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10 Best Fly Fishing Reels 2025 in the United States

#1

Winner

9.9 score

Piscifun Sword Fly Fishing Reel with Line, Pre-Loaded CNC-Machined Aluminum Alloy Fly Reel, Light Weight and Corrosion Resistance Design, 5/6wt Gunmetal

The Piscifun Sword Fly Fishing Reel is a solid choice for fly-fishing enthusiasts, especially those looking for a pre-loaded reel. It features a durable and lightweight design made from precision CNC-machined 6061-T6 aluminum alloy, which ensures high-impact durability. The reel's larger CNC hollow design further reduces its weight, making it easier to handle during long fishing sessions.

Customer Highlights

A summary of real customer reviews to highlight what shoppers are saying!
Drag System
The drag is precision made and customizable, with a solid aluminum frame that keeps the spool spinning freely and silently.
Material and Construction
You cannot beat this reel for the money. It’s machined, not cast, and spins smoothly while being lightweight.
Weight
You cannot beat this reel for the money. It’s machined, not cast, and spins smoothly while being lightweight.
#2
9.8 score

Orvis Encounter Fly Rod Outfit - Fishing Rod and Reel Combo Starter Kit - 9' 6-wt., Encounter Reel

The Orvis Encounter Fly Rod Outfit serves as a solid entry-level fly-fishing reel and rod combo, making it a great choice for beginners. This 4-piece kit includes everything needed to get started, such as a 9' 6-wt. rod, a size II Encounter reel, and additional accessories like a rod/reel case, backing, and leader. Its lightweight construction at just 1.94 pounds means it’s relatively easy to handle, which is beneficial for those new to the sport. Plus, the 5-year guarantee from Orvis adds a layer of confidence in the product’s durability.

Customer Highlights

A summary of real customer reviews to highlight what shoppers are saying!
Material and Construction
The 8wt setup worked well for ocean fishing, though the reel feels a bit cheap and the case cap kept popping off. Overall, it's a good value and worth considering for novice anglers.
#3
9.7 score

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.

Customer Highlights

A summary of real customer reviews to highlight what shoppers are saying!
Drag System
Beautiful reel, high quality. The drag is wonderful.
Material and Construction
American made, very light, finely engineered and excellent craftsmanship.
Weight
A nice looking lightweight reel that performed flawlessly.

Top 10 Best Fly Fishing Reels 2025 in the United States

Greys TITAL Fly Fishing Reel

Reel Size: 3/4 Size
Drag System: Sealed Carbon Disc
Arbor Size: Large Arbor
Material and Construction: Barstock Aluminum
Weight: 0.25 kg
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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.

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