10 Best Fly Fishing Reels In 2021

The Waterworks-Lamson Liquid fly fishing reel is strong, smooth, and accurate – everything you need for successfully tackling the fish. It’s made from high-quality aluminum and features a PU coating that protects the metal from water damage. Furthermore, the spool has a large arbor that not only improves the retrieve but also reduces the line memory.

One of the details we really like about this model is that it comes with a sealed conical drag system that is very reliable regardless of the conditions. The Liquid fly reel is available in two great-looking colors and four different sizes depending on the fish you’re after. All things considered, it’s probably the best fly fishing reel that a recreational angler can get.

As its name suggests, the Redington Behemoth is large, bulky, and powerful. The manufacturer markets it as having the most powerful drag in its class, and many anglers agree. The combination of a large arbor design and line capacity makes it the best fly fishing reel for going after large, fast-swimming fish such as salmon, bonefish, tarpon, largemouth bass, and bluefish.

The body of the Redington Behemoth is made from die-cast aluminum and features an adjustable carbon fiber drag system with a large drag knob that's easy to turn. With five size options available (4/5 to 11/12wt) and the ability to use extra spools, it has all the features that avid fly fishermen want in a reel.

If you’re after the best value fly reel for recreational fishing, the Piscifun Sword is the one to choose. Even though it’s not the most affordable model in our fly fishing reel reviews, we feel that the quality it provides is worth the additional cost. It’s a CNC-machined reel made from strong aluminum that balances perfectly between strength, precision, and smooth operation.

One of the things that set the Piscifun Sword reel apart from the others is that it doesn’t have any deviation and comes with only 0.04 inches of interspace. The multi-disc cork and stainless steel drag system with one-way clutch bearing allows you to make tiny adjustments, and suits medium-sized fish such as bass, bluegill, and river trout.

In addition to the high-quality reel, the Angler Dream also includes 9 feet of strong fishing line in the package which makes it the best saltwater fly reel combo you can get. The reel is made from high-quality aluminum and available in four sizes ranging from 1/2 to 7/8 weight. It features a Teflon disc and an aluminum alloy fly reel drag system that engages instantly.

The nylon line we’ve mentioned earlier is available in blue and yellow colors that make it easily visible regardless of the conditions. Finally, Angler Dream is one of the best fly fishing reel brands in terms of value for money and impressive quality that can match more expensive CNC-machined models.

The Sougayilang fly fishing reel is easily one of the best looking reels on the market – it features a large hollowed-out body with a highly polished surface. In addition to its stylish design, the reel also offers excellent performance – it offers a 1:1 gear ratio and a smooth and completely silent retrieve.

The body of the Sougayilang reel is CNC-machined from high-quality 6061-T6 aluminum so you don’t have to worry about durability. Furthermore, the surface is anodized which means that the reel won’t get damaged even if you use it in marine conditions.

Even though the Orvis Clearwater is made from die-cast aluminum, the precision it provides can be compared to any top rated saltwater fly reel made using the CNC process. As a bonus, the reel comes with powder coating on the surface so you can count on excellent resistance to corrosion.

It’s available in two sizes (4/6 and 7/9 wt) and both versions feature a smooth positive click drag knob that works very consistently regardless of the fish you catch. As you would expect, the reel is completely ambidextrous so both left and right-handed people can use it. We also want to point out the stylish matte gray color that pairs well with any rod design.

For those of you looking for an affordable model that puts an accent on durability, the Okuma SLV is the best fly fishing reel to get. It’s made using the die-cast method and provides more than enough strength to tackle any fish. On top of this, it features stainless steel drag washers that provide additional protection from corrosion and saltwater exposure.

To make reeling easier, the handle is made from rubber and offers a firm, non-slip grip. It’s placed on the left by default, but you can easily switch if that suits you better. Lastly, the reel is offered in one size only (8/9 wt) but offers excellent versatility for many types of fish.

Unlike all the other models on our list, the Maximumcatch ECO fly reel comes pre-loaded with a strong fishing line. Not only is this good from the budget standpoint, but it’s also more convenient because it allows you to hit the water faster. Even though this is one of the younger fly fishing reel brands, countless satisfied customers testify to the product quality.

The reel itself is made from strong 6061-T6 aluminum that withstands the harsh conditions in and around water. It’s made using the die-cast method and doesn’t have any weak points. The rugged Teflon disc and stainless steel sealed drag system engage immediately and create a strong pull on the fish to make sure it doesn’t escape.

One of the best things about the Fiblink fly fishing reel is its exceptional price-to-quality ratio. For a very reasonable price, you’re getting a high-quality CNC-machined reel with exceptional performance. Its 1:1 gear ratio makes reeling very easy, while its strong body ensures that you can bring in even larger fish.

Owing to its precision-machined body, the Fiblink reel is one of the lightest reels on the market (5.1 ounces). Depending on where you’re going and what type of fish you plan to catch, the large arbor reel is available in two sizes – 5/6 and 7/8 weight. Spooling is incredibly smooth, and, like all other high-quality action reels, it allows you to easily switch the retrieve side.

Even though the Sage Spectrum C comes with a slightly higher price, the construction quality and its overall performance make it one of the best fly reels on available. It’s probably the best fly fishing reel when it comes to line pickup speed, and its smooth carbon drag system feels great to use and redefines what a good fly reel means.

The body of the Sage Spectrum C reel is made from high-quality aluminum using the die-casting process. However, even though it’s vented ad has a concave arbor, it’s among the heavier trout fly reels on this list. Lastly, you can choose between four reel sizes – from 3/4 to 9/10 line weight.