FLY FISHING REELS

Best Fly Fishing Reels

A fly fishing reel is the treasured jewel of perfection for most fly anglers. Deservingly so, as each and every one is like a work of art. Perfectly machined, amazing color designs, highest quality components, and lots of character as they have very intricate designs that will even entice fishermen that don’t even fly fish to pick them up in the store to admire their flawless perfection. There are hundreds of different fly reels out there, from low cost up to extremely high cost for the most avid fly fishermen. It’s important to look for a fly fishing reel that will both grab your attention as being the right one based on looks and feel, but also that will work flawlessly and get the job done.

Qualities to Look For In A Fly Fishing Reel

• Fly Reel Price • Fly Reel MaterialFly • Fly Reel Sounds • Fly Reel Drag System • Fly Reel Arbor Size • Fly Reel Size

Fly Reel Price

Fly reels range in price from about $30 on up to over $1500. With the low end models being less durable, less dependable, and not as nicely made. The high end being perfectly balanced with quality, style, durability, and dependability. I don’t recommend spending less than $100 on a good fly reel. I would recommend setting a high end budget that won’t break the bank, and comparing the look, style, and features between them to make a decision on which fly reel is the best for you. You can typically find a great reel for between $250 and $400, and a great saltwater fly reel for $350 to $500.

Fly Reel Material

Many fly reels are made from machined bar stock aluminum, which is made from a solid piece of aluminum and machine carved in the shape of the reel. This gives you that sculptured work of art that fly fishermen are looking for. It’s a work of absolute beauty. Cast aluminum reels are formed by pouring liquid metal into molds. These can work fine and last many years, but machined aluminum gives you the highest quality reels. If it’s in your price range, buy the machined aluminum reel. It’s worth it.

Fly Reel Sounds

The best quality fly reels are uniquely quiet and pure smooth sounding. Fly fishing is a quiet experience, with the fisherman at one with nature, and you don’t want the extra noise to impact the experience. A high quality fly reel, as it is in motion on the reel, or on the letting out of the line, has a pleasing smooth sounding click. You don’t want a reel that is metallic or erratic sounding to interrupt the experience of peace and tranquility you are searching for out on the water.

Fly Reel Drag System

An important feature of any fishing reel is the drag system. It is what allows you to fight a fish slowly, allowing the fish to take line of the reel as it runs when it puts up a big fight, so that the line does not break under the pressure of the fight. You want to coax them in slowly, tiring them out, until you can bring them in. Many reels use a disc drag system that consists of a number of self lubricating discs that create a varying level of friction as you tighten the drag knob. If you buy a high quality reel it will come with a high quality drag system.

Fly Reel Arbor Size

The arbor size on a fly reel is a critical component in the decision making process. The arbor is what the line is attached to, and as it moves around it reels up the line. The larger diameter allows more line to be reeled in during one revolution of the arbor. The larger arbor size of today’s fly fishing reels allows the line to be reeled up much quicker. It’s still important to match the reel to the size rod you will be using, so a large arbor would not be necessary if you are trout fishing in a stream, but it would be a huge benefit on the saltwater reels for the faster retrieve and increased backing capacity.

Fly Reel Size

The Fly Reel’s size should be balanced with the rod you are going to use, and the line weight, for the type of fish you will be targeting. Once you decide the type of fish your will be fly fishing for, you can determine the right fly fishing pole, and then you should size the fly fishing reel so it is a good weight and size match.

Cabelas RLS Fly Fishing Reel

The Cabela's® RLS+ Fly Fishing Reel has the same high end performance features as the best fly fishing reels out there on the market today, but at a much better value, and is more affordable. The Rulon® disc drag system offers amazing smoothness and powerful braking performance to take on almost any challenger. The sculpted drag knob makes it easy for you to adjust the settings during the heat of battling a big fish, and it is much lighter weight than other brands. A large arbor design gives you quick line retrieve and less line memory. Well machined aluminum construction with a silver anodized finish that withstands years of rugged use. Easily switched to right or left hand retrieve, making this reel a sure winner for buying a new fly fishing reel as a gift when you don’t know which hand they use to reel with.

Pflueger Medalist Fly Fishing Reel

Pflueger is one of the top fishing reel brands in America today due to it’s high quality, attention to detail, and long lasting durability. The Pflueger® Medalist® Fly Fishing Reel continues that longstanding tradition with it’s quality and reliability. With its classic standard arbor design, the Medalist has high backing capacity, but the latest version is significantly lighter, stronger, and more versatile than previous models. It has a fully machined aluminum frame and spool with a lightweight polymer handle. It includes Pflueger's multi position click and pawl check mechanism giving you unwavering control. Has a quick release spool, and is able to be quickly converted to left or right handed retrieve. Great looks, and great quality, all at a great price!

White River Fly Shop Kingfisher Fly Fishing Reel

The White River Fly Shop® Kingfisher Fly Fishing Reel has an anodized finish and is very smooth, and very light. It has a sealed 9 washer drag system assisted by a 1 way bearing that allows consistent and precise drag settings, and protection from the weather. It’s spool and chassis are machined from cold forged 6061 T6 aluminum for maximum rigidity for its open frame design, giving it superb durability for long lasting performance. It is an amazing reel, at a great price! It is a slick looking reel too adding color to your line up. About The Author Mike Mendenhall is the the founder of Mendenhall Outdoors. This website is an extension of the Mendenhall family’s lifestyle and passion for the great outdoors. Everything that they learn, and experience, along the way that they find may be valuable to our website visitors is on the site for you to enjoy. We highlight products and services that you might find interesting. We frequently receive free products from manufacturers to test. This does not drive our decision as to whether or not a product is featured or recommended. If you click a link on this page, then go on to make a purchase, we might receive a commission – at no extra cost to you, and does not impact the purchase price of any products that you may purchase. The Best Fly Fishing Reel Shopping Experience Awaits!