10 Best Fly Fishing Reels | June 2023 (Reviewed & Ranked)
Last updated on June 12, 2023
10 minutes
OUR TOP PICKS
Top #1
Martin Caddis Creek Fly Fishing Reel, Reinforced Aluminum Spool with Push Button Release
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Top #2
M MAXIMUMCATCH Maxcatch Fly Fishing Reel with CNC-machined Aluminum Body Avid Series Best Value - 1/...
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Top #3
Maxcatch Tino Fly Fishing Reel (3/4wt 5/6wt 7/8wt) and Pre-Loaded Fly Reel with Line Combo
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A Few Of Our Ranking Metrics:
Check below for our tips on purchasing the best Fly Fishing Reels:
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The 10 best Fly Fishing Reels
Top #1
Martin Caddis Creek Fly Fishing Reel, Reinforced Aluminum Spool with Push Button Release
96%
Customer
Satisfaction
100%
Overall
Score
94%
Product
Quality
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WHAT WE LIKE:
This fly reel is a great option for those looking for a durable and reliable reel. The reinforced aluminum spool is perfect for catching panfish, trout, walleye, bass and more! The metal clicker with on/off control and push-button spool release makes it easy to start fishing. The pre-spooled with 20-pound backing LT6F fly line and 5X leader make set up quick and easy.
Pros & Cons From Reviewers:
The reel is well made and has a good feel to it.
The fishing action is good for pond or river fishing.
The quality of the gear seems to be good.
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Top #2
M MAXIMUMCATCH Maxcatch Fly Fishing Reel with CNC-machined Aluminum Body Avid Series Best Value - 1/3, 3/4, 5/6, 7/8, 9/10 Weights(Black, Green, Blue)
95%
Customer
Satisfaction
96%
Overall
Score
89%
Product
Quality
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WHAT WE LIKE:
The best features of this product are the Drag Design, the Smooth and Reliable Drag, and the Durable corrosion resistance.
Pros & Cons From Reviewers:
The quality of the reel is good.
The drag may not stop a steelie, but it's going on a 1wt so they don't need to worry about that.
The drag feels excellent.
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Top #3
Maxcatch Tino Fly Fishing Reel (3/4wt 5/6wt 7/8wt) and Pre-Loaded Fly Reel with Line Combo
91%
Customer
Satisfaction
95%
Overall
Score
89%
Product
Quality
View on Amazon
WHAT WE LIKE:
This reel is made of all-aluminum construction with CNC cutting for reinforcement, and a large arbor design for rapid line retrieval. It also has a rugged disc drag for putting serious pressure on the fish, and a one-way bearing for quick and easy left-to-right hand retrieval switch.
Pros & Cons From Reviewers:
The craftsmanship is good, but the feel of the reel could be better.
It is easy to use.
The large format makes it easier to see the fish in the water.
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Top #4
Pflueger Automatic Fly Reel
89%
Customer
Satisfaction
92%
Overall
Score
88%
Product
Quality
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WHAT WE LIKE:
This reel is a great value for the price. It has a lot of features that make it a good choice for fly fishing.
Pros & Cons From Reviewers:
The automatic fly fishing machine is good because it can help you learn how to fly fish.
The price is good because it's affordable.
It is well made.
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Top #5
ANGLER DREAM (1/2WT 3/4WT 5/6WT 7/8WT) Fly Reel with Line Combo Aluminum Alloy Large Arbor Fly Fishing Reels Weight Forward Fly Line with Braided Back...
84%
Customer
Satisfaction
92%
Overall
Score
92%
Product
Quality
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WHAT WE LIKE:
This fly fishing reel has a high quality price ratio, excellent material, large arbor design, and teflon disc and aluminum alloy drag system.
Pros & Cons From Reviewers:
The knot for the line to the leader is not a loop.
It is good for small streams and casting tournaments.
The reel is good for small spots.
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Top #6
Piscifun Aoka XS Fly Fishing Reel with Sealed Drag, CNC-machined Aluminum Alloy Body and Spool Light Weight Design Fly Fishing Reel with Clicker Drag ...
92%
Customer
Satisfaction
90%
Overall
Score
88%
Product
Quality
View on Amazon
WHAT WE LIKE:
Smooth drag performance. Sealed drag system. Precisely CNC machined aluminum body.
Pros & Cons From Reviewers:
The reel is easy to use.
The drag is remarkable.
It is easy to set up.
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Top #7
Sage Spectrum C Fly Fishing Reel with Rio Backing
93%
Customer
Satisfaction
89%
Overall
Score
92%
Product
Quality
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WHAT WE LIKE:
The best features of this product are the Machined and anodized aluminum One Revolution Drag Knob with numbered and detented settings, large arbor for fast line pick-up, and neoprene and embroidered ballistic nylon reel case.
Pros & Cons From Reviewers:
The Sage Reels are good because they work well and don't fail.
The reel is well made and has a large scale arbor.
The shipping time was fast.
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Top #8
Sage Spectrum C Fly Fishing Reel, Multipurpose Fly Reel for Freshwater and Saltwater, SCS Drag System, Grey, 5/6
93%
Customer
Satisfaction
89%
Overall
Score
91%
Product
Quality
View on Amazon
WHAT WE LIKE:
The SPECTRUM C fly reel has a drag system that is designed to handle high pressure and quickly dissipate the kinetic energy of a running fish into thermal energy. The easy switch between decreased tension for stripping and increased pressure for fighting fish makes it easier to set the drag level. The large arbor on this fly reel is designed to pickup line quickly. The finish on this fly reel is powder coated for durability.
Pros & Cons From Reviewers:
The customer service was great.
The drag system is exceptional for the price.
The spool size is perfect.
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Top #9
Fly Fishing Reel Large Arbor with Aluminum Body Fly Reel 3/4wt 5/6wt 7/8wt
83%
Customer
Satisfaction
88%
Overall
Score
87%
Product
Quality
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WHAT WE LIKE:
This fly reel is designed with a disc brake system, which makes it more stable and smooth when releasing power. It also has a quick spool release for easy left-to-right hand retrieval, and a one-way bearing that allows for easy left-to-right hand interchange. This reel is perfect for trout fishing in rivers, lakes, streams, and creeks.
Pros & Cons From Reviewers:
The reel is good.
The brake is smooth.
It is good for small game fishing.
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Top #10
ANGLER DREAM EX-ALC Fly Reel 3/4 5/6 7/8 9/10WT CNC Machined Aluminum Fly Fishing Reels Silver / Gunsmoke Fly Reels
81%
Customer
Satisfaction
87%
Overall
Score
85%
Product
Quality
View on Amazon
WHAT WE LIKE:
Lightweight. Precision CNC-machined 6061-T6 aluminum alloy for high impact durability. Larger CNC hollow design makes the reel lighter than ordinary ones. Ideal for all around fly fishing species such as Trout, Grayling, Salmon and other predatory fish. Ready for you: The fly line, the fly backing and the fly leader are tied firmly together as a whole in the right order, which helps to get rid of the lengthy preparation of fly fishing.
Pros & Cons From Reviewers:
The quality of the reel is good for the price.
It arrived on time and in good condition.
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Fly Fishing Reels Buying Guide : What You Need To Know
*Our top pick for the best Fly Fishing Reels
Attributes Of High Quality Fly Fishing Reels
- A good drag system that can be easily adjusted.
- A large arbor for fast line retrieval.
- Smooth operation.
- Durable construction.
How To Choose The Best Fly Fishing Reels
When it comes to choosing the best fly fishing reel, there are many factors that you need to consider. The type of fish you are targeting, the type of water you will be fishing in and your own personal preferences all play a role in determining which reel is right for you. In this article, we will provide some tips on how to choose the best fly fishing reel for your needs.
The first thing you need to consider is the type of fish you are targeting. If you are targeting large fish, then you will need a reel with a large capacity. This means that it can hold more line and has a larger drag system. On the other hand, if you are targeting smaller fish, then you can get away with a smaller reel. The size of the spool will also affect the capacity of the reel.
Next, you need to consider the type of water you will be fishing in. If you are going to be fishing in saltwater, then you need to get a reel that is designed for saltwater use. This means that it will have a corrosion-resistant finish and seals to keep out saltwater. If you are going to be fishing in freshwater, then any reel will do as long as it is not specifically designed for saltwater use.
Finally, you need to consider your own personal preferences when choosing a fly fishing reel. The weight of the reel is important if you plan on carrying it around all day. The retrieve rate is also important if you want to be able to quickly bring in your catch. Some people also prefer reels with a larger diameter so they can hold more line. Ultimately, it is up to you to decide what features are most important to you and choose a reel accordingly.
There are many different types of fly fishing reels on the market, so it is important to do your research before making a purchase. By considering the factors listed above, you should be able to narrow down your choices and find the perfect reel for your needs.
What To Avoid When Looking For The Best Fly Fishing Reels
When choosing the best fly fishing reel, there are a few things you will want to avoid. First, you want to avoid any reel that is made of plastic. While plastic reels may be cheaper, they are not as durable and can break easily. Second, you want to avoid any reel that is not properly sealed. This means that the reel should have a water-tight seal that will keep water and debris out of the gears and bearings. Third, you want to avoid any reel that does not have a good drag system. The drag system is what controls the line when you are casting and fighting a fish. If the drag system is not smooth, it can cause the line to break or tangle. Finally, you want to avoid any reel that is difficult to use. You should be able to easily change the spool, adjust the drag, and cast with ease.