Last Updated on May 18, 2024 by Afsar

Fly fishing is an art form that blends patience, skill, and an intimate understanding of nature. Central to this experience is the fly fishing reel, a critical piece of equipment that can make or break your angling success. Whether you’re casting in a serene mountain stream or a bustling river, having the right reel is essential for a seamless and enjoyable fishing experience. In this guide, we’ll explore the best fly fishing reels on the market, considering factors such as durability, performance, and value. Whether you’re a seasoned angler or a novice eager to learn, our comprehensive review will help you find the perfect reel to match your needs and enhance your fly fishing adventures. Let’s reel in the details and discover the top contenders that can transform your time on the water.

Piscifun Sword Fly Reel

Design: Mid-arbor

For: The Piscifun Sword Fly Reel is ideal for beginners seeking ease of use, experienced anglers valuing durability and performance, and versatile fishers needing various weight options. Its affordability, smooth drag system, and sleek design appeal to a wide range of fly fishing enthusiasts.

The Piscifun Sword Fly Fishing Reel stands out as a top choice for anglers seeking a combination of performance, durability, and affordability. Constructed from CNC-machined aluminum alloy, this reel offers exceptional strength and resilience, ensuring it can withstand the rigors of frequent use in various fishing environments.

Available in multiple weights—3/4, 5/6, 7/8, and 9/10—the Piscifun Sword caters to a wide range of fishing scenarios, from small freshwater streams to larger saltwater expeditions. This versatility is complemented by its sleek design, available in black, gunmetal, and space gray, giving it a modern and professional appearance.

One of the standout features of this reel is its smooth and reliable drag system. The multi-disc cork and stainless steel drag provides consistent pressure, enabling anglers to tackle hard-fighting fish with confidence. Additionally, the arbor design aids in quick line retrieval, reducing line memory and ensuring that you can reel in your catch efficiently.

The reel’s lightweight construction does not compromise its strength, making it easy to handle during long fishing sessions. The ergonomic handle and balanced design contribute to a comfortable fishing experience, reducing fatigue and allowing for precise control over your line.

In terms of value, the Piscifun Sword Fly Fishing Reel offers an impressive balance of quality and cost. It delivers high-end performance at a fraction of the price of other premium reels, making it an excellent choice for both novice and experienced anglers. Overall, the Piscifun Sword is a reliable, stylish, and versatile reel that enhances any fly fishing outing.

• Mid-arbor design
• Handle big or active fishes
• Forged and tempered
• CNC-machined 6061-T6 aluminum alloy used
• Corrosion resistant

---

Redington Behemoth Fly Fishing Reels

Design: Large Arbor

For: The Redington Behemoth Fly Reel is perfect for anglers who need a versatile, durable, fresh, and saltwater reel. Its powerful drag system, quick line retrieval, and competitive price make it ideal for both novice and experienced fishers seeking high performance and reliability.

The Redington Behemoth Fly Fishing Reel is a multipurpose reel designed for freshwater and saltwater fishing. Its robust construction and high performance make it a reliable choice for various fishing conditions.

Key Features

• Construction: Durable die-cast aluminum construction for strength and longevity.
• Arbor Design: Large arbor design for rapid line retrieval and reduced line memory.
• Drag System: Powerful, adjustable carbon fiber drag system to handle hard-fighting fish.
• Versatility: Suitable for both freshwater and saltwater environments.
• Sizes: Available in multiple sizes to accommodate different line weights and fishing needs.

Performance
The Behemoth’s drag system is one of the strongest in its class, providing smooth, consistent pressure. The large arbor design ensures quick retrieval, which is crucial for landing fast-moving fish.

Usability
Anglers of all skill levels will find the Behemoth easy to use, thanks to its ergonomic design and straightforward drag adjustment. The reel’s durability ensures it can withstand tough conditions, making it a reliable choice for both casual and serious anglers.

Value
The Redington Behemoth offers excellent value for money, combining high-end features with a competitive price point. It’s a versatile, durable, and high-performing reel that caters to a wide range of fishing scenarios.

---

M MAXIMUMCATCH Maxcatch ECO Large Arbor Fly Fishing Reel (3/4wt 5/6wt 7/8wt) and Pre-Loaded Fly Reel with Line Combo

The M MAXIMUMCATCH Maxcatch ECO Large Arbor Fly Fishing Reel is designed for anglers seeking affordability without compromising on essential features. Available in 3/4wt, 5/6wt, and 7/8wt, this reel offers versatility for various fishing environments.

Key Features

• Construction: Made from lightweight and durable die-cast aluminum.
• Arbor Design: Large arbor design for faster line retrieval and reduced line memory.
• Drag System: Smooth and adjustable Teflon disc drag system.
• Pre-Loaded Option: Available as a pre-loaded combo with line, backing, and leader.
• Affordability: Budget-friendly, ideal for beginner and budget-conscious anglers.

Performance
The Teflon disc drag system provides smooth and consistent drag, suitable for handling various fish sizes. The large arbor design ensures quick line retrieval, making it efficient for different fishing conditions.

Usability
This reel is user-friendly and easy to handle, making it suitable for both beginners and experienced anglers. The pre-loaded option is particularly convenient for those new to fly fishing, as it comes ready to use right out of the box.

Value
The Maxcatch ECO reel offers excellent value, combining essential features at a budget-friendly price. Its performance and durability make it a great choice for those looking to get started in fly fishing or for those needing an affordable backup reel.

---

Sage Spectrum C Fly Reel With Rio

Sage Fly Fishing is a legendary fly accessories maker, and Sprectum C is an excellent example of their outstanding craftsmanship. Spectrum C fly rod comes with a large arbor design. Its machined die-cast frame and the spacious concave vented spool makes it a great reel. You will find Spectrum family sealed carbon drag and exquisite finishing touches on the drag knob and handle.

This reel from Sage is available in three different colors: coppers, black, Grey, and four different sizes. The 3/4 and 5/6 reels come with a 100-yard spool of 20lb Rio Dacron Backing. If you are left-handed, you can easily convert it from left to right-hand receive. Also, sage used powder coating for surface protection and corrosion resistance.

• Large arbor design
• Rugged machined die-cast frame with generous vented spool
• Comes with Spectrum family sealed carbon drag and polished touch on the fully machined knob and handles
• Neoprene and embroidered ballistic nylon reel case
• Available in three different colors
• Available in four sizes
• Powder-coated for surface protection and corrosion resistance
• Machined and anodized aluminum hub and ergonomic handle
• Easily convert from right hand to left-hand operation

---

Fiblink Fly Fishing Saltwater Reel

Design: Large Arbor

Best saltwater fly reels:If you are fly fishing in saltwater, then this is the best fly fishing reel for you. Fiblink has been a great outdoor fishing gear manufacturer for a while, and just like their other products, this one also provides high performance with high build-quality. This saltwater fly reel can be used in both freshwater and saltwater. The sealed drag stack also helps the process.

CNC-machined and cold forged high-grade aluminum construction is used to make this amazing fly reel. One way bearing makes it easy for quick and easy left-to-right hand retrieval switch. This saltwater fly reel was made with the needs of saltwater fly fisherman in mind since it is made of high-quality material to prevent corrosion. What’s more, the price is super cheap. If you are in casual fishing, try these best saltwater fishing reel.

• Extremely cheap price
• Made for saltwater fly fishing
• Sealed drag stack
• Lightweight
• Available in several sizes
• Available in several sizes
• One-way bearing for quick and easy left-to-right hand retrieval

---

Piscifun Aluminum Fly Fishing Reel

Design: Mid Arbor

Best fly reels for the money: Piscifun is a world famous fly fishing fear manufacturers with a wide range of different accessories. Made of strong all-aluminum construction, this is an amazing fly fishing reel you can rely on. The one-way bearing helps for quick and easy left-to-right hand retrieval switch. It used rugged disc drag system which makes it easy to put serious pressure on the fish.

The mid arbor design also offers a rapid retrieval. It may not be the best fly reels available on the market, but when you consider the price with the features, it’s certainly ranks among the top fly fishing reels.

• Mid-arbor design for rapid retrieval
• Rugged disc drag system to put pressure on big fishes
• Strong aluminum construction
• Excellent value for the cheap price

---

Orvis Access Mid Arbor Fly Reel

Design: Mid arbor

Orvis is highly lauded for their impressive fly fishing accessories. Orvis access is a mid arbor reel with a reasonable price. This mid-arbor fly reel is available in five different sizes. Once you start using this fly reel, you will be overwhelmed by the extreme performance of it.

It comes with a larger handle with the positive click drag adjustment. Thus, dragging is very effective in this reel.

The mid arbor design helps you when fighting big or active fishes. The best part is this fly reel is available at a very reasonable price.

• High-quality raw materials :Machined 6061 aircraft aluminum used
• Stainless steel drag surface
• Available in several colors
• Faster retrieve
• Mid-arbor design

---

Maxcatch Explorer Large Arbor Fly Reel

Design: Large Arbor

Best Cheap Fly Fishing Reel: You want a fly reel, but don’t want to break the bank? The solution is to pick up this large arbor fly reel from Maxcatch. Maxcatch is famous for offering great items at a reasonable price. This Light polymeric reel is highly durable and corrosion resistant.

This has been designed in mind to catch trout, grayling, salmon and other predatory fish. The design is large arbor to fight and catch big fishes. The V-channel spool design offers fast retrieve and backing capacity. Besides these, the drag system provides smooth and consistent drag control. In a nutshell, this is the best fly fishing reels for the money.

• Lightweight polymeric body used
• V-channel spool design for backing capacity and fast retrieve
• One-way bearing offers easy left-to-right hand conversion
• silent forward retrieve
• All-round fly fishing
• Extremely cheap

---

Cimarron II – Fly Fishing Reel

Design: Large Arbor

Cimarron II is a premium fly fishing reel manufactured by RossReels in the USA. Made of machined 6061 aerospace grade aluminum alloy, this fly reel is destined to last for a very long time. It is Type II anodized for a hard and durable finish.This has been inspired by a bold Frank Lloyd Wright porting design.

Despite being lightweight, it managed to provide incredible strength and rigidity. The improved drag system makes it easy to have a better and easy fighting with that big fishes.

The drag knob is rugged and has a square design. While most knobs come in the circle shape, this one is slightly different than other. Precision molded high-performance polymer is used to make it last for a long time. It even comes with a machine handle to provide a better grip.

• Machined 6061 aerospace grade aluminum alloy
• Type II anodized hard and durable finish
• Lightweight but strong
• Powerful drag system
• Durable square drag knob
• Precision molded high-performance polymer for high durability
• Better grip with the maching handle

Piscifun Blaze Mid Arbor Fly Reel

Design: Mid-arbor

Blaze is an another incredible fly reel from Piscifun. Piscifun used CNC-machined 6061-T6 aluminum alloy to provide high durability with all-weather corrosion resistance. It is hard anodized for the surface protection.

It comes with mid-arbor design, so you get to handle larger fishes more easily. It also provides a great balance between backing capacity and rapid line pickup.

It has been cold forged and tempered to have a better and superior strength and rigidity. It is available in several beautiful colors at a very reasonable price.

• Mid-arbor design
• CNC-machined 6061-T6 aluminum alloy used
• Durable and corrosion resistant
• Different color available
• Hard anodized for surface protection
• Cold forged and tempered
• Cold forged and tempered
• Multi-disc cork and stainless steel drag system

---

Sage 2550 Fly Reel (5-6 WT)

Design: Large Arbor

Sage 2250 is without a doubt one of the best fly fishing reels on this list. Sage has been a game changer in the fly fishing world for a long time. Just like their reels, Sage 2250 is a great fly fishing reel.

Sage 2250 reel comes with a large arbor design. With a machined die-cast construction, this sage 2250 can withstand harsh marine environments for a long time. The number drag knob is large and easy to grab for better usage.

• Fast retrieve
• Reasonable price
• Generous concave spool surface
• Carbon drag
• Fully machined knob and handle

---

Hatch Finatic 7 Plus Large Arbor | Best Fly Fishing Reel

Design: large Arbor

Best saltwater fly reels if you have budgets. If you are an avid fly fisherman who don’t care about the budget, Hatch Finatic 7 plus is the best fly reel for you. This fly reel is obnoxiously priced with a sturdy body and incredible performance. This premium fly reel can be used on both saltwater and freshwater.

The feature that really makes it stand out from the crowd is it’s excellent backing capacity. This crossover fly reel can be used for almost all types of fishes including bonefish to permit, steelhead to carp. Nothing can go wrong with this fly reel.

If we start considering reels with cars, this would be the Ferrari for it’s incredible performance, look and premium feel.

---

How To Choose the Best Fly Fishing Reels?

The primary job of a fly reel is to store your fly line with an adequate amount of backing. Please note that, Fly Reel won’t have any effect on casting. So you may wonder why there are lots of fly reels available on the market. This short “how to” is designed to help you land the best fly reels for your cause.

Design

There are several types of fly fishing reel design available in the market. We will discuss the three main designs of fly fishing reels.

• Large Arbor: Large arbors are the most modern fly reel design in the market. These arbors are physically larger than other two designs for the same line rating. With the bigger diameter and wider construction, the larger arbor fly reels will provide a good backing capacity and a fast retrieval rate.
• Mid Arbor: Large Arbor: Large arbors are the most modern fly reel design in the market. These arbors are physically larger than other two designs for the same line rating. With the bigger diameter and wider construction, the larger arbor fly reels will provide a good backing capacity and a fast retrieval rate.
• Standard Arbor: These are traditional fly reel design which is still loved by a lot of fly angler for using in smaller fishing rods and traditional cane fly rods. These fly reels provide might not provide the best line storage and may even drop the effectiveness of your line.

Saltwater vs FreshWater

If you are fishing in freshwater, a traditional or cheap fly reel will do the job. However, if you are fly fishing in saltwater, you need a fly reel which is saltwater friendly. You need a corrosion resistance fly reel to face the harsh saltwater condition. Otherwise, your freshwater fly reel will get damaged very soon.

Weight Handling

A fly reel which can handle adequate fly line is not the best reel for fly fishing. You need to pick a fly reel which allows you to hold enough amount of backing and fly line for the weight of the fly fishing rod you are using.

Otherwise, it will be a very bad experience and you may not even fish properly.Assume you are using a weight 6 fly rod, you need a fly reel which can accommodate the fly line weights from 4-6. This is where the size of the reel matters.

Drag System

Another important thing is to check the drag system of a fly reel. While an expensive fly reel will provide excellent drag system, a cheap fly reel might not. If you are buying a cheap fly reel, you need to check whether the drag system is good or not.

A good drag system will help you hold up big fishes. On the other hand, a cheap drag system will make it tough to battle active fishes. However, if you are fishing trout, then an inexpensive drag system will do the job.

Durability

While choosing a fly fishing reel, you need to see if it is made of high-quality raw materials or not. A fly reel made of high-quality raw materials will ensure high durability, performance and lifetime. Usually, most fly reels with cheap price may come with fragile body, but the reels mentioned above are bound to last for a long time. 

I have mentioned some best of the best fly reels with premium quality raw materials, and besides providing high performance, they are able to withstand harsh marine environments.

Price

You get what you pay for. Though most top notch fly fishing reels are expensive, I have had the time to find some best cheap fly fishing reels for you. If you have money to spare, then you shouldn’t worry. Most expensive fly reels are made of high-quality raw materials and offers improved performance than the cheap fly reels. If you are not ready to break the bank, there are still some excellent cheap fly reels from different manufacturer like Piscifun and MaxCatch.

I am an avid fan of piscifun for their budget friendly fly reels and thus, the sword fly reel is my recommendation for most people. If you have budget, try Orvis, Cimarron II or Hatch Finatic.

I hope this fly fishing reels review will help you to choose the best reel for fly fishing. Having the best fly fishing reel will not only help you to catch that big fish you always wanted, but to make sure you enjoy your time out there in the wild.