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
- ZERO FLY REEL: The Redington ZERO fly fishing reel sets a new standard for lightweight performance designed for Trout fishing.
- CLICKER DRAG: The spring-loaded clicker drag system is designed to provide smooth resistance on those screaming runs.
- LARGE ARBOR: The ZERO fly reel features a large arbor designed for speedy line retrieval and reduced line memory.
- DURABLE DESIGN: Crafted with durable die-cast construction for a lightweight design with quick-change spool.
- EASY RETRIEVE: The soft-touch, twin-molded dual density handle offers supreme grip and control in all fishing conditions.
- 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
- 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.
- CROSSWATER REEL: Multipurpose fly reel offers both style and function for all anglers fishing in freshwater or saltwater. The 4/5/6 freshwater is perfect for everything trout, small bass, and panfish.
- 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 Redington 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.
- 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
- RISE FLY REEL: The RISE is an elegant, lightweight fly fishing reel that continues our quest to think beyond the bounds of traditional fly reel designs.
- LARGE ARBOR: It features a u-shaped large-arbor for quick line retrieve and a compact carbon fiber drag system that offers smooth fish stopping torque.
- EASY RETRIEVE: Thoughtful details like the twin molded soft-touch handles and oversized drag knob help the reel perform in the hands of any angler.
- LIGHTWEIGHT DESIGN: CNC machined, adonized 6061-T6 aluminum design with quick release spool for freshwater or saltwater fishing.
- 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.
- 🎣【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 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
- 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
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.