Are you trying to find fly fishing reels among various brands on the market but aren’t sure where to begin? To assist you in finding the right one, we’ve put together a list of the 7 best to help you pick the perfect one!
We investigated and evaluated a number of the top-selling fly fishing reels on the market in order to create our list of the best. Making a decision among the many options available is never simple. There are an infinite number of models available, each with a distinct price. And as you’ll find out, the best options aren’t usually the ones you imagine! This comparison is rich and relevant because of the numerous factors that were employed. You will find products featured in this ranking not only based on their pricing but also on their features and other customers reviews. To write this review, we completed 14 hours of research and did 37 fly fishing reels tests. You won’t need to pick products at random any more. If you’re unsure of what to look for, browse our list and consult the buying guide!
An overview of our top picks
Table of contents
The best fly fishing reels you can buy today
- 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
- THREE-YEAR WARRANTY: Your reel has been set 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.
- ORVIS IS DEDICATED to making high-quality fly fishing accessories for your outdoor adventures, and the Clearwater Large Arbor Reel (2S53) features the best performance-value ratio in the industry.
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- 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
- ONE-YEAR-WARRANTY – we as a 16 years fly reel factory, offer “No Hassle” warranty for all our reels. If you are not 100% satisfied with our reel, you can return it in any time.
- OUTSTANDING VALUE – this reel incorporates all of the features of reels that costing much more money. We just wish to bring the experience of Fly fishing to more people
- Strong and Durable All-aluminum construction, Large arbor design for rapid line retrieval
- 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 fly line, backing and leader
- This fly reel is made of CNC-machined 6061-T6 aluminum alloy,that made it more durable and corrosion resistant in all environment.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, Large arbor design for smooth immediate drag engagement accurate click drag and silent retrieve.
- Finely machined and knurled metal screw caps to loosen the spool and easy to change left to right hand retrieval conversion.Hard anodized for surface protection increases abrasion resistance and weather fastness; Cold forged and tempered for superior strength and rigidity.
- .A killer 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.
- THREE-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.
- ONE-YEAR-WARRANTY – we as a 16 years fly reel factory, offer “No Hassle” warranty for all our reels. If you are not 100% satisfied with our reel, you can return it in any time.
- OUTSTANDING COST EFFECTIVE VALUE – this reel incorporates all of the features of reels that costing much more money. Without break the bank and you can stop any fish smoothly. We just wish to bring the experience of Fly fishing to more people
- Strong and Durable All-aluminum construction with CNC cutting for reinforcement, Large arbor design for rapid line retrieval
- Rugged disc drag for putting serious pressure on the fish.Teflon disc and stainless steel drag system with one-way clutch bearing allow for smooth, immediate drag engagement
- One-way bearing for quick and easy left-to-right hand retrieval switch with no tools needed in 30 seconds
- √ Wide Application - Fly reels are perfect for freshwater; normal trout riverslakes. The reel is better for beginners and bass fishing. Suitable for redfish, lake trout, steelhead, bass ect
- √ Ergonomic Knob Design - For easy drag adjustments on the water, even in cold weather! All it takes is the slight turn of the knob.
- √ Ultralight Material - Made of Engineering Plastic,that made it more durable and corrosion resistant in all environment. also give the reel a lighter weight than ordinary ones.
- √ No Corrosion - After 90 days of brine immersion test, there is no obvious rust and corrosion phenomenon.
- √ Best Gift - Powerful, durable fishing reel suited for normal freshwater and light saltwater use. Perfect for inshore fishing, and for Bass, Stripers, Walleyes, Catfish, and Northern Pike. It’s an awesome gift for man, father or fisherman in Father's Day, Birthday or Christmas.
- Combo Include: Matt black 5/6 wt fly reel with WF5F-90FT Fly Line(fluorescent yellow), 20LB-50M Backing(orange), 9FT-4X Tapered Leader(clear).
- Large Arbor: The large arbor design is helpful for quick line retrieval.
- Anti-Corrosion: The reel body is made of durable aluminum alloy and adopts surface anti-corrosion treatment. And the metal parts of the main shaft and fishing power adjustment structure are made of stainless steel.
- Advantages: Easy left-hand to right-hand retrieval and disc drag can put serious pressure on the fish.
- THREE-YEAR WARRANTY: SF is dedicated to providing the best quality and service for anglers who love fishing and promise a three-year warranty for this fly reel. Any problem, please feel free to contact us.
- Pressure cast aluminum, post- CNC machined to precision tolerances
- Sealed conical drag
- Polyurethane coated
- Large Arbor
- U-Shaped Arbor helps prevent line stacking
- 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.
- MEDIUM-FAST ACTION: It is a smooth-casting, medium-fast action graphite fly rod, offering classic performance for all levels of anglers and suitable for both fresh and saltwater fishing.
- VERSATILE USE: The anodized machined aluminum reel seat makes this gear piece ideal for both salt and freshwater angling.
- EASY TO ASSEMBLE: The rod comes in 4 pieces that have alignment dots for easy setup.
- PERFECT COMBO: The kit includes a Crosswater rod, Crosswater reel pre-spooled with RIO Mainstream WF fly line, and Cordura rod tube case.
- REDINGTON WARRANTY: If your Reddington product has a defect in workmanship or materials, we will repair or replace it at once - you have 1 year from the moment of purchase to make a claim.
- I.D FLY REEL: The I.D fly reel allows you to express your unique style while out on the water. It features a flat back surface that accepts custom decals to define your identity as an angler (fish species decal included)
- LARGE ARBOR: The ID fly reel features a large arbor designed for speedy line retrieval and reduced line memory.
- EASY RETRIEVE: The soft-touch, twin-molded dual density handle offers supreme grip and control in all fishing conditions.
- SMOOTH DRAG: The rulon disc drag system is designed to provide smooth resistance on those screaming runs.
- LINE CAPACITY: 3/4WT 75yds/20lb, 5/6WT 100yds/20lb, 7/8/9WT 200yds/20lb
- FLK fly fishing reel from Aventik, FLK Fly Reel Pre-loaded with WF5F fly line, backing line.
- OUTSTANDING COST EFFECTIVE VALUE – Aventik FLK large arbor fly reel, Aircraft T6061 aluminum cold forged and tempered for superior strength. Special type II hard anodized for surface protection and corrosion resistance. Stainless components, high impact durability and corrosion free.
- SMOOTH TIMELY DRAG: Composite disc and stainless steel one way clutch bearing system for smooth and timely drag engagement, helps reduce line backlash.
- 3D SPOOL DESIGN: Computer optimized 3D large-arbor design, a great balance between fast line retrieve and spool capacity. Palming rim designed. Quick release spool.
- THREE YEAR WARRANTY: If any problem about The product, please contact us firstly and our customer service will solve it for you soon.
- Aventik C-III, Classic III, is new graphite large arbor fly reel, light weight and strong. Polymeric material made for durability and corrosion resistance. Large arbor design for backing capacity and fast retrieve.
- Rugged central disc drag for extremely smooth and consistent drag control. One-way bearing for easy conversion between hands, silent forward retrieve, and a clear clicker sound on drag
- Size info: 3/4 dia 76mm Weight 4.2oz/120g Line capacity, WF3F+60m backing. 5/6 dia 86mm Weight 4.9oz/140g Line capacity, WF5F+60m backing. 7/8 dia 96mm Weight 5.3oz/150g Line capacity WF7F+80m backing.
- 3/4 and 5/6 reels come with a 100 yard spool of 20lb Rio Dacron Backing - backing is not on the reel
- 7/8 and 9/10 reels come with a 200 yard spool of 20lb Rio Dacron Backing - backing is not on the reel
- Machined and anodized aluminum One Revolution Drag Knob with numbered and detented settings
- Large arbor for fast line pick-up
- Neoprene and embroidered ballistic nylon reel case
- BEHEMOTH FLY REEL: Combines the most powerful drag in its class with stunning aesthetics that push the limits of fly reel design. Sized for your favorite 5-weight trout rod, and all the way up to saltwater ready, big-game sizes.
- QUALITY DESIGN: The unique, un-machinable, die-cast construction is coupled with a durable, interlocking, large-arbor spool design that both looks and functions like a premium reel.
- HEAVY DUTY DRAG: A super-heavy duty carbon fiber drag package brings the utmost in drag strength, reliability and performance to the family.
- EASY RETRIEVE: The large arbor is designed for speedy line retrieval and reduced line memory. Twin molded handle with soft-tough ergonomic grip gives you great feedback when pulling in larger species of fish.
- BACKING CAPACITY: [5/6] 125 yards / 20 lb, [7/8] 200 yards / 20 lb, [9/10] 200 yards / 30 lb, [11/12] 250 yards / 20 lb
- CROSSWATER REEL: Multipurpose fly reel offers both style and function for all anglers fishing in freshwater or saltwater.
- RELIABLE DRAG SYSTEM: The smooth disc-drag system offers fish-stopping performance with head-turning power for all gamefish.
- DURABLE DESIGN: A durable composite design with an easy to change spool makes time on the water more enjoyable.
- EASY RETRIEVE: The Crosswater fly reel can be easily converted between left-hand and right-hand retrieve. Large arbor design for easier and quicker retrieve.
- REDINGTON WARRANTY: If your Reddington product has a defect in workmanship or materials, we will repair or replace it at once - you have 1 year from the moment of purchase to make a claim.
- Format: Large Arbor
- Materials: Pressure Cast Aluminum Frame and Spool, Weight 0.8 lbs
- Finish: Polyurethane Case and Spool
- Drag: Sealed Conical Drag
- Set up for left hand retrieve – easily changed to right hand
- Higher Quality Price Ratio -- Compared to other price of fly fishing reel, our price is friendly to every consumers,particularly to the novices,It Quality Price Ratio to high，if you are a novice or want to learn fly fishing,this product is a advisable choice for you.
- Excellent Material -- We adopted strong and durable Aluminum Alloy Construction,Which is very flexible and perfectly and has high strength and abrasion resistance.
- Large Arbor Design -- It has Quick spool release with easy left to right hand retrieve change.And Provides fast fly line retrieval and Reducing lower line memory .
- Teflon Disc & Aluminum Alloy Drag system -- Teflon Disc and Aluminum Alloy Drag system with One-way ball bearing engages drag in one direction，Accurate click drag and silent retrieve.
- Fly Fishing Reel With Fly Line, Reel and Line was pre-load, No Needs To Tie The Line(Floating Line,Backing Line,Leader Were Pre-Tied, Combo Line And Reel Was Pre-load)
- 【 Durable All-aluminum construction】The fuselage adopts the hollow design of all lightweight All-aluminum construction, make it corrosion-resistant, more durable,and very flexible .
- 【Large Arbor Design】fly reels has Quick spool release with easy left to right hand retrieve change.And Provides fast fly line retrieval and Reducing lower line memory .
- 【Disc brake system】The fly reel is designed with a disc brake system, which can make your power release output smooth and stable.release adjustment more powerful and will not break the lines.
- 【Change Left & Right Hands】 One-way bearing for quick and easy left-to- right hand retrieval switch, disassemble the reel, take out the one-way bearing, and place it in the opposite direction to realize the left and right hand interchange function.
- 【Multi-scene Application】A 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. And that would make a great gift as well.
How to choose a good fly fishing reels
Does the idea of finding a fantastic fly fishing reels make you anxious? When it comes to purchasing this product, specifically when deciding which model to select, has your head been spinning between options? You are not alone if that is the case. We are aware of the pressure involved in the purchasing process!
Your presence here indicates that you are interested in fly fishing reels. Before choosing which product would be the best for your needs after being inundated with information, locate a reliable source with genuine selections. You can get that information from a variety of sources, including buying guides and rating websites, word-of-mouth recommendations from friends and family, online discussion forums where users can share their own experiences, product reviews that can be found all over the internet, and YouTube channels. You can only get the right product through exhaustive analysis. But you realize that’s not always simple. In order to ease your concerns, we have taken the time to develop a list of the top fly fishing reels products available right now. You might be wondering how we came up with the list. How was this buying guide developed?
First, we used our algorithms to gather as much reliable data as we could about these products. To verify all the data gathered, we used both artificial intelligence and a lot of algorithms.
Then, our experts used criteria that are recognized in the business to evaluate them according to their quality to price ratio, allowing us to choose the top fly fishing reels on the market right now!
The selection of the goods is not arbitrary. Before creating a list, we take into account a number of factors. Below are some of the criteria discussed:
Brand Value: What happens if you choose a dubious brand just because it appears to be a good deal? So the likelihood of receiving a product with a short shelf life increases. That is due to the fact that well-known brands have a reputation to uphold, while others do not. Top fly fishing reels brands strive to provide some distinctive traits that set them apart from the competition. So, hopefully one or more of the items on our list will be perfect for you.
Features: Useful features are all you need, not tons of them. We consider the important aspects and select the top fly fishing reels based on those.
Specifications: Numbers always help you measure the quality of a product in a quantitative way. We try to find products with higher specifications, but with the right balance.
Quality: A product’s quality may always be quantified with the aid of numbers. We look for goods with better standards that strike the proper balance. The best quality product that gets highly appreciated and recommended by experienced users.
Customer ratings: Would it be accurate to suggest that the fly fishing reels were used by hundreds of customers before you? Superior ratings indicate that many customers had better service.
Customer Reviews: Like ratings, provide you with accurate and reliable information about the product from genuine customers. Customer ratings are very important to all of us because they contain accurate and reliable information about the customer service we received from several hundred customers.
Seller Rank: This is very intriguing! Not only do you need a good fly fishing reels, you also need a product with rising sales that is trendy. It accomplishes two goals. First, the expanding user base proves the quality of the product. Second, given that number, producers must be able to offer greater quality and after-sales support.
Value: You get what you pay for, they say, so consider the value. Cheap isn’t always good and expensive isn’t always bad. However, that does not imply that spending a lot of money on a product that is flashy but underwhelming is a good idea. Before adding them to the list, we make an effort to evaluate how much value you can get for your money from your fly fishing reels.
Durability: Durability and reliability are closely related concepts. You will benefit from a strong and long-lasting fly fishing reels for months and years to come.
Product availability: Products come and go, and new ones replace the old ones. Most likely, a few new features and required changes were made. What use is it to use a supposedly good product if the maker no longer supports it? We make an effort to highlight products that are current and offered by one or more trustworthy sellers, if not more.
Negative Reviews: Yes, we do take that into account as well! The goods with the majority of bad reviews are filtered out and disregarded when we choose the best-rated one on the market.
These are the standards by which we selected our fly fishing reels. Do we end our process there? Hell no. The most crucial fact about us that you should be aware of is that we regularly update our website with current and pertinent information. We have one more layer of filtration since we place the greatest importance on reader satisfaction. Please let us know if any product included here is incorrect, irrelevant, subpar, or simply out of date. We always value your opinions, and we’ll work hard to make any necessary corrections to our list in response to them.
Why should you believe us?
There are now thousands of possibilities for these products on Amazon, but choosing the best one can be difficult and time-consuming. And what fly fishing reels should you purchase in 2022?
This guide is the result of more than 10 years of experience in researching, testing and writing about many topics. Each member of our team is an authority in their area. We read every article we could find online and every consumer review on every retail website for seven hours. Additionally, we discovered a ton of websites that offered helpful resources, including buying tips and thorough information on fly fishing reels.
