Here's how different materials stack up: Bottom line: Black nickel coated high carbon steel is the standard for good reason sharp from the pack, low glare in the water, and durable enough for a full season if rinsed after every outing
Take a look at the top five series of fly reels that you really need to know about: Vosseler DC: robust and lightweight fly reels
He knew there was potential to break the record due to the larger albacore that the area has enjoyed the past couple of years
If not, you at least have a beautiful and well made engineering marvel, and piece of history, to display
Not only does he make utterly great instruments that I have seen first hand (and own), but also I know he has done other kind things like donating instruments for charity funds such as one for the Motor Neurone Disesase fundraiser being managed by Lesley Fowkes (a uke player known to many of us who was very sadly diagnosed with this condition fairly recently)
It is a necessary step after a fish takes your fly that helps drive the point of the hook into the fishs mouth and, we hope, keeps it there through the fight