Best Fly Fishing Reels in 2022

Last update: November 13, 2022

Can fly reels be too light?

Yes, fly reels can be too light. The weight of the reel is important because it helps to balance the rod and keep the line from being too heavy or too light. If the reel is too light, it can cause the line to sag and make it difficult to cast.

Can trout see orange line?

Some people believe that trout can see an orange line, while others believe that they cannot. The truth is that trout can see a range of colors, but their ability to see specific colors depends on the time of day and the water conditions. In general, trout are more likely to see colors that are brighter and more contrasting.

Does fly reel color matter?

No, fly reel color does not matter. The purpose of a fly reel is to hold the line and provide a smooth drag when casting and retrieving. The color is purely aesthetic and has no effect on the function of the reel.

Does fly reel need to match rod?

No, a fly reel does not need to match the rod. However, it is important to choose a reel that is the correct size and weight for the rod.


Lew's Fishing Custom Inshore SLP Speed Spool MSB 9+1 Review:


incredible reel I adore the feel and look. at the coast, many gaftopsail catfish weighing 3 to 10 pounds were caught. Fantastic features. If you appreciate saltwater angling, it's well worth the money. The only thing I will criticise is not the reel itself but the image since it depicts a right hand retrieving reel while the model # indicates that it is left handed. This is more of an issue with the seller or Amazon. Since I use both hands for various setups, I kept it despite my conviction that it was correct.



Piscifun Sword Fly Fishing Reel with CNC-machined Aluminum Alloy Body 3/4, 5/6, 7/8, 9/10 Weights(Black, Gunmetal, Pink, Space Gray) Review:


I currently own two of these reels and am delighted with them for the price. They perform admirably and have fantastic looks. People seem to be upset about how well the drag would function with a huge fish, but I'm confident that these reels will hold up just fine for trout, bass, and other small- to medium-sized species. For steelhead, I might eventually get a larger 7/8-inch and give it a shot, but for trout, you can't really go wrong. I now have a 3/4 for my smaller, perfectly fitting 4 wt (7'9") and a 5/6 for my longer, 9' 4 wt. I'll likely acquire another spool for the 5/6 and prepare with fly line for my upcoming 5 wt. As you can see, I stated the lengths of my fly rods since, given that these are medium arbor rods rather than large ones, I would advise going one size up for your longer rods to have a somewhat larger reel. Your longer rods of the same weight should have a little bit more backbone than the smaller ones. These reels are incredibly gorgeous, and for the price, they function amazingly well. Can't beat this price, and I believe these reels perform equally well as some slightly more expensive models from well-known fly-fishing companies. Excellent for my stream fishing in Colorado. Thanks



Okuma SLV Diecast Aluminum Fly Reel Review:


First off, don't believe the claims that this reel is comparable to a $300 Sage or Ross since it isn't; despite this, it is still a fantastic reel.Since I started fly fishing, I have been using an inexpensive reel, thus I need to improve. I fish with a SA 5 5 weight line and a 9ft 4 PC Redington medium action rod. I wanted something for this fall and winter season, however I will probably buy the Lamson Liquid later.This reel's drag system is a washer pinch bearing system. To tighten or loosen the drag, a screw literally pinches a washer down into another washer. The drawback of this technique is that if you fish this reel frequently and vigorously, you risk wearing out the drag mechanism as opposed to a cone system in higher-end reels (typically above $100). Another drawback is that if you loosen the drag to the point where there is little to no drag on the reel while letting a fish run and you unscrew the cap, you run the risk of dirtying the drag system (dirt and water can pass through the threads) and the screw cap coming off (if only one or two threads are holding the cap on).However, that is the only significant problem. It weighs a little bit more than a lamson, ross, or sage reel but not much more. The fit and quality are excellent; there are no burs or harsh edges, and the drag system appears to be well-lubricated with tach bearing grease. It does contain a quick-change spool, allowing you to switch from a floating line to, say, a sink tip line while keeping the reel attached to your rod.It's wonderful for fishing because I can easily change the drag and get nice tactile feedback. Be aware that the retrieve has clicking, but there is no option to change it. After a few dozen casts, you soon develop a sense of what the reel wants to do and how to adjust it for how much line you're attempting to put out. It releases line quite neatly.Overall, it's a fantastic reel for $60. Save your money, though, and go purchase something like a Lamson Liquid. Unless! Your long-term desire to fly fish is up in the air. However, if you enjoy the sport or hobby and feel the urge to upgrade from a kit reel, go ahead and spend some extra money to buy a better reel.Good luck with your fishing and reel. Sport of fly fishing is excellent.



Piscifun Crest Fully Sealed Drag Large Arbor Fly Fishing Reel Saltwater CNC-machined Aluminum Alloy Fly Reel 5/6, 7/8, 9/10 (Green,Black) Review:


reel two of Piscifun Crest! The green Crest reel I got for my 7-weight rod impressed me so much that I bought another for my 5-weight rod. Although Piscifun's description claims they are anodized 6061 T6 aluminum, this black 5wt Crest reel is flat black and looks/feels like it may have been painted or powder coated even if the green 7wt Crest reel is anodized. According to my observations, anodized 6061 T6 aluminum typically has a sheen to it rather than being flat and having the feel of a coating (paint etc). I guess only time will tell how long-lasting it is.However, that doesn't diminish the overall excellence of the machined reel itself! Since it is aluminum, it won't rust or have an impact on performance even "if" the 5wt's are coated or painted. No matter where you set the drag, these reels are stable, well-built, and have smooth operation. The only advantage their high-end (read: pricey) rivals have over them is personalizing their reels with your name or creating a distinctive design pattern. It's unusual of to get a sealed drag at this price point that "really works nicely." Not to mention how gorgeous the design pattern is! Speaking of the drag, unlike many other designer reels, the drag-knob is far enough away that you can grasp it while wearing gloves and be sure you are on it.Overall, this reel's quality and fluid movement continue to astound me. There are no wobbles, misaligned pieces, or loose tolerances, and the finish is immaculate. Similar to the green 7wt one, it appears to be well balanced. After purchasing the green Crest 7wt reel, I gave another Orvis reel a lot of thought, but I just couldn't rationalize spending twice as much on the Orvis Hydros SL Fly Reel. It just doesn't feel right, especially when you take into account their odd drag-knob. Although there is an outgoing click on the Crest reels, it is so quiet and quiet that I have to place my ear very close to the reel to hear it. Although it's not a deal breaker for me, those of you who enjoy clickers will be dissatisfied. Having saying that, I heartily endorse these reels. You won't be let down. Enjoy!



Piscifun Platte Fully Sealed Drag Large Arbor Fly Fishing Reel with CNC-machined Aluminum Alloy Body 3/4, 5/6, 7/8, 9/10 (Gunmetal,Black,Ice Blue) Review:


I mainly use premium reels made by Lamson, Sage, and Galvan. I decided to test out this inexpensive sealed drag reel. Positives include that it is solidly constructed, the drag is effective, and I appreciate the knob's size. The spool release is preferable to the lamson and sage spool releases, which must be popped off. The cost, which is between 50 and 30 percent less than that of premium reels, is the largest advantage. Negatives: It was a little difficult to adjust to a right-hand retrieval (you have to take care not to lose two small parts...look on YouTube for instructions). I purchased the color "ice blue," which is quite vivid and lacks the paint depth found on more expensive reels. Perhaps a different shade might look better. Because I typically fish with several rods and wanted something that was simple to see in the grass, I bought the bright blue lure. Undoubtedly suitable for it. Last but not least, the reel is heavy—noticeably heavier than a lamson or a sage. The weight is a little apparent on such a lightweight rod because I purchased this for a 3-weight rod. Overall, I think I'll use my Lamson instead of this, although the Lamson was 3.5 times more expensive.



Sougayilang Fly Fishing Reel Large Arbor 2+1 BB with CNC-machined Aluminum Alloy Body and Spool in Fly Reel Sizes 5/6,7/8 Review:


If you don't try to compare it to a fly reel that costs five times as much, I think you can obtain a great deal of quality for less than $40. There just isn't anything better at this pricing range, in my opinion. There are only a few machine marks in the finish, which is really excellent but not quite perfect. Although it costs less than $200, it is not comparable to many other fly reels. It almost imperceptibly has a TINY amount of play in the spool. Although not completely instant, the anti-reverse is better than you should anticipate for a reel in this price range. When you are pulling the drag or the line off, it does click somewhat gently, but when you are retrieving, it is completely silent, which makes it a fantastic choice for me. When retrieving line or a fish on reels that have it, I abhor the clicking sound it makes. This is a deal-breaker for me when it comes to reels. They have existed forever and always will. An unpleasant clicking sound has nothing to do with peace, which is what fishing is meant to help you achieve. Is it comparable to the best available? Of course not, but if you go into buying a reel at this price with realistic expectations, you should be delighted with it. It is fairly wide and I received a size 5/6. Although 5/6 is the smallest size currently offered, I wish this was available in smaller sizes. I would unquestionably buy one if they made it in a lower size.



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, Silver, Black&Silver) Review:


It's functioning well so far. It has an easy design and is reasonably smooth. The drag has been the only problem I've been having. It will rather quickly loosen on its own. I find it to be a little grating at times, hence the four stars. The reel is excellent in every other way. This reel has had some good drops. I created several parts while I was at machining school to prevent the drag from loosing up so quickly. The reel will last a long time if you keep it oiled and clean!MAXIMUMCATCH'S CUSTOMER SERVICE IS ABSOLUTELY TOP NOTCH! Raising to five stars.I've been lake float tube fishing a lot lately. The cork drag disk lost its integrity due to saturation. In order to replace it, I asked Maxcatch what size it was. We think that a new reel will help you with this problem, they said. AN ALL-NEW REEL! More couldn't be asked for than that, really! For me, Maxcatch has been fantastic. They had a fly rod, which I broke as I tripped and fell. Boom, a new rod part arrived in the mail without a question after 15 minutes.



Redington ZERO Fly Reel Review:


In order to use with my Redington Classic Trout 2 wt 7ft 6 in rod, I bought a 2/3 Zero in the colour Sand. This cute tiny click reel matches this rod perfectly. I tried a 4/5, but I didn't like how big the reel foot felt. It works and looks fantastic after I lined it with a 2 wt Piscifun Sword WF line. The cost is quite affordable. This is an exceptional offer because Redington offers a lifetime warranty and has top-notch customer service. I've used a number of their products, and I've never had a problem with either the quality or the customer service. They provide a quality product for a fair price.



M MAXIMUMCATCH Maxcatch ECO Fly Reel Large Arbor with Diecast Aluminum Body Fly Fishing Reel(3/4wt 5/6wt 7/8wt) Review:


For its initial outing, this film was put through some very rigorous testing. Erie, Pennsylvania steelhead fishing This reel performs admirably for the price, much beyond its pay grade. When it originally arrived, it squeaked a tiny bit, but a little extra oil fixed the issue.This reel performed an amazing job scooping up line that the steelhead would scream out of my reel, even though many of them tore my 4 lb line like paper. It was able to handle approximately 7 or 8 hard running steelhead. I can without a doubt claim that this reel wasn't what cost me lost fish. I could have concluded the trip with a few more caught fish if I had used a better rod with better shock resistance or if I had had a little more experience and competence.



Croch Fly Fishing Reel with Aluminum Alloy Body 3/4, 5/6, 7/8 Weights(Black, Gun Green, Gold, Silver) Review:


I went to a nearby river on a gloomy, rainy November morning in the Pacific Northwest with this brand-new, comparably sized fiberglass rod in an effort to really break it in and discover its capabilities.I waded out to about ankle depth and stripped off about 30 feet of WF6F line with an unweighted pink and green woolly bugger on the end, guided by mobile phone light and the stream's bubbles. During those first strips, I realized the reel did significantly backlash and the drag was set far too loosely. Fortunately, unlike the Redington this reel replaced, replacing the spool is simple and intuitive.I untangled the line, made a single-handed spey throw upstream, and then started swinging through shallow riffles and seams.I set the hook when the line becomes tight. The crucial moment has arrived.Coho and Chinook are not like chum. They don't aerialize, but they run for miles while digging deep. Extremely violent strikes and headshakes are used. On a fly rod that is too light, the males, which weigh between 16 and 20 pounds on average, put up an amazing fight. The fish that smashed my swinging fly and was now swimming downstream toward the ocean was one of these upper-teen chum.I'm able to get the fish to turn around 20 feet before my backing by properly setting the drag and applying pressure on him. and bill me. When I slap the reel handle, it takes up slack almost as fat as I could strip it in, which makes me happy.After fighting this dinosaur with tiger stripes to land for three minutes, I pulled the hook out and freed him. After passing the test of fire, I respectfully give the following remarks on this reel:1. The $15 reel might easily pass for an Okuma that costs three times as much. The fit and finish, drag, and action all share the same feeling.2. When the tension is medium-high, the drag is smooth. sufficient to stop a fish that it shouldn't have been battling in the first place.3. Anodization is flawless and uniform. With a yellow line and an orange backing, the gold one I purchased looks fantastic.4. I appreciate having aural and physical input during reeling, but that's just me. Even though being able to quickly spool up line has benefits, silent reels just feel strange.This is clearly superior to the older design of Redington path reels that I replaced. The frame is more solid, the spool is simpler to replace, and it feels nicer on the rod. I will definitely include this reel in my recommendations for a "beginners fly fishing kit."


Does the weight of the fly reel matter?

The weight of the fly reel matters to a certain extent. The lighter the reel, the easier it is to carry around and the less fatigue you will feel when using it. However, a lighter reel may not be as durable as a heavier one and may not hold as much line.

Fly line and backing

Backing is the threadlike material that is wound on a fly reel before the fly line. The backing provides extra line capacity and ensures that the fly line will not be cut or frayed by the reel's gears during a long fight with a fish. Backing also makes it easier to retrieve a fly line that has become tangled in vegetation or submerged debris. Fly line is the monofilament or multifilament material that is used to cast a fly. The fly line is attached to the backing and is what the fly fisherman uses to control the fly during the cast and

How do you match a fly reel to a rod?

When matching a fly reel to a rod, you'll want to consider the type of fishing you'll be doing, the weight of your line, and the size of the fish you'll be targeting. You'll also want to make sure that the reel is the correct size for the rod. If you're unsure, ask a knowledgeable salesperson at your local sporting goods store.

How do you size a fly reel?

To size a fly reel, you'll need to know the width of your rod and the line weight you'll be using. The width of your reel should be equal to or slightly wider than the width of your rod. The line weight is the thickness of the line and is usually printed on the spool. A 5-weight line, for example, is thinner than a 6-weight line.

How important is a good fly reel?

A good fly reel is important for several reasons. First, it helps to keep your line in good condition and to prevent tangles. Second, it provides a smooth, even drag that helps you to control your line and keep it from breaking. Third, it can help to increase your casting distance and accuracy. Lastly, it can help to protect your line from being damaged by the sun or other elements.

How much backing do I need for a 4 weight fly reel?

A 4 weight fly reel typically needs about 3-4wt backing. The amount of backing you'll need depends on the reel's spool size and the length of your fly line. A good rule of thumb is to have about 30-40 yards of backing for every 100 yards of fly line.