10 Best Fly Fishing Reels In 2018

Like its name suggests, this fly reel is large in size, bulky and powerful. It is marketed as having the most powerful drag in its class. This together with a very large arbor design and large line capacity makes it good for going after large, fast swimming fish such as salmon, bonefish, tarpon, striped bass and bluefish.

The body is die-cast aluminum and it features an adjustable carbon fiber drag system with a large drag knob that's easy to turn. The deep V-spool holds a lot of line and backing. The larger arbor offers fast retrieval speeds and ensures the line keeps a straight shape. It withstands rigorous use and harsh conditions very well. Conversion from left to right-handed retrieve is easy.

Its quality of construction, high-end features and performance make it the best fly fishing reel in its mid-level price range. With five size options available and with the ability to use extra spools, it has all the features avid fly fishers want in a reel. Its specs also qualify it as one of the best saltwater fly reels.

Okuma is known for high-quality fishing gear. This attractively finished SLV is a budget fly reel but its features and performance are still impressive. It is manufactured using a die cast aluminum frame, precision machined brass drive system and stainless steel spool shafts, diecast aluminum arbor, multi-disk cork and stainless drag system and a one-way roller bearing. It has a very large arbor design, which means fast retrievals and reduced line memory issues. The handle is rubberized and offers a firm, non-slip grip.

There are a number of sizes to choose from and a variety of spare spools if you need to use with a floating and sinking lines. It is easy to switch spools and you don't have to detach the reel first. It is also easy to change left to right-hand retrieval.

For the money, you get much more than you’re paying for. Its quality is within the upper mid-range level of reels. The drag system is reliable if you hook some large ones. It is fairly light but still on the heavy side compared to the likes of Lamson, Sage and Ross fly fishing reels. It's a great reel for intermediate use or as a backup or budget reel.

This reel takes the place of the best value fly reel. It is precisely manufactured using CNC-machined aluminum alloy - the ultimate when it comes to quality, strength, durability, and lightness. The surface is then anodized and bearing sealed for corrosion and abrasion resistance.

The multi-disc cork and stainless steel drag system with one-way clutch bearing allows you to make tiny adjustments and suits medium size fish such as bass, bluegill, and trout. It has a click drag and a silent retrieve. It comes in 3/4, 5/6, 7/8, 9/10 size options and the handle orientation is interchangeable. The mid-arbor design reduces line memory and provides speedy retrievals.

For the price, the quality construction, drag system, and top rated performance make this the best fly reel for the money. It is great for the casual angler, the angler on a budget, as a backup reel and even suits saltwater use followed by a thorough rinse. It looks good on the rod and works great.

Lamson is one of the best fly fishing reel brands and has established a reputation for offering top quality modern reels assembled in the USA. Their reels are much loved and the go-to for plenty of avid fly anglers. This Liquid fly reel lives up to the name and performs as smooth as its name and looks.

It is crafted using pressure-cast aluminum resulting into a rigid, durable yet lightweight reel. It features the brands signature conical drag system made of top of the line CNC-machined components for a smooth operation and durability. In addition to the sturdy build, the drag is fully sealed making this one of the best saltwater fly reels.

The price is mid-range and worth paying as you get a high quality, high performing reel you will enjoy for years and use for all kinds of fly fishing situations. If you will be using different lines and need a variety of spools, you can also order extra spools for this reel. Be careful when ordering and double check your order to ensure that you're ordering a reel and not a spool.

The number one crazy thing about this shiny fly fishing reel by Fiblink is its under $50 pricing. The good thing is that this price does not reflect its quality and performance. Its well made using a cold-forged CNC machined aluminum alloy, making it strong, durable as well as ultra-lightweight. It features a fiber-composite drag system.

With its large arbor diameter, this reel retrieves very fast and your fly line stays straight. Another impressive thing about it is that it is saltwater safe as it features a sealed drag and has the features for saltwater fly fishing performance. Its specs include 2+1 ball bearings and a 1:1 gear ratio. The 5/6 wf size has a line capacity of 100yds/20lb while the 7/8 wf can hold 150yds/20lb. It features an easy left-to-right hand retrieval switch.

Overall, this is a good fly reel on the cheap. It spools smoothly, drag is decent and easily adjustable and its operation is quiet. It is perfect if you're just getting into fly fishing or looking for a spare reel.

Good quality and a smooth operation at a low price make this good-looking fly reel by Goture one of the best fly fishing reels for beginners and occasional fly anglers. To deliver a smooth experience, it is equipped with 2 ball bearings plus a reverse bearing system and a strong drag system and spool release configuration. The drag system is good and easy to change while the larger than average arbor retrieves line fast and reduces line twist issues.

The quality craftsmanship using precision machined Aluminum CNC frame, stainless steel main shaft, dual sealed cartridge bearings and precision machined brass gear ensures that this reel will hold up and serve you for a long time. Aluminum handle with a simple left/right reversing mechanism and lightweight design makes it a joy to use. Sizes include 3/4, 5/6, 7/8 and 9/10.

Orvis is a fly fishing reel brand with a long established reputation for making top quality, iconic fly fishing reels and their modern reels are no different. This Orvis Hydros SL reel is a top rated saltwater fly reel. It is an updated version of the Hydros and it is bigger, stronger but lighter.

It features a fully machined aluminum frame, a reversible retrieve hand, a fully sealed carbon on stainless steel disc drag system and a narrower spool with a super-large arbor for top speed retrievals and reduced line stacking, knotting and twisting. The play between the spool and frame has also been minimized to achieve better tolerances and liquid smooth performance.

The Hydros SL has everything a fly angler needs and wants in a reel. There are five size options so you can get the line capacity, arbor diameter and fly line weight rating you need depending on what fish you target and where you fish.

This is a high-quality fly fishing reel by one of the top fly fishing reel brands. It has a higher price tag but the quality craftsmanship, smooth drag system, and high-end features make it worth every buck.

Its construction uses die-cast aluminum with a machined finish giving it its sophisticated simplicity. It features a smooth carbon drag system, generous concave spool surface and a large arbor for fast retrieve and smooth line flow.

You get to choose among four size options: The 3/4 with a 3.3 in and 5/6 with a 3.6 in diameter offer a 100 yards 20 lb line capacity. The 7/8 with a 4 in diameter can hold 200 yards 20 lb while the 9/10 4.3 in diameter has 200 yards 30 lb line capacity. Switching to your preferred hand retrieve is easy.

The Orvis Clearwater is designed as an entry-level fly fishing reel and comes with a friendly price tag. The body is made from die cast aluminum, which is good quality, strong and lightweight.

It also features some nice features such as the Rulon to stainless steel stacked disc drag with a positive click knob for smooth adjustments and a large arbor size which minimizes line memory issues and offers fast line retrievals when you've hooked a fast running fish.

It looks good on the rod and its lightweight feel balances very well with lighter rods for ease of use. It features an easily reversible retrieve handle. It is great for beginner fly fishermen and as a budget reel for intermediate anglers. The downside is that it does not offer extra spools thus cannot be used with different line densities.

What makes the Dragon fly reel by Wright & McGill one of the best fly fishing reels is its high quality construction using precisely machined bar stock 6061 aluminum and a stylish gunmetal finish, a lightweight feel that balances very well with lightweight rods, a smooth and easy to adjust graphite disc drag system, a large arbor for high speed retrievals and minimal line twists and a budget-friendly price. As for how it performs strapped on the rod, its performance and drag system is top rated and surpasses expectations given its cost. As is the case with all good fly reels, this one features an easily reversible retrieve handle.