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10 Best Fly Fishing Reels 2026 in the United States
#1
Winner
LAMSON | Guru S-Series -9+ Fly Fishing Reel | All-Water | Large Arbor, Fully CNC Machined/Anodized, Lightweight Durability | OG | 8wt 9wt 10wt Size
The LAMSON Guru S-Series -9+ Fly Fishing Reel is a versatile and durable option for avid fly anglers. It boasts a large arbor design, which ensures quick line pick-up and minimizes line memory, an essential feature for efficient line management. The reel is fully CNC machined and anodized, lending it excellent durability and resistance to damage and abrasion, making it suitable for various water conditions, including saltwater environments.
Rating
10.0
Chosen by1,276
Drag System
Material and Construction
Weight
Most important from
68 reviews
#2
ROSS REELS Evolution LTX 7-8wt Platinum Fly Fishing Reel | Durable Lightweight Aluminum Large Arbor Reel for Trout, Redfish, Bonefish, Snook Fishing
The Ross Reels Evolution LTX 7-8wt is a solid choice for anglers looking for a versatile fly fishing reel that handles both freshwater trout and saltwater species like Redfish and Bonefish. It features a large arbor design, which helps in faster line retrieval and reduces line memory, making it easier to fight fish. The innovative line channel neatly stores arbor knots, improving line management.
Rating
9.1
Drag System
Material and Construction
Weight
Most important from
27 reviews
#3
Ross Evolution LTX Fly Reel - 4/5WT Matte Blue - Made in USA
The Ross Evolution LTX Fly Reel - 4/5WT in Matte Blue is a high-quality fly reel made in the USA, designed for fly fishing enthusiasts. One of its key strengths is its construction material; it features a solid build of stainless steel and aluminum, ensuring durability and longevity. The reel size of 4-5 weight makes it suitable for a variety of fly fishing scenarios, and the ambidextrous hand orientation adds to its versatility, allowing it to be used by both left-handed and right-handed anglers.
Rating
8.8
Drag System
Material and Construction
Weight
Most important from
27 reviews
Top 10 Best Fly Fishing Reels 2026 in the United States
#1
Winner
LAMSON | Guru S-Series -9+ Fly Fishing Reel | All-Water | Large Arbor, Fully CNC Machined/Anodized, Lightweight Durability | OG | 8wt 9wt 10wt Size
LAMSON | Guru S-Series -9+ Fly Fishing Reel | All-Water | Large Arbor, Fully CNC Machined/Anodized, Lightweight Durability | OG | 8wt 9wt 10wt Size
Reel Size: 9+ (8-10 wt lines)
Drag System: Proprietary sealed conical drag
Arbor Size: Large
Material and Construction: Stainless Steel, Aluminum, CNC machined
Weight: 14.4 ounces
Chosen by 1276 this week
ROSS REELS Evolution LTX 7-8wt Platinum Fly Fishing Reel | Durable Lightweight Aluminum Large Arbor Reel for Trout, Redfish, Bonefish, Snook Fishing
ROSS REELS Evolution LTX 7-8wt Platinum Fly Fishing Reel | Durable Lightweight Aluminum Large Arbor Reel for Trout, Redfish, Bonefish, Snook Fishing
Reel Size: 7-8wt
Drag System: Ultra-smooth drag
Arbor Size: Large arbor design
Material and Construction: Anodized aluminum, canvas phenolic handle
Weight: 0.6 pounds
Ross Evolution LTX Fly Reel - 4/5WT Matte Blue - Made in USA
Ross Evolution LTX Fly Reel - 4/5WT Matte Blue - Made in USA
Reel Size: 4-5 wt
Drag System: Stainless steel bearings
Material and Construction: Stainless steel, Aluminum
Weight: 16 ounces
ROSS REELS Evolution LTX 5-6wt Black Fly Fishing Reel | Durable Lightweight Aluminum Large Arbor Reel for Trout, Redfish, Bonefish, Snook Fishing
ROSS REELS Evolution LTX 5-6wt Black Fly Fishing Reel | Durable Lightweight Aluminum Large Arbor Reel for Trout, Redfish, Bonefish, Snook Fishing
Reel Size: 5-6wt
Drag System: strong, smooth drag
Arbor Size: large arbor
Material and Construction: aluminum frame, anodized finish, handle
Weight: 0.01 Ounces
Retrieve Rate: quick line retrieval
Hardy Lightweight - LRH Fly Reel
Hardy Lightweight - LRH Fly Reel
Reel Size: Fits line weights 3 and 4
Drag System: Accurate click check mechanism
Material and Construction: High-grade 6061 aluminum, anodized finish
Weight: 3.6 Ounces
Related Products
Up to 14% off
Orvis Encounter Outfit - Fishing Rod and Reel Combo (9' 5-wt) - Versatile Outfit with Large Arbor Reel, Weight-Forward Floating Line, Backing, and Leader
Orvis Encounter Outfit - Fishing Rod and Reel Combo (9' 5-wt) - Versatile Outfit with Large Arbor Reel, Weight-Forward Floating Line, Backing, and Leader
Reel Size: size II large arbor
Drag System: smooth
Arbor Size: large arbor
Material and Construction: aluminum reel, graphite rod
Weight: 1.9 pounds
Retrieve Rate: quicker line retrieval
Moonshine Rod Company The Creede Fly Fishing Reel 3/4 Copper. Fully Machined Large Arbor with Sealed Carbon Disk Drag
Moonshine Rod Company The Creede Fly Fishing Reel 3/4 Copper. Fully Machined Large Arbor with Sealed Carbon Disk Drag
Reel Size: 3/4
Drag System: carbon fiber stacked disc, sealed
Arbor Size: large arbor
Material and Construction: 6061 forged aluminum, carbon fiber
Weight: 5.15 Ounces
LAMSON | Guru S-Series -3+ Fly Fishing Reel | All-Water | Large Arbor, Fully CNC Machined/Anodized, Lightweight Durability | OG | 2wt 3wt 4wt Size
LAMSON | Guru S-Series -3+ Fly Fishing Reel | All-Water | Large Arbor, Fully CNC Machined/Anodized, Lightweight Durability | OG | 2wt 3wt 4wt Size
Reel Size: -3+
Drag System: smooth, strong conical, sealed
Arbor Size: large arbor
Material and Construction: Metal, CNC machined, anodized, steel
Weight: 0.23 Kilograms
LAMSON | Liquid S-Series Size -5+ Fly Fishing Reel 3 Pack | All-Water | 1 Reel & 2 Bonus Spools + Carrying Case | Large Arbor, Powerful Sealed Drag, Pressure Cast Aluminum | Smoke | 4wt 5wt 6wt Size
LAMSON | Liquid S-Series Size -5+ Fly Fishing Reel 3 Pack | All-Water | 1 Reel & 2 Bonus Spools + Carrying Case | Large Arbor, Powerful Sealed Drag, Pressure Cast Aluminum | Smoke | 4wt 5wt 6wt Size
Reel Size: -5+
Drag System: Sealed Conical
Arbor Size: Large
Material and Construction: Pressure cast aluminum
#10
Piscifun Sword Fly Fishing Reel with Line, Pre-Loaded CNC-Machined Aluminum Alloy Fly Reel, Light Weight and Corrosion Resistance Design, 7/8wt Gunmetal
Piscifun Sword Fly Fishing Reel with Line, Pre-Loaded CNC-Machined Aluminum Alloy Fly Reel, Light Weight and Corrosion Resistance Design, 7/8wt Gunmetal
Reel Size: 7/8wt
Drag System: multi-disc carbon & stainless steel
Arbor Size: Mid-Arbor Design
Material and Construction: CNC-machined 6061-T6 aluminum alloy
Weight: 9.12 ounces
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Buying Guide for the Best Fly Fishing Reels
Choosing the right fly-fishing reel is crucial for a successful and enjoyable fishing experience. The reel not only holds your line but also helps you manage the fish once it's hooked. To find the best fit for you, consider the following key specifications and how they align with your fishing needs and preferences.Reel SizeReel size is important because it needs to match the weight of your fly rod and line. Reels are typically categorized by the weight of the line they are designed to hold, such as 3-4 weight, 5-6 weight, etc. If you are fishing for smaller fish in freshwater, a smaller reel (3-4 weight) is suitable. For larger fish or saltwater fishing, you will need a larger reel (8-10 weight). Choose a reel size that matches your rod and the type of fishing you plan to do.
Drag SystemThe drag system controls the resistance a fish feels when it pulls on the line. There are two main types: click-and-pawl and disc drag. Click-and-pawl is simpler and lighter, suitable for smaller fish. Disc drag systems offer smoother and stronger resistance, ideal for larger fish. If you are targeting big, strong fish, a disc drag system is recommended. For smaller fish, a click-and-pawl system will suffice.
Arbor SizeArbor size refers to the diameter of the spool where the line is wound. There are three types: standard, mid-arbor, and large-arbor. Standard arbors hold more line but retrieve it more slowly. Mid-arbor reels offer a balance between line capacity and retrieval speed. Large-arbor reels retrieve line quickly and reduce line memory, which is the tendency of the line to retain coils. If you need to quickly bring in line, such as when fishing for fast-moving fish, a large-arbor reel is best. For general use, a mid-arbor reel is a good choice.
Material and ConstructionReels are made from various materials, including plastic, aluminum, and graphite. Plastic reels are lightweight and inexpensive but less durable. Aluminum reels are more robust and offer a good balance of weight and strength. Graphite reels are lightweight and corrosion-resistant, making them ideal for saltwater fishing. Choose a material based on the environment you will be fishing in and the durability you need. For freshwater fishing, aluminum or plastic may be sufficient, while for saltwater, graphite is preferable.
WeightThe weight of the reel affects the balance of your rod and overall comfort during long fishing sessions. Lighter reels are easier to handle and reduce fatigue, but they may not be as durable. Heavier reels can provide better balance for longer rods and are often more durable. Consider how long you will be fishing and the type of rod you have. If you plan on long fishing trips, a lighter reel may be more comfortable. For shorter sessions or if you need more durability, a heavier reel might be better.
Retrieve RateRetrieve rate is how quickly you can bring in the line. This is influenced by the arbor size and the design of the reel. Faster retrieve rates are beneficial when you need to quickly bring in line, such as when a fish is swimming towards you. If you often fish for fast-moving species, a reel with a high retrieve rate is advantageous. For general fishing, a moderate retrieve rate is usually sufficient.