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
- Pre-Loaded Fly Reel: Equipped with a tapered fly line for precise casting, even in windy conditions. The 8-strand backing line offers exceptional resilience, while the tapered leader slices through the water effortlessly. Pre-spooled for convenience, saving you time and enhancing your fishing experience
- Solid & Lightweight: Precision CNC-machined from 6061-T6 aluminum alloy for exceptional impact resistance. The larger CNC hollow design reduces weight while maintaining durability
- Silky Smooth Drag: Equipped with a multi-disc premium carbon and stainless steel drag system, featuring a one-way clutch bearing for instant drag engagement. Enjoy precise click-drag adjustment and a silent, seamless retrieve
- Corrosion-Resistant & Durable: Hard-anodized surface treatment enhances abrasion resistance and weather durability. Cold-forged and tempered for exceptional strength and rigidity
- Retrieve Configuration & Support: Factory preset for left-hand retrieve. Easily convertible to right-hand retrieve upon request. If you need assistance, contact us for expert support
- High Quality Construction: Fully Machined 6061 Forged Aluminum Reel, Fully sealed, carbon fiber stacked disc drag and G10 Handle
- Faster Retrieve Rate: Large Arbor design to increase overal circumference which increases retrieve rate and backing capacity
- Easy Conversion: Easily convert reel from left hand retrieve to right hand retrieve
- Fewer Tangles: Larger center spool diameter is easier on your line when compared to smaller spools, reducing line memory
- Built for the Elements – We understand your fly fishing adventures can present obstacles that can leave you dead in the water. When you invest in Moonshine, you'll get a lifetime manufacturer’s warranty with an industry-competitive fee to get you back up and running in no time.
- PERFORMANCE MEETS VALUE: Fish with your right hand and navigate with your left. The Pflueger Automatic fly reel offers versatile one-handed operation to free up your grip for paddles or poles.
- SIZE 44385, 11.2 OZ. FLY REEL: Features an aluminum alloy frame and spool for a lightweight, corrosion-resistant fly fishing reel.
- HAUL IN EVERYTHING: Keep your eye on the prize with this reel featuring a line trigger that winds with a quick, simple pull to prevent any tangles or headaches.
- EASY TO OPERATE: Adjust to any circumstances in moments with a reel that is designed to help you handle every fly fishing situation in stride.
- FOR EVERY DAY OUT: No matter what environment you find yourself in, this reel is ready to work. Smoothly bring in your line in a flash, and get it back out in the water just as fast to maximize your catch.
- Retro Design in Bold, Eye-Catching Colors:Choose from five vibrant finishes blends nostalgic aesthetics with precision engineering, to match your personal style while honoring classic fly fishing heritage.
- Lightweight Aluminum Built:Precision-machined from corrosion-resistant aluminum, this reel balances durability and portability, ideal for trout streams, salmon rivers, or saltwater flats.
- Ambidextrous Design:Effortlessly switch between left- and right-hand retrieve with the quick-convert drag system, catering to all anglers' preferences without compromising control or balance.
- Multi-Weight Versatility:Available in 3/4wt, 5/6wt, and 7/9wt sizes to pair perfectly with your favorite rod, offering precision for small trout or power for saltwater species like bonefish and tarpon.
- True Vintage Functionality:Employs a traditional click-and-pawl tension mechanism for authentic fly fishing experiences. No anti-reverse gimmicks – just straightforward control honed by decades of angling heritage.
- 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
- 【MATERIALS & CRAFTSMANSHIP】The fly reels are made of aircraft-grade bar stock aluminum. The reel frame and spool are CNC precision machined; polished and hard anodized surface treatment sets for maximum durability and increases abrasion resistance and weather fastness
- 【SMOOTH DRAG】 Experience silky smooth drag with the multi-disc premium carbon steel and stainless steel drag system, with a freewheel bearing that engages the drag immediately. Enjoy precise clicking resistance and silent retrieve
- 【Corrosion-Resistant & Durable】 Hard-anodized surface treatment enhances abrasion resistance and weather durability. Cold-forged and tempered for exceptional strength and rigidity
- 【VERSATILE PERFORMANCE】 5/6 weight class reel perfectly balanced for trout fishing and various freshwater applications
- 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.
- HVCE fly fishing reel from Aventik, HVCE Fly Reel Pre-loaded with WF3F fly line, backing line, tapered leader.
- OUTSTANDING COST EFFECTIVE VALUE: 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.
- 🎣【Complete 5/6 weight Fly Rods Kit】- 4 piece fly rod , a large arbor reel, preinstalled line, a fly box, flies, and a lightweight rod case with a zippered storage pouch. It's the best gift to send father, son, husband, fiancé, boyfriend.
- 🎣【Premium Performance Fly Pole】 - The mid flex IM8 graphite fly rod comes with stainless steel stripper guide which reduces friction and heat, and won't harm the fish line. It’s also made up of adjustable CNC aluminum reel seat which effectively avoids loose swing phenomenon on fishing. The western-style grip made with compressed cork trim rings helps casting accuracy and avoids fatigue.
- 🎣【Diecast Aluminum Fly Reel】 - Durable aluminum construction and spool, Gear ratio is 1:1. One-way only roller bearing system, Ball Bearings: 2+1BB. Superior Teflon disk drag design, Line Weight: 5/6 External Dia: 2-9/10", Net Weight: 5.2 oz. Pre-loaded 20lb 98ft backing, weight forward 6-weight floating 100ft fly line, and 9ft 3X leader.
- 🎣【Floating Fly Flies Box and Carrier Bag】 - The Beginner Fly Flies Box is composed of waterproof fly box and 20 flies. The study rod case with a zippered storage pouch holds everything you need for fly fishing. It's easy to carry anywhere. It's the best fishing kit suited for trout, pan fish, small streams, ponds, and backpacking.
- 🎣 【Best Gifts Choice】: It's the best father day gifts to any beginner or addictive anglers. Special for Christmas, Thanksgiving Day, Father's Day, Valentine's Day ect.
- 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.
- 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
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.