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Best Fly Fishing Reels – Buying Guide and Reviews
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- Introduction to the Best Fly Fishing Reels on the Market
- Conclusion on the Best Fly Fishing Reels on the Market
Introduction to the Best Fly Fishing Reels on the Market
When you are planning on buying a fly reel for your fly rod you should keep two things in mind:
1. The fly reel should generally function well
2. The fly reel should function well with your fly rod
Choosing a fly reel with great options and features is the easier of the two criteria to match.
Fulfilling the second criteria is a little harder because you really have to research the fly reel and fly rod to see if they are balanced together.
So let us help you with your quest on finding the best fly fishing reels for your fly fishing rods.
Product | Image | Features | Buy Button |
1. Ross Animas Best Overall |  |
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2. Lamson -Waterworks Guru 2 Best Saltwater |  |
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3. Orvis Clearwater Best Beginner |  |
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4. Redington Rise Best Mid Priced |  |
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5. Redington Behemoth Best Drag |  |
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6. Piscifun Sword Best Budget Friendly |  |
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Best Fly Fishing Reels Over $150
Fly fishing reels in this price range generally have better fit and finish and most of them come with bigger spools and arbors in order that you can easily reel the fish in.
Additionally, they are lightweight but without damaging the structure and integrity of the reel, plus they have smoother drag systems.
They run effortlessly without sticking – and without any form of hiccups that can be sufficient to break your tippet and lose your fly which leads to losing your fish and potentially the catch of a lifetime.
They are also rust-resistant, which protects your drag system for a smooth run.
The manufacturers of these reels, protect the drag system from all kinds of things, sand, grit, moisture, even impact.
1) Loop Opti Dryfly Fly Fishing Reel
Loop Opti Dryfly Fly Reel is a general-purpose trout fly fishing reel. Its big size allows for 4, 5, and 6 weight fly lines.
In terms of weight, it is light for casting the entire day.
It doesn’t matter if you like fishing streamers from your boat, sipping rainbows or drifting dry flies. This reel is the perfect fit.
The arbor is large in size which results in less reeling while greatly increasing the retrieve rate and bigger coils of the fly line getting off the reel.
Machine aluminum makes the reel light in weight and has better corrosion resistance because it has undergone a special treatment-anodization- which makes it stronger and more consistent throughout casting.
The reel has a power matrix drag system that is sealed to prevent dirt, dust, sand and water from affecting its performance.
It is adjustable as well. Its brake knob is of a good size to allow for gripping and is used the same way a car’s foot brake is used. The operation is simple and easy.
This reel can be used on either side to mean conversions from the left hand to the right hand and vice versa are usable.
The spool and frame are made from machined aluminum to withstand all kinds of physical impact subjected to it in the course of fishing.
Down to dimensions, the reel has a diameter of 4.02’’, a capacity of WF5 190 yards 20lbs, its width is .79’’ and it weighs 4.76 ounces which is light.
A limited lifetime warranty will take care of the repairs and replacements if need be.
Its sole purpose is trout fishing so if you are not a fan of trying other kinds of fish, it will serve you diligently.
Otherwise if you are experimental, adding a versatile reel in your collection will do more good. This doesn’t mean that it is unreliable.
Undecided check our full review for more details on the opti fly reel.
2) Waterworks-Lamson Guru Fly Fishing Reels
If you are in the market for a workhorse of a reel the Lamson Guru II is right up your street.
The Torrington roller clutch provides instant torque transmission without backlash and without damaging the line and leader.
This series of reels are well known for presenting notable quality at an inexpensive price.
Waterworks-Lamson keeps the tradition of excellence with its Guru II Fly Reel, a slick and fashionable reel with a flavor for adventure.
The C1 design group at Waterworks-Lamson has improved Guru’s big arbor spool geometry, ensuing in enhanced retrieve rates.
They’ve additionally opened the porting to reduce weight and improve line drying, integrated the counterbalance, and delivered a curved cross-section arbor for structural firmness.
Fully produced within the US, the Guru II features a clear type 2 anodized finish, ensuring that this reels appearance is slick, modern and remains reliable for years to come.
Features including:
- Conical drag system that gives you an extra smooth drag that has enough punch to stop a car.
- It has a large arbor to increase the retrieval rate that you will love and offers consistent drag torque every time.
- The machined aluminum structure and open spoke layout give great strength and styling you will be happy showing to your fishing buddies.
- Made in the US reliability you can trust.
- 6 sizes 3 wt to 10 wt to cover all possibilities
I know you will love the Lamson Guru II fished by many fly fishing anglers who have vouched for the reel’s good points in their reviews with a near-perfect score. Not many reels are this good at this price.
Spec: Size 7-8 • 5.08oz • 150yds 20lb backing • Sealed drag
Check our In-depth Review
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3) Ross Reels Animas Series Fly Fishing Reels
Ross Reels Animas Series Fly Fishing reel has proven features to out-perform and its Excellency to tame wild trout is undeniable.
It doesn’t let the wild fish roam. On the contrary, they submit to your hand with a smooth drag system. Read more on the features of this reel below:
The one-piece frame and spool are fully machined and can hold up well against the abuse that an agile angler can dish out.
Something dependable. Its Delrin 500AF drag system with Teflon is very durable and self-lubricating and is maintenance-free. The reel performs in both salt and freshwater environs.
The quick-release spool is easily switchable when the line change is on track.
Its handle is well designed, soft to touch and comfortable. It has a reverse taper which increases comfort and control when fish tries to relent.
The reel can be operated on the left or on the right-hand side. Conversions are easy to make.
6061-T6 proprietary aluminum alloy is used to make the reel making it tough and durable.
Being an alloy, it withstands physical impact without affecting quality and performance.
Ross Reel designed these reel series with a bell-shaped ultra-large arbor which takes all the advantages of a large arbor design to extreme levels and holds all the backing well.
There is a lifetime warranty on this reel which is a juicy deal. You know how expensive repairs, servicing and worse, a replacement can drain you.
Luckily, Ross Reels has this well taken care of. The series has different sizes of reels depending on the sizes: size ¾ 4.3 ounces, size 4/5 4.5 ounces, size 5/6 4.9 ounces, size 7/8 7 ounces and size 9/10 8.5 ounces.
The Animas Series by Ross Reels has a solid performance and the manufacturer’s history of producing excellent bomb-proof reels that are mid-priced makes it a go for reel.
4) Redington RISE Fly Fishing Reels
The rise series is Redington’s go-to, reliable fly fishing reel for consistent outcomes every time.
This reel can offer the salt or freshwater fly fisher with everything they want, and the best part is that it’s able to do it at a price that won’t cost a fortune.
The Rise offers a basic, no-frills and reliable experience, with a degree of sophistication that comes from Redington.
One of the predominant benefits of this reel is its durability. It can be dropped, knocked, hit, trodden on, thrown, and abused in just about every way you think of and the machined aluminum will resist it.
An additional advantage of this reel is its price tag – Redington is a brand regarded for its reliability and affordability, and the Rise collection seems to be another example of this.
Features including:
- CNC machined, anodized 6061-T6 aluminum design with quick release spool
- Ultra-large arbor design for quick line retrieve
- Compact and smooth carbon fiber drag system
- Twin molded, soft-touch ergonomic handles
- Easily adjustable drag with the large knob.
- Convertible from left to right
- Comes with a nylon reel case
- Lifetime warranty – sign it up on the website to make sure though
This is a reel you may take anywhere and assume it to carry out its duty, despite the conditions.
What’s even better, the rise series is protected by means of a lifetime warranty from Redington, providing you with peace of mind while doing the thing you love.
Spec: Size 7-8 • 5.5oz • 200yds 20lb backing • Not sealed drag
5) Orvis Hydros Sl Fly Fishing Reels
The Hydros SL grants a 12% increase in line retrieval rate, has a narrow spool to dispose of line stacking and gives increased backing capacity.
Additionally, it has a fully sealed drag mechanism. This means that it’s ready to move to fish on salt.
Smooth and clean start-up inertia is a trademark of the high-quality, high-end production and overall high-performance reels.
The Orvis Hydros SL, can provide what it promises with this reel, and does so at a price that is only a small fragment of the price other competitors with similar performances ask for.
Further to the Hydros SL’s speedy line pickup, Orvis designed the spool with a deep, barely V-cut spool that holds a generous amount of backing and resists line stacking quite properly.
This is especially welcomed when putting the Hydros SL on a double-handed rod.
In particular, whilst fishing cumbersome Skagit heads which can consume up the head area on a spool and make it prone to stacking line.
Features including:
- Large arbor reel
- 12% increase in line retrieval from the previous Hydros thanks to super large arbor
- Fully sealed drag-clutch bearing
- Narrow spool for less line stacking and increased backing capacity
- Ergonomically designed asymmetric drag knob
- 3x stronger drag with zero start-up inertia
The whole lot of the Hydros SL’s design and production seems first-class.
The reel’s bar stock aluminum is beautifully anodized in a black colour, the body and spool have tight tolerances and the reel’s drag handle of is ergonomically designed, smooth-to-take hold turns very smoothly.
Spec: Size 7-8 • 5.9oz • 100yds 20lb backing • Sealed drag
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Check Our Hydros SL Review
Best Fly Fishing Reels Over From $100 to $150
There is not really a big difference between the reels between $100 to $150 and the ones that go above $150.
The most noticeable difference is that when you buy a more expensive reel, you are 100% sure that it will serve you for years to come.
With the cheaper ones about half the time, you buy them based on luck.
You might buy a reel that will serve you for years, but on the other hand, you may get a reel that will break down after a couple of months.
Furthermore, with reels in this price range, you can’t get as big of a catch as with the high-quality ones.
You must set the drag lightly at the beginning and whilst the fish gets in line with the reel, you need a clean transition out of your hand to the drag on the reel.
If you set your drag too tightly, you increase the risk of breaking it off. So while that is possible let’s look at some of the best possibilities.
6) Orvis Clearwater Large Arbor Fly Fishing Reels
It is a solid aluminum big arbor fly fishing reel that is lightweight enough for balancing properly with your favorite fly rod and without a doubt the best quality-price fly reel around.
Years spent in layout and improvement and with an effective inline, Rulon to stainless, stacked disc drag which can hold its ground against the high-performance machined reels.
The all-new Clearwater Large Arbor charges appreciably less than its machined counters, however, it doesn’t have only the look, but the guts of a higher-priced model.
IT can transform without problems to both left- or right-hand retrieve, the Clearwater fly reel has a positive click drag knob for stable settings each time.
Features including:
- Powerful inline, Rulon® to stainless, stacked disc drag
- Easily Interchangeable from right to left
- High performance, affordable price
- Cast aluminum machined
- Large-arbor for speedy line pickup
- Click-drag knob feels positive
Whether or not you’re seeking out your first huge arbor, fishing on a budget, or need a spare or two inside the bag, you will love the brand new Clearwater.
Its big-Arbor can deal with anything a machined reel can and absolutely changes the competition in die-cast reels.
This price range is great for beginner to intermediate fishermen but experts and advanced might want to continue shopping.
Size 7-8 • 6.3oz • 100yds 20lb backing • Not sealed
6) Redington Behemoth Fly Fishing Reel
The unique design of the Redington Behemoth Fly Reel is not a mistake. Its aesthetics combined with durable construction makes the reel capable of doing great in the water.
This reel works well with 4 and 5 weights and has enough strength to wrangle all types of fish.
This reel has a carbon fiber drag system which so far is the most powerful and effective in its class.
It is adjustable too. With a large arbor, it quickens the retrieve rate and greatly reduces line memory to give you the best experience as you fish.
Its drag knob is designed to be bigger than the usual size for easy adjustment and a good grip.
Conversions from the left-hand side to the right-hand side and from the right-hand side to the left-hand side are not complicated.
Unmachined Die-Cast construction is a unique feature and makes the reel durable despite the conditions it is exposed to.
The V-spool is deep. This attribute increases the backing capacity of the reel.
Ergonomics is on point with the handles twin molded and finished to give you comfort when holding the rod. The handle is safe and gentle on your hands.
The reel has a diameter of 3.4 and a backing of 125 yards 50lbs. It is not heavy and weighs 5.2 ounces.
You can find this reel in O.D green, black, gunmetal or desert.
Redington includes a nylon reel case that can be used for storage and protection against environmental effects like sand and dirt or exposure to water when not in use.
You get a lifetime warranty upon purchase that caters for all the servicing, repairs and replacement.
Count on this reel for reliability, strength, performance and is suitable for any angler. It is an all-season reel and its stunning look is a bonus to it.
7) Piscifun Platte Fully Sealed Drag Large Arbor Fly Fishing Reels
The Piscifun Platte Fully Sealed Drag Large Arbor Fly Fishing Reel Fully is fully sealed with carbon alloy. It doesn’t require much maintenance except simple rinsing after use. The sealed drag is protected from sand and small gravel and has an ample drag strength.
Requiring no preservation besides simple rinsing for each clean and saltwater fishing.
Sealed drag and near machining tolerances-Sand and small gravel couldn’t locate its way into the reel.
The click drag and retrieve provides accurate and repeatable drag settings making a very subtle click in and outgoing. The drag system has a larger working surface for more easy adjustment while fish is on the line and better dissipation of heat and smoothness.
Features including:
- Solid CNC-machined aluminum alloy construction provides increased corrosion protection
- Multi-disc cork and stainless steel drag system
- Clicker Drag design offers accurate adjustment
- Sealed o-ring screw cap resists dirt and grit and lost as well
- Hard anodized finish offers long-lasting performance for abrasion resistance
- Large-Arbor Design reduce line memory while also facilitating lightning-quick line pickup.
- Fully sealed carbon to stainless drag system resists dirt and grit.
- Knurled Drag Knob for easy gripping
- Quick, easy left/right conversion
- Manufacturer’s a lifetime warranty
The Piscifun fly reel has strong and yet lightweight, well ventilated spool for drying the line and reducing weight. With the large arbon design the retrieve rate is increased, holds more backing and pics up fast to give you the edge you need to reel in your catch.
Spec: Size 7-8 • 7.9oz • 125yds 20lb backing • Sealed drag
8) Orvis Battenkill Fly Fishing Reels
Easy layout and wonderful creation make this the right click-and-pawl fly reel for almost any freshwater fishing scenario.
A minimalist’s dream, the all-new Battenkill features a classically styled, yet technically more advantageous, four-position click on-and-pawl drag system.
This system is adjusted internally and is designed to work in tandem with the palm of your hand on the scorching screechy runs.
Designed with a slender spool for less line stacking on retrieving and a larger spool diameter for faster line retrieval.
The extremely-lightweight fly reel design balances and matches accordingly on shorter rods.
Machined from heavy-duty bar-inventory aluminum for added resilience. It adjusts from left or right retrieve without problems.
Features including:
- Four-position click-and-pawl drag system
- Classic styling
- Narrow spool means less line stacking
- Large spool diameter for high retrieval rate
- Ultra Lightweight design balances with shorter rods
- Easily adjustable left- or right-hand retrieve
- Laser-engraved logos
- Machined from heavy-duty bar-stock aluminium
This newest Battenkill Disc version is true to its predecessors in looks and performance, but updated with the newest design enhancements and an appreciably more effective drag. Under the mid sized arbor is the identically sealed drag machine found in the Hydros SL including six combining carbon and steel drag surfaces. The positive click drag is simple and easy to alter and adjust to the fishing situation.
Spec: Size 7-8 • 5.9oz • 125yds 20lbs backing• Sealed drag
Best Fly Fishing Reels under $100
These reels are probably the cheapest you will find. In this price range, you cannot expect great durability as you can expect from the more expensive types of reels. They do not give you great backing capacity or drag as smooth as you would want it to be.
Additionally, under some pressure the strength will probably fade and most of all, in it’s not a sealed drag system, saltwater will damage it. Another thing that will protect your reel is if it’s anodized or not. Needless to say, the higher the quality of the reel, gives you a better-anodized surface.
The very important thing is even though most of them are lightweight, they are not as light as the higher-end ones are. Finally, when you want to clean it from saltwater, you can’t take them apart and put them back together as easily as the more expensive ones.
9) Redington Zero Fly Fishing Reels
Speaking of the layout, the reel holds a ported spool for weight reduction and to help keep your backing and line dry. Along with this porting, the face of the reel has a unique minimalistic design which could only be done by using the use of die-casting instead of CNC, the usual approach used in the fly reel industry.
The handle counterbalance is part of the spool, in place of a small aluminum button at the reel’s face, this doesn’t only aid in weight reduction but also compliments the aesthetics of the reel.
The primary part it plays is as a river reel that is available in sizes for 2-3 wt lines and 4-5 wt lines. The drag is a simple spring-loaded clicker. One of the large selling factors of the reel is the weight. The 4-5 is only 3oz. It does feel distinctly light within the hand making it the lightest available in its class and price variety.
Features including:
- Lightest reel in its class
- Super-lightweight design with quick-change spool
- Unique die-cast construction
- Large arbor design speeds retrieve and reduces line memory
- Spring loaded, clicker drag system
Besides all the great features it has, users have been complaining for quite a few things. It is quite discouraging that you cannot adjust the drag setting and the default is a little too weak.
Additionally, when pulling the fly line to quickly, it will cause a backlash that could result in a cut if you are not being careful. Other than that if you are careful the fact it is really light you will love it on a small river outfit searching for wild trout etc.
Spec: Size 4-5 • 3oz • 100yds 20lbs backing • Not sealed drag
10) Piscifun Aoka Aluminum Fly Fishing Reels
The fly fishing reels from Piscifun Aoka is remarkably designed with aluminum body and cork disc drag system.
They’re remarkable value for money fly reels and feature a mid-arbor layout that minimizes line memory and aids in quick, immediate pickup.
The Teflon drag system assures easy drag with the help of a click-drag and with a silent retrieval. The frame of the reel is strong and full machined.
The Frame is fully machined alongside oversized handle and die-cast spool.
As far as the drag system goes, it includes cork or Teflon for smooth drag aided by a one-way clutch.
The line memory is reduced and ensures that there is an instant line pick up with mid arbor design.
For a quick and efficient spool release, the release button is easily reached.
On the other hand, the factory settings are done for left-hand retrieval and making the change to a right hand it’s quite a hassle as you have to unscrew two screws on the release button first.
The drag is extremely smooth, but in order for that to work, you need to set the adjustment just right. There is also an integrated click-drag with a silent retrieve.
Features including:
- Cork/Teflon disc drag system with one-way clutch bearing
- Mid-arbor Design – Reducing line memory and quick line pickup.
- Silent Retrieve and quick spool release with moderate conversion to opposite hand retrieve
- Cast spool and oversized handle
Some other clients comment that after a few weeks of use some internal parts started coming loose every few times out.
This damaged the reel such that it wasn’t doing its job as it should.
Another problem that might occur is that there can be a gap between the line spool and reel frame that “grabs” the fly line as you strip it.
Spec: Size 7-8 • 6.1oz• 125yds20lbs backing • Not sealed drag
11) Piscifun Sword Fly Fishing Reels
The Piscifun Sword Fly Fishing Reel is made to last and will last you for a very long time, even if you often go fishing.
Additionally, it was made to resist corrosion. Besides corrosion, because of the iodization of the surface, it has been made to resist a wide range of different environments.
You can get quick drag reaction thanks to the steel drag system and the one-way clutch bearing of the reel.
It was CNC machined with an aluminum alloy resistant to impacts.
Compared to the other products in its category, the Piscifun Sword Fly Fishing Reel is very lightweight and easy to handle.
Features including:
- Smooth drag – Multi-disc cork and steel drag system with one-way clutch bearing.
- Accurate click drag and silent retrieve.
- Solid and lightweight – CNC-machined 6061-T6 aluminum alloy for durability;
- Corrosion resistance – Anodized surface for protection
- Forged and tempered for even better strength and rigidity.
- Mid-Arbor design – Facilitating lightning-quick line pickup.
By factory settings, the Piscifun Sword Fly Fishing Reel is preset to left-handed retrieval.
You will have to contact the manufacturer to get the guide if you want to change the retrieval to a right-hand model.
Besides that, you will have to use pliers to swap the reel to the other side.
Additionally, the drug adjustment dial can be difficult to handle or get to the right setting.
Because of its complexity, the drag system is very hard to take apart and clean.
The manufacturer did not include instructions that would show customers how to take it apart and clean it out.
Spec: Size 7-8 • 6.1oz • 125yds 20lbs backing • Not sealed drag
Best Saltwater Fly Fishing Reels for the Money
Fly fishing in saltwater has its own set of conditions that need to be covered when choosing a fly reel to use.
The sea is very corrosive to metal and the conditions usually have wind blowing at you in some way or another.
Also some of the target species in saltwater are larger than their freshwater cousins and so a larger reel is required.
Three areas to make sure you cover in saltwater are;
a) The fly reel needs to have a good drag system ideally sealed, one that will allow you to fish for tarpon as well as striped bass etc a quick turn knob that allows for the full release to full tighten in one turn.
b) Large reel to hold a lot of running line and to match an 8+ weight setup. A large arbor may be better to allow quicker retrieving but a mid arbor will allow for more line especially the backing to be added.
c) Anti-corrosion properties are probably the main areas to look out for when buying a saltwater fly reel.
Make sure the anti-corrosion properties are in place, reels made from materials especially metal that has not been protected corrode very quickly in saltwater conditions.
Ideally, a sealed drag system is essential because sand and sea salt can get into the mechanism and cause you problems with the tension control which you don’t want when fishing for large prey.
The top two reels for saltwater fishing recommended by Chuckingfluff are the Guru II and the Piscifun Platte.
These have a large arbor are anodized and have sealed drag systems and should give you a great experience in saltwater fly fishing.
Things to Look Out For When Buying Your Fly Fishing Reels
First, you need to make sure that the line rating of each rod and the reel match accordingly.
For example, you wouldn’t want to pair a 4 wt trout fishing rod with a 7-8 wt reel that is supposed to manage to tackle large trout and bass.
Second, you want to make sure the fly reel and your fly rod are paired together within the correct position.
In case you are left-handed, it’s most likely you would want to buy a right-facing reel.
However, that depends on what feels comfortable to you.
Ideally, at least you need to purchase a reel that can be easily changed from the right to the left and back.
For these reasons, many fly rods are sold together with the fly reel and the fly line in outfits.
Purchasing this kind of bundle is great for beginners and people who are on a small budget.
These outfits are great and perfectly balanced so there is no need to worry about the setup.
However, for those that want to take the extra step and improve their gear, they should buy their fly rod and fishing reel separately.
You are open to a much larger market and have more flexibility in getting the perfect setup for your type of fly fishing.
Some of the options available in fly fishing reels are; The drag system, start-up inertia and reel weight, which are all important features that you should use to measure the quality of a fly reel.
The drag system is the resistance that’s being put upon the spool to stop the line from being stripped away when the fish takes the fly.
Light drag systems place little drag at the reel spool, and whilst a fish begins to take the line, the line will place no pressure on the fish and the addition on your fingers will be required to slow the stripping fish down.
On the other hand, if the excessive drag is placed on the spool, there is a risk that the leader or tippet will break.
A good reel will have the ability to release drag to low and tighten up to high so you have the option within easy reach, usually a large cog on the outside of the spool.
The better quality reels have the cog nicely positioned with only a slight turn being required to loosen or tighten the drag.
It takes a bit of practice to get used to what to aim for but usually fishing with it for a few weeks will let you know the right and wrong settings.
Start-up inertia is the resistance to movement that takes place the moment a fish starts to take the fly.
Until the fly is taken the reel is at rest, it doesn’t flawlessly begin to spin at top speed once the fly is taken.
Start-up inertia measures the drag that happens when the reel is spinning at top speed – in terms of the automobile industry, start-up inertia essentially measures the time it takes to go from 0 to 100km per hour (60 miles per hour).
I feel it’s more important that a reel’s drag does not stutter than have low startup inertia however when using a fine tippet for fast taking fish like tarpon low inertia can mean the difference in the leader breaking or the hook setting.
Matching the reel weight to your fly rod is really important, now more than ever, when everyone out there wants to buy the lightest fly rod available.
Even though it may seem pointless, it is not. When you cast, you lift the entire weight of the fly rod, reel and fly line.
Naturally, you would want to lift less weight so you go out and buy lighter rods that let you fish for longer.
As a result, reels have gotten lighter in order to match the rods.
It is really important to check the weight of the rod first and then see if the reel matches it.
If a reel is heavy it will cause the rod tip to lift too easily causing imbalance, the same for a heavy rod and a light reel the tip will be too heavy making casting much harder than it needs to be.
Ideally, you want to hold the rod in your hand in the casting position and the rod should ideally feel balanced (not wanting to tip in any one direction).
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Conclusion on the Best Fly Fishing Reels on the Market
Here you go! A selection of some of the best fly fishing reels on the market.
At first, make sure that you understand the different types of reels out there.
Learn how to match your reels to your rod. Picking out a great reel will be as good as you let it be when you match it with your rod.
Reels ranging from the best and highest In quality to inexpensive ones.
If you are a beginner I hope this article will help you with choosing your entry-level reel.
If a seasoned angler, I hope this article was helpful in choosing which reel you want to add to your collection.
Any burning questions don’t hesitate and ask them in the comments section or contact me here.
I know this list is not complete as there are loads of many other reels on the market that are equally as good or better than some listed here.
My aim was to give newbies a chance to start off with a decent reel before wasting money on poor gear.
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It’s a very good read. My friend recommended me Redignton Rise this season, it was an amazing experience. I am usually comfortable with large arbor reels. Ill perhaps try Orvis clearwater in my next season. Thank you for the the article
Neat! I don’t know anything about fly fishing… I do have some memories of fishing when I was younger, but definitely not fly fishing. Love the metallic blue for the first one though, haha. Makes me wonder if people even as experts in this will go for something that looks nice… Like, when you get to a certain point does it matter if you have a really high-quality reel? Do they make reels for specific depths or habitats or fish?
Hey Christina, sometimes the color is just to catch the angler and not the fish. LOL!
Fly reels do come in a wide and varied style and colors and they do have ones specialized for certain habitat and species.
For instance, saltwater fly reels are made special so as not to rust easily in the saltwater environment of the sea.
You can also get ones with fish engraved on them like a pike, salmon, trout etc.
Thanks for starting out the article with helpful advice about where to invest when building a fly fishing kit – specifically the fly fishing reel. I am a beginner but have close friends who have been fly fishing for years. I’ll be happy to apply this knowledge and finally join them on their trips into nature for this relaxing hobby. Budget is a big concern for me, so thank you for sharing pricing information so that I can quickly figure out what I want to purchase!
If just starting out my I suggest especially when on a small budget you go for a fly fishing combo instead. That way you get a full rod and reel setup already balanced and put together so you don’t have to mess about learning knots etc. Then as you get more experienced you can add to it with better gear. You will be up and fly fishing in no time with a fly fishing combo.
It’s not just the price one would pay for a proper fly reel, but also getting the right reel for the 1. type of rod and 2. type of fishing you are doing. That is Trout fishing is different that deep sea fishing. The points you make regarding drag and the potential for stutter are also important to note if you are serious about the sport.
Hey Marsha as you get more involved in any sport you go up a notch or two on the quality of gear you use to participate and fly fishing is no different. When in saltwater a sealed drag is usually a requirement to keep the salt out of the braking system as you don’t want to lose an important fish to a dodgy drag do you?
Many times, people make big mistakes because they don’t have knowledge about most of the things they are wanting to do and this makes it very hard for them. Reading about this article, it is very understandable and it’ll definitely be very resourceful and helpful when outcomes for selecting a fly fishing reel to buy. I’ll share this with some of the friends that we fish together on holiday.
As a newbie buying fly fishing gear can be daunting. It is always a good idea to go into a local fly shop for advice or hopefully posts like this can shed some light on the topic so an informed decision can be made.
Hello there, thanks a lot for sharing this wonderful piece of information here with us. I must say i really did enjoyed going through your review as it contains valuable informations one needs to be aware of. It is really good that you included the features of these fishing reels, i will be going for the waterworks-lamson reel
The waterworks-lamson reels are very well built, they usually come with a sealed drag so there is no chance dirt can get in there to play havoc with the brakes. A good choice should last you a lifetime if you look after it.
Hello there! Thank you very much for sharing this article on best fly fishing reels. I’ve gone through it and it’s a very detailed article and also educative. I find it helpful because it’s information filled. Fishing is indeed a fun thing for many people and for me and my family a means of relaxation at every month’s end. However, we have been buying some really bad reels lately and it just keeps adding up in number. All thanks to this article, I know the perfect reels to buy. Thank you very much.
There are some bad reels out there Sophie and some great fly reels. We have put together this list to try and give readers an informed view before deciding what to buy.
This is a great list of fly fishing reels that you’ve put together here Mark.
In my country we do saltwater fly fishing. We do have rivers but nothing near as large as some other countries. From time to time when i don’t have to be at work, my friends and i will pop out our fishing rods and go on down to catch some fish. I enjoy the sport of it, and catching some nice sized fish for the frying pan is great too.
Naturally the section of your post on the best fly fishing reels for 2020 that i was most interested in was the section on saltwater reels.
Of the 3 reels you’ve put forward my pick is definitely the Guru II. I think i could do some serious fishing with that, and my frying pan would just love it.
I firmly agree that getting a good quality fly reel is just as important as a good quality fly rod especially when catching a substantial amount is the objective. I also believe that their compatibility (the fly rod and the fly reel) is of importance as well. Clearly, the compatibility criteria is always a tough one to nail but this guide certainly eliminates the complexities. I might have to check with the loop opti dryfly fly reel. Thanks
Having a fly rod and fly reel to match the line rating and size will help you cast so much easier. Go too big on the reel and it will offset the balance of the rod making it harder to make the front cast. Go too light and again it will offset the balance making it difficult to make the backcast. Having one or the other out of balance and it means you will get tired much more quickly and end your fishing day a lot sooner than expected.
Many thanks to you for sharing such an excellent article with us .Your Article is very informative because from the design of the registration materials to the brand, there are many different features of each reel. I’ve been fishing for a long time, but to me, fly fishing seems to be completely new and I’m very happy to get into it. And the fly fishing bundle seems to be the best way for me.
If you are new to the sport a fly fishing combo would be the best option for you. The combo kit is all set up matched and balanced ready to fly fish from the start leaving very little for the beginner to work out in the setup.
Many thanks to you for sharing such an excellent article with me and I love fishing. I always look for a good fly fishing reels.
I purchased the Loop Evotec G4 Featherweight Fly Reel in your article and it’s really great. This is a reel of unlimited love and popularity to me. It is made with excellent construction and is very effective in catching different species of fish.
It is reliable and smooth and fully sealed and the result is a waterproof and salt resistant system complete. Its spool is easy and quick to change and is good for repair and replacement. All in all, it seems to be the best fly fishing reel.
Lastly, I hope your article will be of great benefit to those who like to catch fish, and I keep your article in the collection for the future. Because in the future I will be purchasing more fly fishing reels which will be of great benefit to me through your article and I will share my new experience with you soon.
The Loop Evotec G4 is an excellent reel I agree. Loop has been producing quality fly fishing gear for some time and the G4 is up there among the best gear they have produced. Loved by many fly anglers around the world.
I don’t really know much about fly fishing but I must tell you the little I know. Back then when I was still a teenager I used to join my grandpa and dad on fishing trips and they usually tell me and all expensive rod must go with an equally good reel as the really is as important as the rod so they must be of similar or same quality. I really like your list especially the loop optic fly reel.
Yes, a decent fly rod needs a decent fly reel to match it. Not much point in buying cheap on either aspect unless you go cheap on the whole outfit.
Interesting! Thank you very much for carefully dishing out informative facts about fly fishing reels. I now understand the importance of matching the reel weights to your fly rods. I enjoy every bit of this review though I’m not into fishing but I think I’m finding interest in it via this review. Thanks!
Yes, it’s important to match the fly reel to the fly rod. One that is too heavy will force the tip to rise when making the cast and hinder your efforts. One too light will force the tip down and also hinder your casting stroke. One that is correct will keep the rod at a nice equilibrium in your hand making the casting stork so much easier to perform. Fly fishing can be tough for many newbies trying to figure out how to cast so why make it more difficult with a wrongly match rod and reel?
Awesome review! Waterworks-Lamson Guru Fly Reels is a fantasic reel. Aesthetically pleasing, and unquestionably reliable. Four years of very hard use and a thousands of miles covered with it. From Idaho, Wyoming, Colorado, Arkansas, Missouri, Tennessee, North Carolina, to Florida the Waterworks-Lamson Guru Fly Reels has eclipsed my expectations. The reel demonstrates quality and to me it’s one of the best of American manufacturing in a variety of beautiful packages.
Nice-writeup
Regards!
Waterwork-Lamson produce some great fly reels and the Guru is a favorite of many people. You have there a piece of Amerian engineering in its finest. The sealed drag is great as it protects the workings from grit and dirt and keeps the reel working well in all environments.
Hello there, thanks for sharing this informative post. Fishing is indeed a fun thing for many people and for me and my family a means of relaxation at every month’s end. However, we have been buying some really bad reels lately and it just keeps adding up in number. Looking at these suggestions you have given here, I’ll love to get the Loop Evotec G4 Featherweight Fly Reel and hopefully it will mark the end of bad reels for us.
Hi Dane, you most definitely will come to the end of buying bad reels when you purchase the Loop Evotec G4. It is a great reel and made by fly fishing enthusiasts who have produced some great pieces of gear for the market. Personally, I really like the look of it compared to many other reels out there.
The offset L showing it as a Loop reel is really eye pleasing to me. This does not mean that its just good to look at but it is a real powerhouse of a reel. The sealed drag means you can take it to the salt water and it will not be affected by the saline. NB: You still need to rinse it with fresh water when you return to make sure but compared to other nonsealed reels it will last a lot longer in these conditions.
Very interesting. I do not fish often, even though I come from Jamaica and live quite near to a fishing village called Old Harbour Bay. I know a few fishermen personally and I am acquainted with a few that fish in other areas such as in rivers. I see you have provided some good information here about the fishing reel. If any of the fishermen friends happen to ask me about some very good fishing reel or want any recommendations then I would recommend this site to them. What do you think?
Jamaica wow, the fishing from Montego bay is supposed to be great for variety of fish. From the shore is Ok but better from a kayak or canoe. There are some reels in the list that would suit that situation I would recommend making sure the drag is sealed to help with anti-corrosion form the slat water.
Interesting thank you. I never knew what fly fishing was until now. It’s like they use a lighter lure and so they need a heavier line and special casting techniques.
Why do you like fishing? I never really got into it. I was just looking for gifts for my dad because he seems to have some appreciation for fishing. Do you like to go fishing with your friends or by yourself? I suppose it could be a nice way to hangout near the water.
What bug spray do you think is the best for when you’re fishing? Since you are probably going to be standing still near the water aren’t there a lot of bugs?
It seems like you are very knowledgeable about all these different mechanics of fishing equipment. Thank you for making this website and I will keep coming back.
Its a whole new game for sure. The art of fly fishing is old but most take up the more common lure or spin fishing. Older anglers seem to prefer the special art of landing a dry fly onto a river or stream to a waiting trout. It really is special.
I love fishing especially fly fishing for the piece and quiet I get away from the hustle and bustle of life out in the great outdoors where I feel better for doing it. In fact it has been said that fishing is an anti depressant and has been used to help war vets get back into the civilian way of life after the horrors of battle.
Its a great way to hang out with friends and pass the day. The fun after, talking about the ones that got away over a bar-b-que is as much fun as the fishing.
I use different bug sprays, it really depends on where I am going as different venues have different threats to my skin. However Sky Organics Insect Repellent is great for most situations. With two young children its good that they can use it too.
This is a really great post. I see that you have alot of experience in fly fishing and you know which tools are the best, I was just thinking of gifting a fishing equipment to a friend and I’m happy you have highlighted the importance of a good fishing reel, I think I’ll get one of this beautiful reels and since they are durable, he’ll definitely appreciate it. Thanks for posting this I’m glad you did.
Thanks for leaving a comment and I hope your friend gets some help from the post.
Another great collection of fly fishing reels. This is splendid and I don’t think there could be any more better fly fishing reels that have not been reviewed in details within this post. Seriously, if I were to be a fisherman myself, I would be torn in between taking a decision concerning the one I would buy. Most are very much within a good range of price and definitely sure, my friend who is a fisherman would definitely relish in the moment of taking a decision concerning the reels he would buy. Thsnks
There is loads of choice that is for sure. This is only a sub section of the many fly reels out on the market. We have done the post with three sections for pricing so there is hopefully something for everyone. We didn’t go for the top of the range reels that can cost upwards of $500 that will have to be done on another post. 🙂
I’m yet to fly-fish but always been intrigued by it.
I really like how you explain about the line rating of each rod and reel to match (weight and also positioning). Can never assume common sense for newbies and I can see that a bundle is great for beginners like me.
I also really like that you explained the different water types and corrosion. Here in Australia, most people are ocean and salt water fishers so corrosion is going to be an important consideration.
I have a few questions please…
1. Is fly fishing possible in the ocean or only still water lakes etc
2. How about rivers that don’t flow excessively, is fly fishing possible in this environment?
My dad used to take us fishing and we often used line, sinker and burley in ocean mainly and sometimes rivers so I’ve never experienced the joy of fly-fishing in Western Australia.
Thank you
Hi John, you can fly fish in any body of water. You just need to change a few of the items to make sure they work well. Like fishing in the sea, you need to try and purchase reels that have a sealed drag to help keep the corrosive saltwater out of the working parts and always rinse with fresh water after use to prolong the life of your gear.
On question 2) you can fish in Stillwater you provide the movement by retrieving your flies through or on top of the water to induce takes from the fish.
I got to say that I know nothing about fishing in general. Because at any fishing trip, I stay off the river and enjoy my peace, LOL. My husband is a fan of fishing and I am looking for a present.
Your article is very easy to understand, I think I know which one will be best for his fly fishing at the lake the Goture fly fishing reel. But I have bookmarked your post, I need to ask him some questions to confirm.
Great stuff! I have the Piscifun Platte. I really like the precision of this reel. I especially like the drag.
Question- If you had to pick one reel from the over $150 category, which one would you pick.
Hey Chris for me the Guru ticks the boxes. I like the look of the reel and the sealed drag is a great asset. The fact that when set full on it could stop a small car is a great plus.
In one of your blog posts, I commented about our need for equipment (the rod) that can be disassembled so all our things would fit-in in a small boat. I think we should also consider (me and my brother) buying a relatively small in size fly fishing reel so it would match the size of the rod. Perhaps, that one with a diameter of 3.4, Redington Behemoth Fly Reel is okay.
The Behemoth is a quality reel and probably will fit the rod OK. However, it’s not the size that is the important aspect but the weight. As long as the reel doesn’t feel too heavy or light for the rod in question so it sits nice and balanced in your hand then you are good to go.
i never knew that choosing a fishing reel should take some consideration. I thought it already comes with the fishing rod, itself. My only experience in fishing is Wii and phone game apps. My uncles are into fishing though. They say its for good for recreation and de- stressing. They would set up a date to fish together with other neighbors and would head to go out at 5 am. They say the best hour of fishing in the rivers is from 6-10 am. They will come back with some hasselt’s goby, tilapia and river mullet.
I know how important it is to have a lightweight rod and smooth reel. But I really don’t know how to choose the right tool for each and every part. Thanks to your article at least I’ve learn a few I can remember like stainless components, rod’s toughness and flexibility, and a good functioning fly reel. Gotta keep that in mind!
Hello Mark. A very documented review. I’m not passionate about fishing, but my husband is an impatient fisherman. Still, I know about fishing rods. In my youth, I was on a trip abroad and I brought him more rods. He has a lot of fishing gear for each fishing mode: at sea (especially), for rivers, lakes, etc. Depending on what kind of fish he wants to catch, he also has the appropriate reel. I will definitely show him your website. Thank you. Carmen
I bet the shed is full of the stuff if he goes fishing in all those places. I know I have collected a lot of gear over the years and now with two sons adding to the collection, it will not be long before we need a new shed for it all.
Thanks for this review of the best fly fishing reels. I grew up fly fishing with my grandfather and have been thinking about getting back into the hobby. Living in NB Canada the Miramichi river is a great spot to catch Atlantic salmon. Your article helped me get a good understanding of what I need in the way of a good fly reel to get back into the hobby. Cheers
Atlantic Salmon, excellent, my favorite quarry. Most folks talk about Pacific Salmon when they talk about Canada forgetting that it has Oceans on each side. Unlike the Pacific, the Atlantic returns to sea after spawning to feed up and return again to the spawning grounds in a few years. A remarkable feat of nature.
Hello Mark,
This is an amazing and helpful review of Fly Fishing Reels. My hobby is fishing and I have one fishing rod but my fly fishing reel is wasted. So I am thinking to buy a new one. Then I see your review where you have a wonderful collection of fly fishing reels. Really I like all of them but I like the Loop Evotec fly reel best. Now I think I will order this now.
Thanks for writing such a wonderful and helpful review.
You will not be disappointed. Loop has produced some wonderful reels in the past few years and the Evotec is another of them. With its sealed drag you know you can go to the saltwater too and fish in confidence just make sure to rinse well with fresh water after each trip to ensure hassle-free fly fishing.
Thank you for the useful article on the best fly fishing reels. I really liked the way you have put everything down and this is really the ultimate guide on choosing the best reel as you have covered everything one needs to know before making the purchase of the reel. It is also great that you have offered choices for different price ranges. Now that’s a quality yet affordable reel!
In terms of saltwater fishing am I better off in your opinion with a large or mid-sized arbor reel? My daughter is quite fond of fishing and asking me to get a fly fishing rod and reel for her. What could you suggest for 11-years old fly-fishing-beginner?
I really appreciate any advice you could offer. Thank you again for this help.
Hey Nasrin as a beginner I would suggest going for a combo setup instead of buying the rod and reel on its own.
That way you get a fly fishing setup all ready to go fly fishing complete with rod, reel, fly line, leader and accessories.
It usually comes at a better price than buying them all individually too. As your daughter is only 11 I would suggest the Redington Minnow outfit. At 8ft long its ideal for her age group.
On the question of the arbor, it really depends on how much line you need to carry for fish to run. If its a lot then the mid arbor will hold more line but can cause more line coil memory. The large arbor less line but less coil memory. So do your math and see which suits your needs most.
Thank you for your article. My dad passed away a few years ago and has all kinds of fishing gear. I have actually been thinking of taking up fly fishing because they say how relaxing it is, but I have had no clue where to start.
Now that I know what to look for in my dad’s gear I can make good choices to match up the correct rod and reel so that I get a great match and balance between both.
I am now really excited to dig into my dad’s gear and start to learn how to fly fish. Thank you again for the great article that will help me get started on my new adventures in fly fishing.
Sorry to hear your dad passed LeeAnn. I’m sure you have some fond memories of him while fishing. Hope you are able to match the gear together to get the most out of it. If not drop me a line with a list of what’s there and I’ll try to help you out.
Great site name, and could I go so far as to say also, great article.
I have little experience with fishing at all and absolutely none in regard to fly fishing, but I feel that if I should choose to add the sport to my ever-growing list of hobbies, I know where I would go to find advice. If I were to get going without any advice, my first mistake (as I would presume would be the same as many) would be to invest heavily in a good quality rod.
As with I suppose most people, I would just presume that is where the mainstay of the sport lies. I had no idea that the reel was so important, and as for matching the rod and reel. Who would have guessed that the sport that seems so simple and straight forward could be so technical?
I consider myself educated, thank you.
Rgds
Adrian
Adrain the fly rod is important as is the fly reel but in my opinion, a good fly line will make all the difference when learning to fly fish. As with anything the more you are prepared to spend the better the quality and better the results. However, if starting out I would advise going for a fly fishing combo outfit.
In that way, you will get a setup that has all the parts matched and balanced to give you the best possible start into the sport. It takes all the guesswork out of what size to get and how to tye all the pieces together. You can learn all that at your leisure as you take part in the sport.
Hey Mark
I was looking at saltwater fly fishing and after reading this review I now appreciate that I will probably need to invest in a more expensive reel just for the drag protection that they offer. In terms of saltwater fishing am I better off in your opinion with a large or mid sized arbor reel. Really appreciate any advice you could offer.
Thanks
It depends on which species you are planning on to chase. If its Tarpon then I would suggest the mid arbor as it will allow more line to be held on the spool for those long fights. If its a smaller species then a large arbor will probably do the trick. Just remember to clean off the spool with clean fresh water after every trip that way you will ensure the reel lasts a long time.
Nice reviews, When I got into flyfishing I bought a Pflueger Medalist 79 dollar package deal. I still fish heavy wooly boogers with it 25 years later. IM6 graphite . I replaced the line almost immediately when I decided I liked flinging flies. The reel soon thereafter. A Pflueger with a leather drag( still works)I did get a 5 wt Sage Discovery new at a going out of business sale for lighter flies paired with a Ross Gunnison . I have a new TFO 5 wt and aluminum large arbor , I can’t tell any difference in my casting compared to using the Gunnison. Same Rio Grand line on both reels. While I appreciate your point on matching reel to rod , I can’t help but wonder how people were able to cast with fairly heavy reels and lighter rods. Or a fairly heavy rod and a small light reel from years ago. Before everything got so specialized and dependent on marketing hype. Before 6061 aircraft grade aluminum and IM 6,7,8,9,10 graphite.
Hi Chris, yes I know older tackle wasn’t always balanced or matched up in any way. Rods had heavy reels or heavy rods had lite reels. Either way, it made for uncomfortable casting but we still managed to get a few trout anyway. The gear produced now is so much lighter and if you buy a fly combo kit you will get it all balanced and matched to perform really well making the joy of fly fishing so much better.
Thank you for this post.
I’ll admit it, the reel is not my first consideration when looking to buy gear. I tend to focus on the flies, rod and then move onto things like waders and so on. Heck, my tackle box probably gets more attention.
I really hadn’t given much thought to the feature options other than position (I’m a lefty). I can’t even tell you if my reel rating matches the rod weight rating.
Damn, now I have to pull my gear out and take a look.
Thank you for the reel suggestions too. If my gear doesn’t match up, which I’m now assuming it doesn’t, I’ll consider buying one of the options you’ve listed here.
Thanks again,
Scott
Hey Scott it will make casting so much easier if the reel matches the rod rating. The lighter the better but it still needs to be balanced on the rod ie not tip heavy. Ideally the rod should sit nicely in your hand without looking to fall forward or backward on the pivot. That will make casting so much easier and tireless.
I used to fly fish and am considering getting back into it so this post is very helpful, thank you. I appreciate that you pointed out an important feature in making sure that the reel functions with the rod. This is something that can be overlooked at times. Fly fishing is delicate, like an art form really, and everything has to be set up as perfectly as possible to ensure the most success, a reel being an important part of the puzzle. Fly fishing definitely is not easy so it’s important to have the right reel! I like how you provided reels over $150 and under $100 to account for fly fishermen of all experience levels and budgets. I like the Rise Fly Fishing Reel and have bookmarked your site for when it’s time to get back in the action, thank you again!
Fly fishing is delicate as you say, a rod and reel needs to match in weight and performance to get the most out of it. The lighter the better as you are able to cast for longer not being fatigued from the effort.
The Redington Rise is a decent reel and if you are not planning to fish in the saltwater because of not having a sealed drag will last a lifetime.
Hi Mark,
As someone who is new to fly fishing this post really helped. I found the section on reel weight to be informative. I never would have considered the weight of the reel until now.
From your list of recommendation my favorite would have to be the Waterworks-Lamson Guru Fly Reels as it seems like a real powerhouse for a reel.
Yes Brian most beginners don’t consider the weight at all then pay for it when they find their arms hurting after a few hours on the water. Usually their next purchase will be a less weightier one but as mentioned in the article comes at a higher price.
The Guru is a powerhouse of a reel. Manufactured to hold back the biggest of fish. With its sealed drag is safe to use in the saltwater and light enough to sit on the lightest of rods.
Amazing list here Mark,
I’m eyeing on the Lamson Liquid Fly Fishing Reel, now that’s a quality yet affordable reel! I swear I’ve seen it before somewhere on Deadliest Catch and I was like, I must have that set! Just to make sure I got it right, it’s the whole reel without the spool, right? If I would have to buy my own, I wouldn’t complain though as the price is actually not that bad 😀
The waterworks-lamson liquid is a great reel and I am not sure about what you mean about not getting the spool. Do you mean the line that goes on it? If so then no you need to purchase that separately. The reel comes with the cage and the center spool. Waterworks have developed some lovely well put together reel and the liquid is among them. You will be pleased if you do I am sure.
There is so much information on this post and am happy because there are lots of different features being offered by each brand from the designs to the materials. I prefer robust reels that are fit for purpose but I would like to know from your own perspective, what features are indispensable for use on both lake and medium flow rivers? Is there middle ground where I can get one reel or do I have to buy 2 separate units to cater for specific environments? Please I will be waiting for your reply. Thanks.
The main problem with fishing in saltwater is the corrosive nature of the water. Many metals can become fatigued when working in the salt.
This can be minimized if you clean the unit with freshwater when done for the day however over time the salt will get hold unless the drag system is sealed and made anti corrosive.
That being said you can use a saltwater reel in freshwater so to answer the question as long as you buy one which can work in salt it will do both environments.
There are options to this though, you could get a reel that allows extra cartidges or spools to be swapped over so you can keep the saltwater fly lines separate from the freshwater and vice versa.
This is a great article. I like the way you separated the different brands and spoke about them individually. As you said many anglers do not pay as much attention to the fly fishing reels as they do to the actual rod. But there is much benefit to making sure you chose the right one in terms of matching up to your rod, the weight and so on. You did a very good job with this post. Keep it up.
Agreed Coach, matching the reel in size to the rod will help balance out the kit and make the job of actually casting so much easier.
A large reel on a small rod or a small reel on a larger rod will be out of balance and make it very difficult to get the cast correct.
At the end of the day manufacturers make it easy for us by adding the size on both the rod and reel so we don’t even have to work it out.
If still unsure a fly fishing combo is a good idea as these are already set up and balanced to work well created for beginners trying to get into the sport.
Thank you for this great information about fly fishing reels. I have been looking for new fishing gear for a while but there is so much out there and it is very hard to know what to choose. I like that you have compiled a list of the best fly fishing reels 2019 with reviews.
I have been fishing for many years but I must say that fly fishing is a little bit new to me but I am excited to get into it. I do like the idea of purchasing a fly fishing bundle, this will probably be the best way for me to go.
Hi Alexandra, if new to fly fishing a combo setup would be the best way to get into it. That way you get all the main gear the fly rod, the reel, fly line and sometimes accessories to help get you into the sport quicker. All the gear is balanced and matched to work well together so making it easier to cast from the start.
I can appreciate the high degree restraint you exercise in responding to proponents of the high end reel makers. My only other comment might be that some features needed on a 7/8 reel are overkill on a 4/5. And fish species determines fly size determines line size, determines reel size and features. Striped bass eat 3/0 streamers, live in salty environments, and can run. Vs trout or panfish eat small streamers or insects and are unlikely to hit the backing. CNC machining and sealed drags are useful for stripers, not so much for trout.
I agree Mike, larger prey needs a better quality reel and saltwater most importantly needs a sealed drag. Don’t agree with your thoughts on trout though I have had many trout take me well into the backing although they were large around the 5-6lb size.
Such a great article, I learnt so much from it, I have always loved to fish and you’ve poured out so many useful information that I do not know about , thank you so much for this, now I know about the best fly fishing reels to go for. I like the redington rise real, it will work well for me because of it durability.
Great Sandra, the Redington RISE III Fly Fishing Reel Review is a decent reel and should provide you with hours of fun fly fishing. Be mindful the drag is not sealed so don’t use it in salt water as you may get the workings corroded.
I don’t know why a lot of people that fish don’t give much attention to the quality of their reels. Like you said they always like to spend big on the fishing rod. Those that fish a lot are suppose to know this but the fact is that a lot of them do not.
These were some really good looking reels that you reviewed though the price range is a bit high but I guess that is because they are of very good quality. Fly fishing is a technique of fishing I have not given much attention to but I would definitely learn it.
I have gotten a lot of information from your post that I did not really know before. Thanks for sharing.
Hey Jay we have the reels grouped into three price sections so there is a prce for everyone the higher priced ones are at the top and the lower at the bottom.
This is an excellent article especially for a rank beginner like myself! I did not know anything about the equipment but now I feel that I have some solid information to go with. In looking at the reels you covered, I really like the Redington Rise reel. You mentioned it is known for durability, which is what I need. I always end up dropping my stuff so a rugged reel is what I need! And it is right in my price range. What reels have you had experience with?
Great that you got some info from the post so you are now better informed on making a choice. The Redington Rise is indeed a nice reel and durable too although not many fly reel will put up with a lot of dropping onto rocks etc. You will get scrapes and scratches but the reel should ultimately still perform unless something catastrophic happens.
Working in the tackle industry I have had the luxury to have fished with or handle most of the reel on our list. My particular favorites are the Guru, the Hydros and the Rise.
Thanks for this really useful article! I found your first point really interesting; how people are willing to spend BIG on the actual rods but often overlook the quality of the reels. I noticed that you jump right in at $150. These reels look great, and as I mentioned I definitely agree that you shouldn’t be afraid to spend for quality, but are there any reels in the $100-$150 range? What are the highest quality yet slightly cheaper reels on the market? Thanks!
Hey Benji, if you look again you will see we have the reels in 3 categories those priced above $150, those from $100-$150 and those lower than $100, so there is something for every budget. You are looking for reels in the middle bracket and the Clearwater is a real great reel with its large arbored and disc drag system.
Quite interesting, I not to used to fly fishing, I mostly use Trapping and Angling, but after reading your post, I fall in love with the method.
I will have to try it in the near future, though my budget is below $100, will I find one in that range of budget?
Thank you so much for a comprehensive review.
Hi Mark
Wow! Those reels are really beautiful, I love fishing and I will most definitely bookmark this guide. I don’t need one right now, but it is just a pleasure looking at those reels. Someone who is not in fishing would not understand.
I must admit however, I’m more in regular fishing than fly fishing, but for me fishing is fishing and I love it.
Anyway, I really enjoyed your post, thanks.
They are eye catching designed, more to catch the angler than the fish at times. This is also just the tip of the iceberg there are other more expensive reels on the market that really make you drool. 🙂
Thanks for this great information on Fly Fishing Reels. This is a long ways from when I fished as a child. While I was fortunate enough to live near a brook that travelled all the way to the river, my fishing gear consisted of an alder pole, string, a hook and a dangly worm. A great fly reel would have been nice! My son, is an avid fisherman and now that I know some of the features of the different types, maybe I can surprise him with a gift! He would love it!
Hey Mark,
Wow there is so much information on this post. There are a lot of different features being offered by each brand from materials to design and so on.
I prefer robust reals that are fit for purpose but I would like to know from your perspective, what features are indispensable for use on both lake and medium flow rivers? Is there a middle ground where I can get one reel or do I have to buy 2 separate units to cater for specific environments.
Thanks for your assistance.
Rich
Hey Richard what a lot of anglers do is buy a reel and then get a second or third spool. That way you can get a floating fly line, an intermediate and a sinker put them on the 3 spools and change them over when the need arises.
So you can get the most out of the river when you fish it. Even a pool on a beat can need a floater at the head and a sinker at the tail as the pool deepens to fish it properly. Some get away with this using polyleaders but there is no substitute for the proper fly line density.
I don’t really fish a lot but my I do have one of my grandfathers fishing reels which I think is very cool. I have been meaning to give fishing an honest go and see if it is for me (or rather if I have any aptitude for it).
This list of reels is a brilliant place for me to start because I am sure that many fishing enthusiast will flock here and share knowledge. Naturally I have no clue about selecting any fishing equipment but this really helps especially matching the line ratings of the reel and the rod.
The Clearwater looks good to me and you said it is good for beginners so that is probably my first choice. This might also make for a good Christmas gift! What do you think?
Hey Renton, glad you found your way here. The Clearwater is indeed a great beginner reel its not too expensive and it does a decent job of holding your fly line and helping when fighting your fish with its drag.
Hey there! Thanks for this guide on how to choose the right fly fishing reel. I really learned a lot. I had no idea that the reel, the fishing line and the rod weights had to match and I never considered it. When I was growing up in Bermuda we just used the line and my hubby who is American teases me about it all the time. So I’m learning a lot from your site right now and can’t wait to try it all out.
Thanks again and I’ll be bookmarking your page for sure!
Marlinda
Yes Marlinda they all have to match. The guys at the manufacturers develop the rod reel and fly line to a specific weight ratio so they can work together. If you don’t get them to match it can become very difficult to get a decent cast especially when learning.
I’m planning on a fly fishing trip this December, arranged by my father in law, but I’m not the most experienced in this form of fishing (I’m used to beach casting).
Anyway, from a beginners point of view – which of these reels would you recommend? Bear in mind I don’t really want to look like I’ve turned up with a budget version!
Hey Chris hard to give a definitive answer without knowing exactly what type of fly fishing you are going to be doing. That said looking at the reels in the middle price bracket $100-$150 I would suggest the Orvis Clearwater Fly Reel. A solid reel from a good company, great beginner product.
Thanks for this, its a very useful guide.
I’m relatively new to fishing, but I have enjoyed my experiences with it to date, so I am hoping to stick with it.
I have been doing mainly freshwater fishing, trout and the like, as it’s convenient to where I live. I have a basic combo set-up but I am looking into spending a bit more and getting a new rod, reel, etc. I’ve got a $100 budget, at a stretch I could go to $125 for a reel.
What reel would you recommend I get given my experience, budget and type of fishing? With that in mind, can you also recommend a couple of decent rods that would work well with that reel?
Hey Colm, great to hear you are enjoying chucking fluff. Looking at your budget I’m assuming you would have similar to spend on the fly rod and something for the fly line. With that in mind can I suggest rather than buying the items separately that you go for the Orvis Clearwater Combo setup.
Its real value for money as you get a top quality rod reel line and leader all perfectly set up and balanced together. If you were to buy these items separately it would cost you close to $400 but buying it in a kit it comes to around $300. That’s a 25% discount for the same fly fishing gear and it all comes with a 25 year warranty so you are covered if anything gets broken.
If that’s too much of a stretch for your budget there are more on our combo list which may be more suitable including the Redington Path or the Orvis Encounter Combo.
Thanks for that Mark, very helpful. the Orvis Clearwater Combo looks pretty sweet and it fits my budget, so awesome stuff!
On a completely separate note, my uncle did a bit of fishing back in the day and wants to start heading out with me now I’m taking an interest, all good. As it turns out, we will both be in Scotland for work at the same time, in Spring next year. We’ll be in and around the Glasgow area but we will be mobile i.e. we’ll have a car, either our own or rental. He had the idea of going fishing over the weekend we are there. Seems like an interesting idea, except we haven’t a bogs where to go 🙂 Can you recommend anywhere to go for good fishing, I’m a beginner he’s probably a bit rusty but did fish back in his day, within a few hours of Glasgow? We’d likely stay there over the weekend too.
No worries if not, as it’s a bit of a random question.
Also, I assume we will be flying (although car ferry may be an option). Any tips for carrying your fishing gear on a plane? I assume it has to be checked so was wondering how best to keep it protected. Many thanks in advance!
Hey Colm, you have a few options open to you there. Scotland has some of the best wild game fishing on the planet with a lot of great Salmon, Trout and Grayling rivers.
There are a few rivers close to Glasgow that are prime, the rivers Tay and Clyde. I have not fished them but have fished the Royal Dee which is a bit of a drive away. As it is always difficult to get into the perfect beat and know where the fish are its always better to pay for a guide to show you the ropes.
It comes at a bit costlier but well worth the price as you are better setup to catch a fish or two. These guys Scotia Fishing seem to have the process down to an art. I would give them a call and get set up with a trip, they can provide all the gear two and save you in transporting it with you.
That been said if travelling on a plane you can purchase a fly rod case that will keep you gear safe and sound no matter how the ground crew staff are feeling that day.
I must say that I like this review primarily because I like to go fishing with my father. Those reels are very nice design and looks very powerful. I will for sure buy two of those because they are not expensive and are definitely worth it. Thanks Mark, my dad will love it.
Hey Daniel I’m sure your dad will love anything you get him from our list.
All I can say is WOW!! That is a lot of reels and honestly my mind is working in circles right now. As a beginner fly fisher man its almost like there is too much to choose from so if you dont mind I am going to put the ball in your court. Would you be able to recommend what you think to be the best beginning rod and reel for fishing like trout and perch and smaller fish. Of course it should be at a modest price. I look forward to hearing what you have to say. Thank you in advance.
OK Dale I know what you mean there are a lot of reels on the market and this is just a subsection. As you said moderest price I will suggest the combo setup in the middle of our list. There are many combos but this one has a lot of accessories and perfect for small to medium rivers in search of trout.
Sage 2200 Fly Fishing Real and the Redington RISE Fly Fishing Reel are my best choices on your list. Looks very beautiful and very appealing to me. Nope, I’m not an active fisher but I have some friends who are – This is going to be perfect Christmas gifts.
Thanks for the list great list and the recommendations on where to buy them best – the descriptions are too technical for me so thanks for this great site – I will surely recommend your site to my friends.
Have a great day.
God bless,
Che
My current setup includes the Redington RISE Fly Fishing Reel 7/8
This is great reel excellent fit and finish. The drag is strong, yet smooth. The only thing I can say is that if you have a light trout rod and a western style grip, you may need us a heavier reel to counterbalance .
I like the large arbor, it is good for keeping your line from getting too much memory. The larger coils are easier strip and retrieve!
I’d buy one in every color if they were a little cheaper.
Hey James yes a lot of folks like them that’s for sure. A nice fly reel that performs really well.
I never knew there is so much technical know-how in a fishing reel! Your article is such a wealth of knowledge! I’ve never been into fishing, but I like to join my friends when they go, only because I love to immerse myself in nature, haha. I will be recommending your site to my friends who are into fishing!
Hey Joo, there is indeed a lot to fly fishing and the fly reel can be as simple or complex as you want it to be. I hope I have done a decent job in explaining the parts that make up the fly reel so you understood even if you are not a fly angler. Please do pass it on the more read the blog the better.
Tommo,
Article on Fly Fishing Reels fantastic I seriously needed help with this; my grandson is into fly fishing more so than regular fishing. Therefore, I need all the information I can get for this sport. Your information is more than helpful knowing now that I need to match his equipment up to make sure he is not off balance throwing his actual ability to catch fish off. As he is a beginner (although) quite good, what would you recommend as far as equipment for him? He is going to be 9 years old and a big boy for his age. Thanks in advance for your help.
Susan
Hey Susan great to hear of the younger generation getting into the sport. The rod setup really depends on the size of him. You say big but a 9ft rod reel and fly line does require a bit of effort to get the line airborne. I would suggest going for an 8ft 5 weight.
Take him to a fishery and test a few rods out. They will usually let you do that when considering a new fly rod setup.
I wouldn’t go too expensive at this point wait until his a bit bigger before that as I know having kids of my own their activity changes quiet often and he may or may not want to do it in a few years time. Hopefully though he will have the bug and be a lifelong angler like myself and so many others.
As a newbie to the fishing scene I’ve taken great value from this article. I feel much more confident when talking about fly fishing reels down the lake now.
I’m going to keep reading through your site to get more clued up.
I’ll be after some new fishing equipment for Christmas so will be sending these articles to my wife so she knows which products are best.
Hey Ryan glad I could help. If you know what type of fly fishing you want to do and can match that up to the rod size then you can choose a fly reel to suit.
However as you are a complete newbie may I suggest you look at the list of fly fishing combo kits. The combo kit has rod reel line and a few accessories all matched up and put together along with a nice cordura rod tube to keep everything safe.
These combos are real value for money as they are sold at reasonable money and a lot cheaper than the collective parts sold separately. They take the guesswork out of balancing the setup and making the knots to join it all together a game changer for the newbie.
This is was very helpful in my search for understanding fly fishing. I have never been fly fishing I prefer bass but, maybe because that’s all I knew. After consuming this vast amount on reels. I would like your opinion as to what rod and reel you would pair up with if you were a beginner like myself for ease of use and training. Thanks really good information.
Bill as a beginner rather than try to match up a rod and reel I would suggest you go for a fly rod and reel combo. Then when you get more into the sport you can decide on rods and reels to suit the type of fly fishing you would like to do the most. A combo comes already matched and balanced usually with accessories to help get you started quickly. Takes a lot of the guesswork out of it for a beginner.
Hi
Thank you for great information about fly fishing. I love to fish and but have not been fishing with fly much, but I will change that soon,:)
I was wondering you wrote about the line needing to match the fish you are after, do I need to change the line every time I change fishing and can l keep the old line or do I need to throw it away?
Thanks again for your great article about this.
Best regards
Salomon.
Hey Salomon, fly fishing line is quiet expensive so I would not recommend throwing it away. When you get into the sport you will need to build up your fly reels and lines so you can cover more situations.
As a beginner I would recommend a floating fly line as its the easiest to learn and use. After than an intermediate (one that sinks slowly) and a sinking fly line will be required.
Then you can get into all sorts of sinking densities from very slow to very fast which allow to fish different types of water better.
For example a fast deep pool will need a fast sinking line to take the flies down quickly to the fish that are usually sitting on the bottom.
To manage all these different fly lines anglers will buy more spools for their reels or buy cassette type reels to keep them on. These spools can be interchanged very quickly to allow different types of fly fishing for different situations.
There are also fly line kits that come complete with different heads to interchange with a loop to loop connection.
This allows very handy river side quick changes to allow you to fish pools differently. I love my RIO multi-tip lines and use them quiet often.
Hi there i just viewed your Best Fly Fishing Reels 2018 Rigs from your site chucking fluff and found your article very interesting on the many uses and the best fly reels to shop for. The images you are using are very clean and relevent. The content is very good as well .. i have a question though are the fly fishing reels able to ship to canada thank you
Very good job on your site keep up the good work !
Wayne the reels are mostly being sold on Amazon US so I would think it will not be a problem to get them in Canada too.
Before reading your post, I had the same thought as most people that the rod is the most important piece.
With a good fishing reel, it will provide solid drag system, perfect start-up inertia and balance weight.
I like the Fiblink’s reel because of its aluminium construction and sealed drag stack. Thanks for your good review and I have shortlisted this one for my next purchase.
Hey TYP thanks for the comment. I agree the Fiblink is a good piece of kit for the price. A sealed drag is great for fishing saltwater and muddy rivers it justs takes a bit of fresh water cleaning after to keep it running smoothly. However the Fiblink does have a habit of chipping the paint a bit but at the low cost you can’t expect a top reel. Great for the beginner or second rod that you don’t care too much about.
Hey Tommo, this is super informative! I need to refer my brother-in-law to this the next time I see him. The only thing is, I think he’d probably spend all day reading/drooling over all these models and specs you provide and not get any work done! 🙂 Again, this is super informative and gives a great layout of options!
Thanks, I know what you mean there are loads of options out there this is only a small section that we felt was reasonable.
I can not believe that Hatch did not make the list. Best reels I have ever owned.
As mentioned before we also left out manufacturers like Abel, Tibor, Ericcson, Guideline, Vison, Airflo, Seigler, Daiwa, Snowbee, Galvan, Nautilus, Hatch, Einarsson and Dennison to name only a few.
We did put a disclosure at the end of the article to say this was not a conclusive list as to do that would make it extremely long. Agreed Hatch do make extremely nice reels.
Nice read! I agree with “you want to make sure the fly reel and your fly rod are paired together within the correct position”. This article helps me find the best fly fishing reel! Great 🙂
Though I have never been fly fishing some friends told me that it’s fun and a great way to catch trout up near Black Creek Canyon in Arizona near Jerome AZ. The selection of reels you choose looks exemplary and I found it crucial to learn to pair reels and line weight to your Rod’s specs when buying. Thanks for all your hard work on this post.
Andy Zeus Anderson
P.S.
I just love your logo design, whoever did it is very talented.
Hey Andy yes hes a talented boy, have used him a few times. He has a gig on Fiverr.
When choosing a fly reel it is so important to match the rod reel and line to the same rating. The manufacturers have put those figures on there for a reason so use them. Have seen so many anglers along the river or lake using the wrong set up and struggling to get any distance to their cast. They become frustrated and fed up and usually go home never to return. If I see someone struggling the first thing I check is the rating on the gear to see if it matches. Then go on to a bit of casting tuition.
That is a great and super informative page ! And I love your domain name ! Brilliant!
I just started attempting to learn to fly fish for trout here in SC this past year. I have 2 old fly rods that were left to me by my granddad and a large collection of flies. But I bought some flies and a few specail ties from a guy to use until I either get better with my cast or better at pruning so I can recover them from the trees ! LOL
Good job! I’ll be back !
Mike
I never knew you had to pair the reel with the rod. I thought you could use any reel with any rod. But it does make sense depending on what type of fish that you are gonna go fishing for. How many different combinations are there for fly rods and reels?
Not sure what you mean by combinations but every fly rod has a line rating and the reel needs to match that. So a 5 weight fly rod needs a 5 weight fly reel and fly line.
A great reel is so important to the fishing experience. years ago I decided to introduce my kids to the sport and, not knowing if they’d take to it, I bought cheap gear.
I reckon it was one of the reasons they didn’t go for it. After a day of breaking parts and snagging lines, we all gave it up as a bad job. Later, a neighbor took me out with his great gear and guess what? It was a pleasure and the reels made all the difference.
Hi James, yes bad fly fishing gear can put you off very quickly. Nothing worse than not being able to cast when the line is getting snagged all the time.
You watch other anglers cast with ease and think you are a twit because it is not working for you. However change to good fly gear and you find the overhead cast becomes a lot easier and when casting easily you start to enjoy the sport and catch more fish. You don’t have to spend a fortune either to get decent gear.
As a beginner I would advise getting a fly fishing combo as it will be setup to start fishing right out of the box saving time in setting up the fly line etc.
I’m bookmarking this site for when I need to get fly reels this spring. I think you mentioned that reels over 150 tend to protect from sand and grit. Do you know of any decently light large arbor reels under $100 that will do that? I have had problems on our sandy rivers for years. Thanks in advance for any response.
Hey Gord the Fiblink is the only reel in our selection under $100 that boast a seal drag system. It may be the one that will do the job for you. I would also recommend cleaning the reel every few visits to keep it in tip top condition, you will be surprised at how well a reel will function when given a bit of TLC.
Holy FLy ReeLS! You have fly reels every where. I LOVE IT! I love to fly fish for trout here in the upperstate of SC in the Saluda river. And Man, I tear some gear up. I bookmarked you sight. so I know where to go when I need More Fishing Gear.
Do you know what this is only the tip of the iceberg. There are thousands of fly reels on the market and we just picked out a few that we though decent for a beginner to start out in the sport of fly fishing.
You really know your stuff about this interesting NICHE. I have been fishing for well over 40 years and only use a fly rod when crappie fishing in brush or tree tops. I of course don’t use a fly reel but love the rod in the 10 foot model with a very flimsy first foot or two with a pretty meaty middle leading to a downright stiff end for this use.
I have same one my grandfather used way back in the early part of the 20th century and it still works great today. rather it’s crappie in early spring or fall to big ol’ nutcracker red ear bluegill in the heat of the summer this type set up puts em in the boat.
I sneak ever so slowly through the brush and drop my bait about 10 feet between the branches watching that tip for the slightest of tug then flip my prize straight up and out of the brush without even spooking the school spawning all around each other.
I use heavy monofilament line tied to the end of my fly fishing rod and small Aberdeen hooks that I even take a bic lighter and heat up the circle so they will bend when hung up and not. break your line or lose any of your set up not even the minnow typically.
I know we have gotten off of your subject of using the fly rod and reel the way it is intended to use but different strokes for different folks huh? Thanks for letting me tell my little story and application for fly rod fishing Kentucky boy way.
Thanks for the trip down memory lane John, never used a fly rod like that before but you never know.
I always thought fly fishing would be so cool to do, I never realized you had to consider so many things to have the right set up for the best success in catching fish with a fly rod.
I was wondering if you purchase a fly fishing kit can you be sure you are getting a good reel and rod set up, rather than buying each one separate especially when you never fished with a fly rod before?
Hey Jeffrey you are in luck I have just composed a post on the best combos for beginners just the other day. It’s broken down into three section based on price. A fly fishing combo is ready made and well balanced so all the parts work together it takes the guesswork away from beginners and all is pre spooled onto the reel so just add flies and go fishing.
Useful article on the best fly fishing reels. I found out some new knowledge from your post. This is absolutely helpful guide on choosing the fly reel as you have mentioned every key point to know before making the purchase.
I am appreciated that you have offered choices for different price ranges.
Could you give me a suggestion, if I and my boyfriend are beginners, which one is better for us to purchase?
Hey Ariel that really depends on your budget but if I have to pick one that would be best placed for beginners so
a) it not too expensive and b) has most of the options so it can be used in many situations.
Then the blaze would be a good one to go for as it is a mid arbor design with anodized and corrosion protection, it has a disc drag although not sealed but does have an o-ring to help keep the dirt out. All in all a good entry level fly reel.
Hey Mark
Thank you for the useful article on the best fly fishing reels. I really liked the way you have put everything down and this is really the ultimate guide on choosing the best reel as you have covered everything one needs to know before making the purchase of the reel. It is also great that you have offered choices for different price ranges.
My son is quite fond of fishing and asking me to get the fly fishing reel for him. What could you suggest for 9-years-old-fly-fishing-beginner?
Hey Arta, glad you got something from the post. Finding a good reel that suits you is tough as there are so many options. This post was to try and put together a few options from three different price points and several different companies. It’s not a complete list as there are thousands of reels on the market.
As for the kids reel, saying the age of your son is 9 gives me an idea. It does depend on how well built he is for 9 but likely a rod of 8 to 9 ft is enough for him to master so a reel of 4-5 weight is required. As most of the reels in our range come in that format you are really down to budget. However what about a kids fly fishing kit, I found this one and it seems to fit the bill. However if it’s just a reel you are after then the Fiblink is very robust and well priced.
Galvan not included? better then any reels mentioned.
Hey Bob thanks for your input I have looked at the galvan reels. They do seem to be very efficient with a price tag on them to put them on the higher price bracket. I will get a look and see if I can’t add a review at a later date
These people clearly have a screw loose. The survey / advice is clearly floored without the inclusion of the wychwood river and stream reels which are less expensive , far lighter , and just as good as most of them.
Kevin clearly we are delusional, we also left out manufacturers like Abel, Tibor, Ericcson, Guideline, Vison, Airflo, Seigler, Daiwa, Snowbee, Galvan, Nautilus, Hatch, Einarsson and Dennison to name only a few.
We did put a disclosure at the end of the article to say this was not a conclusive list as to do that would make it extremely long.
We do agree the Wychwood River and Stream is a decent reel and worthy of inclusion we also like the SLA mark II which comes with extra spools.
Thanks for your feedback anyway.
Great information! I really liked how big the pictures of the reels are. Makes it a lot easier to see them in more detail. My father is a fly fisherman and I will be sure to let him know about this site. Thanks for the information!
Hi Nicole thanks for your kind words I definitely do like the large image as well it makes the reviews so much more appealing.
I have found websites before with images so small that you have to click on them and open them up to see what the thing looks like.
With a nice large image it helps to show off the best fly fishing reels as pieces of art as well as functioning appliances.
Hi there,
I run into your post and was really happy to read it. Very good article and very helpful since I’m looking for a good fly fishing reels as I want to start fishing early this year as soon the spring hits the door.
The Waterworks-Lamson Guru Fly Reels seems to be exactly what I was looking for. Thank you again for this help.
No problem glad I could help you make a decision, the Waterworks-Lamson Guru is indeed a great reel. With the sealed conical drag system, fully anodised and lightweight structure you know you are getting a beast of a reel that is happy hooking into Tarpon in saltwater as it is catching trout on the river.
Being fully sealed you have no need to worry about sand or grit getting into the drag system to give you problems on the next bit take a simple rinse off in freshwater when your done and your reel will last years. At the price it’s more of an investment in your fly fishing gear but the fact that it is built in Idaho you can count on the quality.