Fly fishing is an exhilarating sport that combines skill, patience, and the right equipment. Choosing the best fly fishing reel can make a significant difference in your fishing experience.
In this guide, we review the top 5 fly fishing reels, highlighting their key features and benefits to help you make an informed decision.
Table of Content
- 1. Hardy Bros Lightweight Fly Reel – Best Classic Reel
- 2. Martin Caddis Creek – Best Bang for your Buck
- 3. Orvis Clearwater
- 4. VIKN V-130 Big Game – Most Attractive Reel
- 5. Redington Rise – Best on a Budget
- Frequently Asked Questions
- How important is quality in a fly-reel?
- What are the most important considerations in a fly-reel?
- What size reel do I need?
- How do you fight fish with that small handle?
- What are the different drag systems?
- Why do so many fly reels come with extra spools when they only hold one line weight?
- What is the difference between a salt and freshwater fly reel?
- Conclusion
1. Hardy Bros Lightweight Fly Reel – Best Classic Reel
Hardy has a long reputation for high-quality angling equipment had have earned a place on the rods of many professional fishermen for longer than most companies have been making reels. Their materials are high quality and the machining process leaves a clean, smooth finish that makes their reels a pleasure to use with a styling that harkens back to the classic period of Angling.
This specific reel is a very exciting example of what makes fly fishing such an amazing and fun sport. Everything about it harkens back to the days of simple reels that were made to last. Rather than a standard mass-produced reel, these are all still handmade. Sure, that makes them more expensive but the quality is unparalleled.
The Duchess is made from high-quality aluminum that is machined for great strength and durability. The arbor is a great size being right in the middle of too small and too large. The reel handle is a solid wood that has a very comfortable feel and adds just a little touch of class. Everything is reversable for either right or left-handed use.
If you want a classically styled reel that will last a lifetime, this heritage edition of one of Hardy’s classic designs is a knockout. The reel is outstanding, high quality, and will last multiple lifetimes. This reel is a top pick for a reason, I would use it for any fishing short of the largest lakes and salt water.
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Pros
- Classic look
- Highly respected name
- Lifetime durability
- Low weight
Cons
- Quite expensive
- Smaller line capacity
2. Martin Caddis Creek – Best Bang for your Buck
A great fly fishing reel doesn’t need fancy bells and whistles to get the job done right.
The Caddis Creek reel brings you smooth casting with a handy push-button release that lets you know when your line is coming off. You’ll love the rim control feature that puts you in charge of the drag right at your fingertips.
The lightweight aluminum build makes this reel a joy to use all day long. It holds plenty of line with space for 30 yards of WF6F and 50 yards of backing – perfect for landing those feisty trout and panfish.
I’ve found the click drag system to be super reliable during my stream fishing trips. The reel switches easily between left and right-hand retrieve, which is great if you share gear with fishing buddies.
The solid construction stands up to regular use without breaking the bank
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Pros
- Quite durable
- Affordable
- Good line capacity
Cons
- Not an attractive reel
- Somewhat heavy
3. Orvis Clearwater
Fly fishing becomes more fun with a reliable reel that doesn’t break the bank. The Clearwater reel brings solid features at a good price point.
The cast aluminum construction keeps this reel light at just 12.8 ounces while staying strong. You’ll appreciate the positive click drag knob that lets you set consistent drag pressure every time.
One nice feature is how easy it is to switch between left and right-hand retrieve.
The large arbor design helps reduce line memory and enables faster line pickup.
The stacked disc drag system uses Rulon and stainless steel, giving you smooth performance that rivals more expensive reels. While it comes with a cassette for quick line changes, you may want to store spare spools out of direct sunlight.
For the quality and features you get, this Orvis reel offers good value. Just note that additional cassettes need to be purchased separately.
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Pros
- Modern flashy look
- Great warranty
- Durable
- Large line capacity
Cons
- Somewhat heavy
- Colors are a personal preference
4. VIKN V-130 Big Game – Most Attractive Reel
The VIKN V-130 brings impressive features in a lightweight package. At just 11 ounces, this aluminum reel packs over 20 pounds of stopping power in its sealed drag system.
You’ll appreciate the large 5.25-inch diameter arbor that holds plenty of line for those long casts. The machined aluminum construction feels solid and dependable. The titanium grey finish looks sleek on the water.
This versatile reel works great for multiple fishing styles. You can use it for single-handed fly fishing, switch casting, or spey casting. It’s especially good for saltwater fishing and salmon runs.
The sealed drag system keeps water and debris out, so you won’t need to worry about maintenance. For the quality and features, the VIKN offers good value compared to other reels in its class.
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Pros
- Beautiful look
- Affordable
- Great quality for the price
- Strong drag system
Cons
- May be less durable
- Very flashy
5. Redington Rise – Best on a Budget
When it comes to getting great quality on a tight budget, Redington is leading the pack. They aren’t as old as some of the other brands but have been around long enough to have it all figured out. Their Rise reel is one of the slickest new reels on the market and has earned the respect of a lot of veteran anglers.
This is a reel that does it all well without being overly costly or heavy. It may not be as light as some of the other reels but at just over 5oz. it is well below the weight of most and for a price that is a fraction of the other reels. Its sturdy and quite durable with just enough features to make it a solid value.
The reel frame is machined aluminum but the spool is die-cast which saves on weight and cost but makes the spool somewhat weaker. Combine that with a skeletal frame and you are going to need to be a little gentler with this reel. Just don’t toss it around and it should be fine. A fish surely won’t manage to break it.
As far as other features, the reel is no slouch. The drag system is an advanced carbon fiber that has plenty of torque to stop even the biggest fish and the dual handles are reversible and feature over-molded rubber grips that gives you a solid purchase and smooth retrieve.
If you can live with the lower durability, and most people can with Redington’s lifetime warranty, this is a great reel at a weight that is so hard to imagine. If you are a hike and fish person or just love the lightest gear you can get your hands on, no one is going to beat this reel any time soon.
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Pros
- Light weight
- Lifetime warranty
- Large arbor
- Affordable
Cons
- Less than durable
- Drag is prone to wear
Frequently Asked Questions
How important is quality in a fly-reel?
While it is true that a fly-reel is just a platform to hold the line and has no effect on the cast and very little on the retrieve, some aspects of quality will still make a huge difference. The nature of a fly-reel does mean that a cheaper reel will fish much more like an expensive fly-reel than would be the case with other reel types but may lack the durability and smooth drag that are so important.
What are the most important considerations in a fly-reel?
The first aspect of a fly reel that I take into consideration is durability. When you buy a good reel, you are buying a reel for life. Weight is also an important consideration, especially with a setup that you may be carrying into the backcountry. You should also factor in capacity. Considering the previous point, there is some value to a smaller capacity reel and its lighter weight but it should be tailored to the type of fishing you intend to do.
What size reel do I need?
Most fly reels will be sold with a notation like 5/6. This is the size line the reel is intended to hold. You should do your best to match the reel, rod, and line of the same weights to get the best performance out of your setup.
How do you fight fish with that small handle?
If you haven’t fly-fished before, seeing the way the reels work is a little different. Though you can use them to fight a fish, most people will choose to fight the fish by hand rather than reeling it. This takes a little practice and getting used to but it’s a lot of fun!
What are the different drag systems?
The oldest system is the click and pawl system which has been in use for well over a hundred years. The mechanics of how it works is not important for the user but the durability is. The system lasts forever. Modern systems are a plate system much like those used in spinning gear. They may be made in the older style with steel and cork or with modern plastics. Any of these later systems fish the same.
Why do so many fly reels come with extra spools when they only hold one line weight?
If you are new to fly fishing, understanding the different types of line can be confusing. A rod and reel setup may only be made to handle one weight of line but you may need to switch between floating line or sinking line or change out from a weight forward to a level line. Having several additional spools vastly simplifies this process.
What is the difference between a salt and freshwater fly reel?
The answer is very little. Though some companies make specific reels for each environment, any reel that has corrosion resistant parts like brass and aluminum will work in either. Avoid steel in salt water. The only other difference is that most salt-water reels use a larger arbor and more line.
Conclusion
Selecting the right fly fishing reel is crucial for an enjoyable and successful fishing trip. Whether you prefer the classic design of the Hardy Bros Lightweight Fly Reel or the budget-friendly Redington Rise, each reel offers unique features to suit different needs. Remember to match your reel with the appropriate rod and line weight for optimal performance. Happy fishing!
