. To dry, remove the spool from the housing and let dry for a day or two.
If used in salt water, wash down with fresh water, dry thoroughly and apply anti-corrosive oil/lubricant to the one-way clutch when dry. Dry all fly reels thoroughly before extended storage.
Can I change my Nautilus Feather Weight fly fishing reel from left hand retrieve to right hand retrieve?
Yes. The operation is very simple. Remove the spool and remove the stainless steel c-clip (preferrably place a small zip-loc bag over the shaft to avoid losing the c-clip). Pull the one-way clutch off, turn it over and replace it on the shaft. Place the c-clip back onto the shaft groove above the one way clutch and put the spool back on.
Can I use Braided or Gelspun backing on my fly fishing reel?
Yes. Braided and gel-spun lines have become a very popular alternative for fly-line backing. All Nautilus fly fishing reels can be loaded with gelspun and braided lines. We recommend 50 lb. Gelspun or braid to replace 20 lb backing and 65 lb. gelspun or braid to replace 30lb backing. This should enable you to double the backing capacity of your fly fishing reel.
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