How many times have you purchased a reel before really knowing if it was right for you? If you are like most fly fishers, probably more than once. There are a lot of reels out there to choose from and it can be hard to know if you’re getting a quality product for your money.
To help you find the best fly fishing reels for you, we’ve rounded up the top
Our Editor’s Best Fly Fishing Reels Reviews
- Solid and Lightweight: Precision CNC-machined from 6061-T6 aluminum alloy for high-impact durability; The larger CNC hollow design makes the reel lighter than ordinary models
- Silky Smooth Drag: Experience a silky smooth drag with the multi-disc premium carbon and stainless steel drag system, featuring a one-way clutch bearing for immediate drag engagement. Enjoy an accurate click drag and silent retrieve
- Corrosion Resistance: Hard anodized for surface protection to enhance abrasion resistance and weather resistance. Cold-forged and tempered for superior strength and rigidity
- Mid-Arbor Design: Reduces line memory while facilitating lightning-quick line pickup
- Retrieve Configuration and Support: Your reel has been preset at the factory for left-hand retrieve. To convert it to right-hand retrieve, or if you encounter any issues with our products, please contact us for guidance
- CLEARWATER LARGE ARBOR size II for 4-6-Weight fly fishing line, 5.4 oz., 3½-inch diameter; and size IV for 7-9-Weight fly fishing line, 6.1 oz., 3¾-inch diameter.
- SMOOTH-AS-SILK PERFORMANCE at an incredible value, delivering the best performance-to-value in the industry.
- DIE-CAST FLY REELS with stealthy matte-gray powder-coat finish deliver performance comparable to more expensive machined fishing reels.
- CARBON-TO-STAINLESS STACKED DISC DRAG with positive click drag knob delivers consistent settings every time.
- EASY CONVERSION between left- and right-handed fly line retrieve.
- FLY FISHING COMBO includes: ONE Fly Rod(9 ft, 5/6 weight, 4 pc rod),ONE Fly Reel(size:5/6), 100 FT Fly Line, backing and leader, ONE rod case, ONE fly box, 12 PCS flies,spare leader, zinger and nipper,ONE Carrier Case,Very easy to carry aroud
- THE ROD: 4 sections designed medium fast action fly fishing rods, fly rods made from carbon fiber, durable and extra light weight, Metal adjustable fishing reels seat, texture, simple and firm.Mid flex IM8 graphite design, aluminum reel seat, stainless steel stripper guide with SiC ring, stainless steel single foot snake guides and hook keeper. 7” western-style grip made with high quality cork and compressed cork trim rings helps casting accuracy,avoids fatigue
- THE REEL: This fly reel is made of CNC-machined 6061-T6 aluminum alloy,larger CNC hollow design makes the reel lighter than ordinary ones.2+1 Ball Bearings and 1:1 Gear Ratio, One-way roller bearing engages drag in one direction,Strong All-aluminum construction
- The combo includes everything that you will need to start fly fishing: A convenient zippered case helps you carry everything when you go fishing. Freshwater fly reel for multi-species fishing in rivers, lakes, streams, creeks.，Ideal for all around fly fishing species such as Trout, Grayling, Salmon and other predatory fish
- FIVE-YEAR WARRANTY: If Any Problem about The Product,Please Contact Us Firstly and Our Customer Service Will Solve It for You Soon.Your reel has been set at the factory for left-hand retrieve. If you want convert your reel to right-hand retrieve, please contact us for guidance
- Outstanding Value: Designed for beginners while still remaining advanced enough for an angler's backup
- Polished Die-cast Construction: Strong and Durable All-aluminum construction, large arbor design for rapid line retrieval
- Teflon Disc and Stainless Steel Drag System: Rugged disc drag for putting serious pressure on the fish
- One-way Bearing: For quick and easy left-to-right hand retrieval switch
- Pre-loaded with Weight forward floating fly line, backing and leader
- SPECTRUM C: Multi-purpose fly reels built to cover the entire range of freshwater and saltwater fly fishing applications from Brook Trout to Tarpon.
- SCS DRAG SYSTEM: Proprietary high-grade US made carbon easily and repeatedly handles high pressure and quickly dissipates the kinetic energy of that running fish into thermal energy. Tailored configurations allow us to create specific drag systems for each model, size, and fishing application, and the entire system itself is sealed to keep out water, sand, grit, and salt.
- ONE REVOLUTION DRAG KNOB: Numbered settings, detents, and audible clicks help you take the guesswork out of setting your preferred control level. The easy switch between decreased tension for stripping and increased pressure for fighting fish makes for more time fishing and less time setting drag.
- LARGE ARBOR: The SPECTRUM C features a large arbor with rugged machined die-cast frame and generous concave vented spool for faster line pickup.
- DURABLE FINISH: Powder coated for surface protection and corrosion resistance for all fishing conditions. Lightweight aluminum die-cast construction with machined finish for added strength. Easy conversion from left to right hand retrieve.
- MODERATE ACTION: The 8-foot 3-piece fly fishing rod combo provides a moderate action, making it ideal for catching light and medium species from panfish to trout, walleye, bass and more
- EXPERTLY CRAFTED MATERIALS: Durable 5/6 weight fiberglass rod blank construction that holds a 4-6 LT6F line weight and comes with a comfortable EVA rod handle that provides all-day comfort and a sure-grip
- DURABLE & LIGHTWEIGHT: This size 5/6 single action fly fishing reel with rim control comes fully loaded and pre-spooled with 6 weight floating premium fly line, backing and leader. The reel has a line capacity of 30-yards LT6F, and backing capacity of 50/20 yds/lbs. It features a durable aluminum frame, lightweight aluminum spool, a metal clicker with an on/off control and push-button release
- 6-PIECE TACKLE KIT: This custom fly tackle assortment includes 6 pieces of fly tackle, and includes a scannable barcode linking to a getting started guide so all fly fishing enthusiasts can learn how to cast, tie knots, and care for your equipment
- TRUSTED: Since 1949, Zebco has been inviting people to explore the outdoors. Zebco products are warranted for a period of (1) year from date of original retail purchase against defects in workmanship and/or materials
- Everything You Need To Go Fishing: Includes a performance 8’4’’, 3 weight, 4 pc rod, an aluminum large arbor reel with line, backing and leaders pre-loaded. 12 hand tied flies in a waterproof box, neoprene reel cover, retractor, line nipper, fishing cap and a durable travel case to hold everything. Perfect to start fishing at a budget. And also a backup combo
- Exclusive MAXLINQ Rod Technology: Pure IM7 24T plus 30T carbon fiber. With mixed 5 layers of carbon including Reinforced Muscle carbon layer for at least 20% increase in strength
- Distance and Presentation: A fast action design rod blank to excel in distance and presentation. To meet the need of a newer caster, Slim taper engineered to be smooth and powerful, high efficiency loading, all for easy long distance casting especially for new caster
- Pre-Loaded Aluminum Reel: An aluminum lightweight reel with an extremely smooth disc drag system is included. The reel is pre-spooled with backing, Weight-forward floating line and tapered leader. The reel size matchs with each line weight rod for perfect balance accordingly
- Lures, Box & Rod Case: A durable but also convenient travel rod bag with reel pouch to hold everything together. Waterproof, Floating Box-5.24’’X3.54’’1.38’’, holds up to 372 lures. Includes 12 pc hand tied dry and wet flies, hook size:#10. A neoprene reel pouch is included for easy protection of the reel
- FLY FISHING POLE AND REEL COMBO - This fishing rod travel case comes with an 8-foot 3-piece fly rod, graphite reel seat with stainless-steel guides, 5/6 fly fishing reel, 45-feet of line, 9-feet of Nylon 4x tapered leader, 2 dry flies, and a carry case.
- QUALITY AND COMFORT - This fishing rod and reel combo includes an easy-cast 6/7 weight fly rod with a fiberglass body and an EVA Foam handle, giving anglers a comfortable and secure grip. The fly rod also features a built-in hook keeper for added safety.
- FISHING ROD CASE FOR TRAVEL - This fishing kit and its accessories fit neatly into the included fishing rod travel case letting you conveniently store all your angling equipment between uses and easily transport your gear to the next fishing adventure.
- GREAT BEGINNER FLY FISHING KIT - Ideal for beginners, adults, and youth anglers alike, this fly fishing rod combo set makes an excellent gift. It comes with suggested tips and techniques to help amateurs get out on the water and start casting like a pro.
- PRODUCT DETAILS - Materials: Fiberglass, Graphite, Stainless-Steel, EVA Foam. Dimensions: Fully Assembled Rod: (L) 8'; Reel: (L) 3.25" x (W) 3.25" x (H) 1.25"; Carrying Case: (L) 35" x (W) 7". Color: Black.
- ULTIMATE CONTROL: The Martin Caddis Creek fly reel is a size 6/5 single action fishing reel and is designed with a changeable right- or left-hand retrieve and rim control that provides a place for the angler to manually control the drag
- DURABLE & LIGHTWEIGHT: Engineered with an aluminum frame for added durability and a lightweight aluminum spool so you can enjoy many fishing adventures with ease for years to come
- PRECISION CASTING: Featuring a metal click drag with an on/off control that alerts you when the line is coming off the reel and to control the speed at which the line comes off of the reel
- VERSATILE USE: This reel comes pre-spooled with 20lb backing, LT6F fly line, 5X leader, and is ideal for catching light and medium species from panfish to trout, walleye, bass and more
- TRUSTED: Since 1949, Zebco has been inviting people to explore the outdoors. Zebco products are warranted for a period of (1) year from date of original retail purchase against defects in workmanship and/or materials
- RUN FLY REEL: The Redington RUN fly fishing reel will change the way you think about lightweight trout reels.
- RELIABLE DRAG SYSTEM: Its compact carbon fiber drag is smooth and reliable in all types of environments. So, no matter if you’re chasing trout in Montana or find yourself stalking tailing reds during the flood tide, the RUN fly reel is lite on weight not feature.
- LARGE ARBOR: The RUN fly reel features a large arbor deisng allowing for quick retrieval to keep pressure on the fish, no matter how hard the fight is.
- DURABLE DESIGN: It's durable, non-machinable die-cast aluminum construction features a unique ported arbor on the inner barrel of the spool for inreased durability and decreased weight
- EASY RETRIEVE: The twin-molded soft-touch ergonomic handle offers supreme grip and control in all fishing conditions. Easily converts from left to right hand retrieve.
Best Fly Fishing Reels Buying Guide
1. Fly Fishing Reels: The Reel is the heart of the fly fishing gear. If a reel is not well built, then the chances are that your fly fishing experience will not be very good.
So, when you are choosing the best fly fishing reel, you need to keep the following things in mind:
1. Material of the Fly Fishing Reel: Fly fishing reels are mainly made of two types of materials:
a. Single-sided reels: These are mainly made of aluminum or wood. They are the most affordable options.
b. Double-sided reels: These are made of stainless steel, titanium, or carbon fiber. They are more expensive than single-sided reels.
These reels provide a higher amount of strength and durability.
2. Fly Fishing Reel Features: The features of the fly fishing reel will depend on the budget you have.
You can get a basic reel with just a single drag and line capacity, or you can go for the best fly fishing reel with extra features like line counter, multi-disk drag, etc.
3. Breaking System of the Fly Fishing Reel: The breaking system of the reel will depend on the type of fish you are targeting.
If you are fishing for trout, then you can get a reel with a single breaking system.
But, if you are fishing for bigger fish like salmon or carp, then you will need a reel with dual breaking systems.
These reels offer two separate breaking systems, one for holding the fish and the other for backing out the fly line.
4. Line Capacity of the Fly Fishing Reel: The line capacity of a reel will depend on the type of fish you are targeting and the breaking system of the reel.
If you are getting a single breaking system, then you need to keep in mind that you will need more line capacity to land the fish.
On the other hand, if you are getting a double breaking system, then you can get a reel with lesser line capacity.
5. Fly Fishing Reel Weight: Fly fishing reels are available in different sizes and weights. So, you need to choose the reel that suits your requirements.
Depending on the type of fish you are targeting and the breaking system on the reel, you can opt for a lighter reel or a heavier reel.
6. Fly Fishing Reel Price: Fly fishing reels are available in different price ranges. You can get an affordable reel that works perfectly or you can spend more money to get a high-end reel.
If you are getting a single breaking system, then you can get a reel with lesser line capacity. But if you are getting a double breaking system, then you can opt for a reel with lesser breaking capacity.
What else you should know about fly fishing reels
1. What are the different types of fly fishing reels?
The different types of fly fishing reels are: baitcasting, spinning, and fly.
2. What are the benefits of using a fly fishing reel?
There are many benefits to using a fly fishing reel. Some of these benefits include increased accuracy when casting, the ability to control the speed of the line being released, and the ability to easily retrieve the line.
3. How do you properly maintain a fly fishing reel?
The best way to maintain a fly fishing reel is to keep it clean and dry. You should also oil the reel periodically to keep it in good working condition.
4. What are some common problems with fly fishing reels?
Some common problems with fly fishing reels include line tangles, line breaks, and reel malfunctions.
5. How do you choose the right fly fishing reel for your needs?
The first step is to consider the type of fish you will be targeting. If you are going after smaller fish, you will need a different reel than if you are targeting larger fish. The second step is to consider the type of water you will be fishing in. If you are fishing in a river, you will need a different reel than if you are fishing in a lake. The third step is to consider the type of rod you will be using. If you are using a fly rod, you will need a different reel than if you are using a spinning rod.
Conclusion
On the market, there are numerous best fly fishing reels. Hopefully, the list of the top ten best fly fishing reels will save you time researching and deciding on the best one for you.