12 Best Fly Reels: The Definitive Guide (In-Depth Reviews)

Fly reel

Many anglers consider a reel to be the least important component of their fly fishing gear.

They’ll sing the praises of a high-quality rod or argue endlessly about the best fly for a given day in June, while simultaneously arguing that “any old fly reel will do”.

Every reel at a given price point offers a unique combination of pros and cons, just as every angler and every fishing situation do. Take your time and be sure you understand the differences for each so that you can make an informed decision.

Practically, there is no right or wrong fly reel for a given situation. But there are better and worse reels for every time, place, and target species.

In this article you will:

  1. See our list of TOP-5 fly reels and read our review of each
  2. Learn how to identify a good fly reel that will meet your unique needs
  3. If you didn’t like our recommendations, then you can use our overview of leading fly reel brands to start your own research

The 12 Top Fly Reels Of 2021: Outdoor Empire Reviews

You only learn which reel is perfect for you by trying out a bunch of different models and experimenting. But budgets are never big enough, so sometimes it makes more sense to just start with a reel that you know will work reasonably well for your preferred fly fishing application.

After the purchase, you may end up discovering that you’d prefer a reel with a slightly larger arbor, or one with a better drag system.

But you’ll be able to catch fish while you are learning these things. You may even find that you scored the perfect reel right off the bat.

These are our top recommendations for fly reels in 2021:

  1. Best for the moneyTake the Lamson Guru
  2. Best cheap: Take the Piscifun Sword (Read 278+ Amazon customer reviews )
  3. Best for troutTake the Orvis Mirage III
  4. Best saltwater: Hardy Fortuna X1
  5. Best 5-weight reel: Take the Galvan Rush Light
  6. Best bass: Take the Redington Rise
  7. Best under $200: Take the Redington Behemoth
  8. Good 3 Weight Fly Reel: Take the Redington i.D Fly Reel
  9. Best New Fly Reel from 2019 #1: Take the Ross San Miguel
  10. Best New Fly Reel from 2019 #2: Take the Sage Trout

*Looking for a specific feature? Check out our quick-reference chart below:

ProductLamson guru 3. 5 fly reel
Lamson Guru 3.5 Fly Reel

Piscifun sword
Piscifun Sword

Orvis mirage iii fly reel
Orvis Mirage III Fly Reel

Hardy fortuna x1
Hardy Fortuna X1

Redington rise 7/8
Redington Rise 7/8

Arbor SizeLargeMid-arborLargeLargeLarge
Reel Weight5.59 oz4.7 oz4.8 oz8.35 oz5.5 oz
ConstructionAnodized aluminumAluminum AlloyAnodized aluminumAluminumAluminum
FinishBlack, silverBlack, gold, gunmetalBlack, goldGreyBlack, silver, amber
PriceCheck PriceCheck PriceCheck PriceCheck Price
Check Price

1. Best Fly Reel For the Money: Lamson Guru 3.5 Fly Reel

Lamson guru 3. 5 fly reel

It’s always important to get the most bang for your buck, and this is especially true when selecting a fly reel.

Ready to turn your favorite 8- or 9-weight rod into a fish-catching machine, the Lamson Guru 3.5 is a top-notch reel that is both lightweight and rugged and weighs only 5.59-ounces.

Exquisitely engineered, the US-made Guru 3.5 features a number of advanced design features that help make it one of the best fishing reels for the price.

For example, the Guru 3.5’s arbor is rather large, while it’s width is narrower than that of many other, similar reels. The spool is designed to provide the fastest possible retrieve rate, and the included counterbalance helps ensure the reel works smoothly.

The machined drag knob is easy to grip and adjust by feel, and it won’t force you to take your eyes of the fish during the heat of the battle.

Finally, the reel even features a curved cross-section, which provides additional stability, and opened ports, to reduce the weight and improve the appearance.

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2. Best Fly Reel Under $100: Piscifun Sword

Piscifun sword fly reelWhether you are just starting to learn how to fly fish or consider it a part-time pursuit, many fly fishers are keen to spend relatively little on their fly fishing reel.

Piscifun Sword features machined construction and a sealed design like most high-end reels do.

And because the metal used in the reel construction is anodized, you don’t have to worry about saltwater corroding your new reel.

The drag on the Piscifun is not as smooth as the drag on many premium reels, but this is to be expected from a unit that costs only a fraction of what high-end reels do.

Nevertheless, it utilizes a disc-drag system which should prove more than adequate for catching bass, bluegill, river trout, and similar species.

A few other economy models that are worth a look include the L.L. Bean Mid-Arbor, Cabela’s Prestige Premier, and the Ross Fly Rise.

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Read the full Piscifun Sword review…

3. Best Fly Reel For Trout: Orvis Mirage III Fly Reel

Orvis mirage iii fly reelWhen fly fishing for trout, you must be sure that you are using a reel that is capable of casting a very small fly and collecting line quickly in case your hooked trophy starts swimming straight towards you.

Things like a smooth drag system and a lightweight design are also important criteria to consider, but only after ensuring that the reel satisfies the two primary considerations.

Given these needs and criteria, the Orvis Mirage III Fly Reel is one of the finest choices for trout anglers. It features almost no startup inertia, meaning that it is quite easy to get the reel to start spinning while you are casting.

Additionally, the reel retrieves about 7 3/4 inches of line per rotation. Because it features a completely sealed design, sand and silt are less likely to work their way inside where they can cause damage.

The primary drawback to this Orvis reel is its high price. So this is not an ideal choice for a novice looking to try the sport. However, dedicated trout anglers are likely to appreciate the reel’s quality and feel good about making the purchase.

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What reels do other trout anglers use?

We asked some popular trout fly anglers about their current reel.

Here are the answers:

Jason from troutnut. ComJason from troutnut.com – “Hardy Ultralite 4000 DD on my 5-weight”

Louis from ginkandgasoline. ComLouis from ginkandgasoline.com – “My favorite reels for freshwater or salt are Nautilus and Bauer. Have been for years. Great quality reels and affordable. I hope this helps.”

Deanna from flyanglersonline.com – “Hardy single action reel – Princess, LRH, etc”

4. Best Saltwater Fly Reel: Hardy Fortuna X1

Hardy fortuna x1Saltwater fly fishing requires large reels with enough size to carry a truckload of line, say 150 yards or so minimally.

But because you may be fishing all day on the water, you want that reel to be as light as possible to help keep fatigue to a minimum.

Additionally, saltwater fly reels must have a top-notch drag system so that you can stop a big fish without snapping your tippet.

The Hardy Fortuna X1 meets all of these criteria. Featuring one of the best drag systems on the market, the Fortuna X1 works like a well-oiled, precision-crafted tool.

You won’t be worried about that tarpon or bonefish crossing the Atlantic after you set the hook; with this high-quality drag system, you can be sure that you’ll slow down that fish smoothly while maintaining constant control.

Plus, the Hardy Fortuna X1 is a big reel with a large arbor so it collects line quickly during the retrieve and stores enough line to meet your saltwater fishing needs.

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5. Best 5-Weight Reel: Galvan Rush Light

Galvan rush lightGiven that 5-weight reels are often considered ideal for an “all around” fly rig, there’s a lot of competition in this category. But the Galvan Rush Light easily rises to the top of the pile and is worthy of being called the best 5-weight reel available.

Made with a large arbor reel and a torque drag system, this reel will allow line to pour off smoothly and it will perform like a dream when you’re battling big trout. The Rush Light also comes with a microTune adjustment feature, which ensures your drag will stay exactly where you set it.

Weighing in at 5.2 ounces, this reel is both light enough to allow you to fish all day, yet rugged enough to last for years.

The open-backed, tri-spoke design provides a great combination of form and function, and anglers who like to have their choice of colors will be pleased, as the Galvin Rush Light gives you five different options, including Black, Clear, Green, Blue and Burnt-Orange.

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6. Best Bass Fly Reel: Redington Rise 7/8

Reddington rise fly reelFly fishing for bass is a much different activity than pursuing them with traditional, spinning gear.

Whereas your reel is crucial when using conventional equipment, fly fishers rarely even engage their reels when pursuing largemouth lunkers.

Typically, the fishing occurs at close range and the line is usually drawn in by hand while fighting the fish.

In this case, most fly fishing bass anglers concentrate on purchasing a functional, lightweight, and durable reel while spending their remaining money on high-quality rods, lures, and line.

The Redington Rise 7/8 is an excellent choice as it is affordable and lightweight, yet still made with high-quality components and craftsmanship.

One potential drawback to the Redington Rise is its relatively weak drag system. But as most bass anglers palm the reel rather than relying on the drag, this is a minor concern in most cases.

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7. Best Fly Reel Under $200: Redington Behemoth

Redington behemoth

There are a variety of very high-quality reels available for less than $200, but the Redington Behemoth Fly Fishing Reel is clearly one of the best options. Made via a unique die-cast construction technique, the Behemoth provides all of the things serious fly fishers want in a reel.

It also comes in four different sizes, so it is a great choice for most anglers, whether you’re trying to catch trout in mountain streams or bonefish on saltwater flats.

The Behemoth features a carbon fiber drag system and an oversized drag knob to make it easy to make precise adjustments in the blink of an eye (and without taking your eyes off the fish).

Additionally, the drag is the strongest in its class, so you won’t have to worry about big fish getting away. It also features a very large arbor design to facilitate rapid retrieves and reduce line memory.

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8. Good 3 Weight Fly Reel: Redington i.D Fly Reel

Redington i. D fly reelMade from cast aluminum, the Redington i.D. is a sturdy, yet lightweight fly reel that offers the kind of precision and feel you need for a 3/4-weight setup. It also features a Rulon disc drag and large arbor design to make it easy to get the fish back to the shore.

But perhaps the coolest thing about the i.D. is the full frame back, which allows you to put custom decals on the reel and show off your individuality and style.

View at Bass Pro Shops

9. Good 5 Weight Fly Reel: Galvan Torque T-5

Galvan torque t-5

Galvin Torque T-5 is one of the best all-around fly reels available, and it’ll work for anglers targeting trout, panfish or even pond bass.

The Torque T-5 is a fantastic looking reel, thanks to its unique cut-out design, but it also comes with a number of high-end features, such as the Torque drag and microTune adjustment system and EZ Grip handle, which you’ll be able to grip easily without looking at the reel.

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10. Good 8 Weight Fly Reel: Lamson Litespeed 3.5 Micra-5 Fly Reel

Lamson litespeed 3. 5 micra-5 fly reel

Whether you are chasing largemouth bass, pike or salmon, you’ll need a sturdy reel to go with an 8-weight rod. The Lamson Litespeed 3.5 Micra-5 Fly Reel is a great choice, and it is one of the best 8-weight reels on the market.

This reel features a ton of advanced design concepts, including a drag system that is anchored to the reel frame, a narrow drag system and spool, and an integrated housing, which reduces the reel’s weight and size.

11. Best New Fly Reel from 2019 #1: Ross San Miguel

Ross san miguel

The original San Miguel was one of the most popular fly-fishing reels of its time, and those lucky enough to own one hold onto it like it was crusted in fine jewels. The new model is more than a reintroduction: it sets a new standard.

The large arbor spool, push-button spool release and improved drag mechanism only make the original design even better. Plus, it is built to last. The fully machined case and spool, carbon- and stainless-steel drag plates, and stainless-steel push-button are durable enough to last for many seasons to come.

Someday, your kids or even grandkids will be admiring it with envy, dreaming of when they can experience its smooth operation while landing a trout.

PROS

  • Combines a classic look with modern performance
  • An updated version of one of the most admired reels
  • Canvas micarta handle improves grip when wet
  • Large arbor increases retrieval speed and reduces line memory

CONS

  • Not suitable for saltwater
  • Less line capacity than some similar models
  • A bit heavier than competitors

If you fell in love with the original San Miguel or only dreamed of ever having one, this is your chance to own a new legend. Not only do you get a classic style based on one of the most popular reels in recent history, you get a modern version that’s even better than before.

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12. Best New Fly Reel from 2019 #2: Sage Trout

Sage trout

The Sage Trout is a modern classic, combining old-style aesthetics and modern features to produce a reel that looks as great as it performs. From the outside, it appears as if it were made long before most readers were born, reminding older anglers of a classic Orvis.

But the inside is even more impressive. The sealed carbon drag system is far more than needed for trout and will never need lubrication. The machined-anodized drag knob not only is numbered but includes an audible click for each adjustment.

The large arbor will increase retrieval speed and reduce line memory. Plus, the concaved arbor provides increased strength and backing capacity. The full-frame design with minimal porting will also add to the overall strength of the reel and provide a little extra weight for improved casting.

PROS

  • A classic design combined with modern technology for the best of both worlds
  • Large line capacity, especially for a trout reel
  • Includes neoprene reel pouch

CONS

  • Only available in two sizes
  • Might be more reel than most average trout anglers need

If you are looking for a moderately priced reel with an exciting combination of classic style and modern performance, the Sage Trout is the one for you. It has more than enough drag to handle trout and is sure to outlast reels that cost much more.

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Important Features Explained

Important considerations fly reel

Distinguishing the differences between various fly reels is rather easy. After all, they only feature a relatively limited number of component systems.

There may be quite a few screws, pins, and other parts in the drag system of a reel but these all work in concert to adjust the drag. Most of the big differences among reels relate to the following aspects of their design.

Retrieval System

While fly reels also serve to store unused line, their primary job is to collect line when retrieving a fish. Most fly reels accomplish this in one of three ways called single action, multiplying action, or automatic action.

Single action reels are like those for conventional fishing. One full crank of the handle turns the spool one time.

Multiplying reels, by contrast, employ an elaborate network of gears to create two or more revolutions in the spool for every full turn of the handle.

Automatic retrieval reels work in an entirely different manner. They store tension as the line is fed out. When it is time to retrieve the line, a trigger releases the safety latch allowing the spool to spin back rapidly; pulling in the line that is out in the water.

For basic fly fishing, a single action reel is more than adequate. In fact, because novices are better served by concentrating on how to fly fish and improving lure selecting skills than learning how to use a fancy reel, most beginners should only consider single action models.

However, those targeting species likely to make long runs may want to consider multiplier reels; and those trying to catch fish in very deep water may prefer automatic retrieval systems.

Arbor Size

Piscifun sword
Piscifun Sword

The size of a reel’s arbor, the large “wheel” that holds the line, alters the performance of the rod in some ways. Generally speaking, small arbors are both lighter and less expensive than large arbors are.

Accordingly, it makes sense to opt for a small arbor unless necessary. After all, it is easier to wield a light rod than it is to swing a heavy rod all day. So a smaller and lighter arbor can help you stay sharp and fresh during extended fishing sessions.

If you are targeting a fish famous for making long runs, you’ll need a reel that can hold a lot of line.

When all other things are equal, a larger arbor will collect line more quickly than an identical-but-smaller arbor will, making it even more valuable when targeting a lake trout, bonefish and other species that can strip line fast enough to make your reel cry out in anguish.

Here is a great demonstration of the size difference between large and small arbor reel:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fgu5qeEvUfc

Line Weight and Spool Size

Similarly, you’ll need to consider the fly line weight you intend to use when selecting an arbor size. Anglers using heavy lines will need larger arbors than those using thinner, lightweight lines and backing.

Another important but often forgotten consideration is that the effective spool size does not change very much when you use a large arbor reel, as it does when you use a small arbor reel.

Spool size consistency helps the drag system operate more smoothly, which makes it less likely that the fish will snap the line.

Large arbors are nice. Good drags are nice. Beyond that, many companies are making good reels and I would be catching or missing the same fish with any of them.

 – Jason ( Trout Nut ) gives his one piece of advice for choosing a trout reel.

Drag System

The drag system works to slow down, and eventually stop, the reel’s spinning when a fish takes off with your lure.

A smooth drag system is one of the most important considerations in reel selection as it can make all the differences between the fish of a lifetime breaking off your tippet, and disappearing into the depths and hauling in a trophy.

Smooth drag systems protect your gear by slowly and smoothly applying tension to the line. Jerky, poorly designed drag mechanisms may not slow the fish’s progress enough or they may lock tight, allowing the fish to break the line.

Click-and-pawl vs Disc-brake

Orvis cfo drag system
Orvis CFO

Most modern fly reels employ one of two different drag systems. Some, particularly older models, use a geared mechanism in combination with a spring to impart drag on the reel. Reels with this type of drag system are called click-and-pawl reels.

Others rely on pressed discs to create friction and therefore tighten the tension on the line, much like the disc brakes on a car do to slow its wheels.

In practice, both styles work well. Although disc-brake systems offer a nearly infinite number of drag settings, while click-and-pawl reels only offer a number of discrete drag values.

Nevertheless, novice fly fishermen are unlikely to notice much difference between the two different styles. The overall quality of the reel is more important than the type of drag system employed.

Weight

When all other things are equal, most fly fishing enthusiasts prefer their reel to be as light as possible. This generally makes it easier to handle and cast the rod, and reduces the amount of fatigue you may feel during a long day of fishing.

However, it is important to match the weight of the reel to the rod. You don’t want to use an ultra light reel on a heavier rod, nor do you want to do the opposite. This can make it more difficult to cast accurately which is one of the most important aspects of fly fishing.

Simply put, you want to ensure that your entire rig is properly matched. If you are going to use a 5-weight line, you need to use a rod and reel in the 4 to 6-weight range for optimum performance.

Generally speaking:

  • 1-weight to 3-weight setups are best for catching small trout in tiny streams.
  • 4-weight to 6-weight rods are better suited for small bass, large trout, and similar freshwater quarry.
  • 7- to 9-weight setups are great for larger bass, bonefish, and salmon; while larger weight rigs are necessary for catching tarpon and wahoo.

Construction

Fly reels are constructed in one of three primary ways, all of which relate to the processing of the metal elements.

Rainbow trout

Cheap

Most economy reels are made through a process called metal stamping.

These reels are typically heavier, yet less durable than those made via other processes. Metal stamping works by using an automated press to bend and cut the metal material in a pre-determined manner.

Good

Better reels often rely on die-cast manufacturing processes, in which molten metal is poured into a pre-formed mold.

This process can be used effectively to make mid-tier reels and it behooves those shopping on a budget to look for die-cast products instead of inferior reels made from stamped metal.

Best

While die-cast reels can be quite effective and well-built, the highest quality reels are almost invariably made from machined metal.

This process starts with a large block of metal. Computers then direct a machine designed to cut or grind metal to remove a precise amount of material, thereby leaving perfectly formed components which can then be assembled by other machines or human workers.

It bears mentioning that die-cast reels cannot be anodized the way machined reels can, which makes them more likely to corrode than machined reels are.

Durability. Nothing is more painful than a reel that doesn’t work when you really need it or you are in the middle of nowhere without the chance for a repair.

Philipp ( Toothy Critters ) gives one piece of advice for choosing a saltwater fly reel.

Finish

One final reel characteristic that you should think about is the finish or color of the reel.

While natural chrome or black matte finishes are probably the most common available styles, some manufacturers produce reels in other colors. In fact, modern fly fishers can obtain reels in almost every color of the rainbow.

Some anglers believe that shiny finishes may reflect light onto the water potentially spooking the fish. This is an unlikely occurrence, but it bears consideration. If you are worried about this phenomenon, just select a model with a matte finish. If not, get some color inspiration here.

Consider These External Factors Too

Attention_to_detail_in_fly_fishing

Most of the previously discussed factors relate to the act of casting or reeling in fish.

However, you don’t fish in a vacuum. You fish in the real world, targeting real fish and facing real obstacles in the process. Accordingly, you need to consider a variety of additional factors when selecting your reel.

Target Species

You must consider the biology, behavior, and tendencies of the fish you intend to target to select the best reel for your needs. For example, some fish (lake trout, for instance) are often caught in deeper waters and they may engage in long runs once hooked.

You’ll need a premium reel that can hold a large quantity of line, has a smooth-yet-strong drag system, and collects line quickly when retrieved. By contrast, these types of things are not necessary when targeting brook trout in 6 inches of water or bluegill in a small pond.

One tip when buying a fly reel is to purchase the size and type of reel that is appropriate for the type of fishing that you will be doing.  A simple pawl drag reel is adequate for most trout fishing but you would want a more substantial drag for steelhead, salmon, etc.

– Deanna ( Fly Anglers Online ).

Location

It is always important to use the proper equipment depending on where you’re going fishing.

Fishing along the coast of Oregon is much different that fishing a lazy Texas oxbow, and neither are anything like fishing a cold Appalachian stream. Not surprisingly, different equipment – including fly reels – works better in some locations than in others.

If you spend a lot of time fishing in the ocean, you want to be sure to you use not only saltwater-specific gear, but also a high-quality, sealed reel to help protect the reel’s delicate interior components from the corrosive saltwater surrounding you.

Similarly, if you fish in places with highly silted water, a sealed reel lasts longer than the alternative. It is also important to consider the cold-tolerance of your reel if you fish in icy conditions, as some inferior-quality reels will lock up in very cold conditions.

Access

Although many anglers overlook it, water access is an important consideration when selecting a reel. If you can just walk or drive right up to your fishing location, the size and weight of your reel won’t have much of an effect.

However, the weight and bulk of a large arbor reel will make it more difficult to get through the brush flanking a mountain stream, so a small arbor model would be preferable in these circumstances.

It is essential to opt for a sealed reel in these hard-to-reach locations. This helps keep more dirt and grime out of the reel while you are bumping and tripping through a forest while trying to get to your fishing hole.

Experience

Fly fishing on freshwater

Fishing must be fun for it to turn into an enjoyable hobby, and you aren’t likely to have much fun if you spend all your time futzing with your reel instead of fishing.

Therefore, it is generally wise for beginning fly anglers to stick with simple reels which lack some of the bells and whistles common on more complicated models.

It’s also important to be familiar with the basics such as understanding how fly fishing leaders can help you with fishing and tying fly knots among others.

By contrast, advanced anglers are well-served by spending a little bit more money to obtain a higher-quality reel.

Leading Fly Reel Brands

As with most other commercially manufactured products, fly reels often exhibit brand-specific tendencies and characteristics. To some extent, this is deliberate on the part of the manufacturer.

It demonstrates their relative commitment to craftsmanship, their preferred design practices, and the materials they rely on when constructing their reels. But it can also indicate problems inherent to the manufacturer’s design or their marketing approach.

Abel

Abel fly reel

One of the finest manufacturers of fly fishing reels, Abel is a company that primarily focuses on reels that appeal to discriminating anglers.

To give you an idea, Abel brand nippers are more expensive than the reels made by other manufacturers.

Their lowest priced reels should not be compared to the entry-level reels produced by other manufacturers. Even their least expensive reels are suitable for anglers with some experience and skill.

Anglers Feedback

Most anglers that use Abel reels speak glowingly of them. They love the durability of the reels, as well as their interchangeable nature. Many Abel frames and arbors can be swapped around to provide you with exactly the type of reel you require.

However, the most widely praised characteristic of Abel reels is undoubtedly their silky-smooth drag systems.

While they are producing cork drag systems, they recently began utilizing a proprietary stacked disc system which is sealed to keep out the elements and remain completely maintenance free.

Some users note that Abel reels are a little bit on the heavy side, although this is a minor complaint that most are willing to overlook.

Ross

Ross fly reel

Ross is a storied company that has been making fly fishing reels since 1973.

They claim to have been the recipient of more “Awards in Excellence” than any other manufacturer of fly fishing tackle.

Ross reels are often heralded as the best reels available at the mid-market level, perfect for seasoned anglers who appreciate the materials, design, and craftsmanship without having the budget or desire to purchase a $500 reel.

They manufacture quality reels at all price levels, including some fine entry-level reels at a really affordable price point.

Anglers Feedback

Many users complain that the drag system tend to be weaker than those produced by other manufacturers. This is more likely to be a problem for anglers chasing bonefish and tarpons than those targeting trout. So Ross reels are more popular among those seeking smaller quarry.

Some users find the weight of the reels problematic, and this extra weight causes the rod to be butt-heavy. However, other anglers find that its good qualities more than makeup for a little extra weight.

Note that Abel reels and Ross reels are both made by subsidiaries of the same parent company: Mayfly Outdoors.

Orvis

Orvis fly reelOrvis is one of the primary players in the fly fishing industry. They produce everything from lines and tippets, to rods and reels.

They usually offer a variety of product lines within each category.

This ensures that you’ll see Orvis equipment in the hands of different anglers, from seasoned experts to beginners heading out for their first fly fishing session.

Orvis makes reels with different price points. While they manufacture premium models with high price tags, they also offer entry level reels which are still affordable.

However, expect these entry-level reels to lack some of the features common to fancier models. For example, their Battenkill line only features a 4-position drag system. This limits the versatility of their low-cost reels.

Many anglers are comfortable palming the reel to impart drag. In such cases, trading drag flexibility for a lower price is a smart decision.

Anglers Feedback

Most Orvis reels are noteworthy for being made with very good craftsmanship for the price as well as being very light.

Many of their designs have repeatedly been tweaked in an effort to shave off as much weight as possible without compromising the function or durability of the reel.

Lamson

Lamson fly reelLamson is an interesting company that began as a bicycle component manufacturer. They helped bring clipless bicycle racing pedals to the market back in the 1980s.

Since then, they’ve created some other innovative bicycle designs to make a cyclist’s life easier.

In the early 1990s, Lamson – who’s fishing division is called Waterworks – began applying this same spirit of innovation to their reels.

One of the most important things they did was to re-engineer the drag system for some of their high-end reels, moving from a disc-based system to one that relies on matched cones to impart resistance.

Some of their lower-priced reels still feature a click-pawl drag system. This cone-based drag system relies on a simpler design than most disc-based reels, thereby reducing the failure rate. This type is typically very durable.

Anglers Feedback

Lamson produces a few high-end reels priced at more than $500. While these are great choices for experienced anglers, beginners will find a few Lamson reels in the $100 price range.

Most of their entry-level reels are excellent for freshwater fly anglers, and the larger models are an excellent choice for those pursuing smaller saltwater species.

Hatch

Hatch fly reelHatch is a maker of premium-quality reels, suitable for everything from the smallest native trout to giant tarpons.

Unlike other manufacturers that produce low-price and entry-level models, they concentrate on the intermediate to high-end market.

These aren’t reels for beginners. They are for intermediate to advanced anglers who appreciate everything that these reels have to offer.

Hatch reels were originally designed to replace the number of high-dollar, yet low-quality reels dominating the market in the early 2000s.

The company founders decided that drag, durability, and design were their most important criteria when designing their reels. It appears to have worked, as Hatch users overwhelmingly praise the craftsmanship put into the reels.

Anglers Feedback

They aren’t just well-made, these premium reels are built to take a beating.

They are durable enough to withstand the wear and tear that most anglers unleash on their reels, but they lack the “tank-like” feel common to many other super-durable reels. Instead, they feel like precision instruments assembled by people who know what they are doing.

Hatch reels also draw praise for their great drag systems which are sealed and maintenance-free. Its aesthetics are highly celebrated among fly fishing enthusiasts who want a reel that looks as well as it functions.

Now, You Decide

We already helped you narrow down your choices. All you have to do now is to ponder on the factors above based on your needs, and take a closer look at our recommended products.

What is the fly reel that suits you best?

Let us know down below in comment section.

Or if you want to directly contribute to this guide with your advice get in touch with us here.

Other resources worth checking:

International Federation Of Fly Fishers

Fly Fishing Research – About fly fishing, scientifically.

Flyfishing Subreddit – Good community for getting advice or showing off catches.

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