Best Fly Fishing Reels (Buy Cheap Buy Twice!)

Whether you’re on the lookout to upgrade your fly reel, or are a beginner looking for a good value but well-built reel for fly fishing, you’ll love these reviews!

A fly fishing reel is a cylindrical device used to store line and to act as a drag when fly fishing.

It is attached to the fly fishing rod and helps the angler to cast and retrieve the fly line.

The fly fishing reel also provides a braking system which helps to prevent the fish from taking too much line and escaping.

There are several different types of fly fishing reels available on the market, and each has its own advantages and disadvantages.

Some fly fishing reels are spin casting reels, while others are flywheel reels. Ultimately, it is up to the angler to decide which type of fly fishing reel best suits their needs.

However, we have reviewed 10 of the best reels suitable for fly fishing to help you out.

Greys GTS300 Fly Reel

Our Score:

Weight: 154g

After eagerly opening the box, I couldn’t wait to try out this fly reel! The GTS300 is a great fly fishing reel that’s perfect for both beginners and experienced anglers.

Greys GTS300 Fly Reel

It’s easy to use and has a great drag system, making it the perfect choice for fishing in all types of conditions.

I’ve used this reel in both fresh and salt water, and it’s performed flawlessly every time. The Greys GTS300 is also lightweight, making it easy to carry around on long fishing trips.

best greys fly reel

Features include:

✅ Die-cast aluminum construction

✅ Smooth drag system

✅ Lightweight design

I would highly recommend this reel to anyone looking for a great fly fishing reel that won’t break the bank!

Thanks Greys, for another great fly reel!

Greys GTS300 Fly Reels #4/5/6 WF6 + 52m
  • Weight (g): 154
  • Capacity (silk+backing): WF6+52m
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Daiwa Wilderness Fly Reels

Our Score:

Weight: 159g

Daiwa Wilderness fly reels are designed for serious fly fishermen.

Daiwa Wilderness Fly Reel

They are built tough and feature a large arbor for quick line retrieval. The pros of Daiwa Wilderness fly reels are their durability and performance.

Computer die-cast aluminum and a fully anodized frame make the reel body extremely tough, whilst the 13-point drag ratchet is designed for smooth, powerful drag performance.

A quick-release spool is a handy addition, making line changes quick and easy.

Whether you are an experienced fly fisherman or just starting out, Daiwa Wilderness fly reels are a great choice for a high quality, durable fly reel.

https://amzn.to/3xHUERC

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Wychwood Game River & Stream Fly Reel

Our Score:

Weight: 100g


The Wychwood Game River & Stream fly reel is a modern take on a classic design.

Wychwood Game River Stream Fly Reel

These reels still retain their heritage, they are still the same products, a marvel of modern-day engineering, just so light, but the gunmetal coloration is far more in keeping with the river fishing fraternity.

Some of the features of the Wychwood Game River & Stream fly reel include:

  • anodised surface finish
  • bar-stock aluminium cage and spool
  • multi-axis CNC shelling technology
  • shortened centre pin for weight reduction
  • injection-moulded
  • comfortfit handle
  • adjusta clicker drag system.

If you’re looking for a fly fishing reel that combines classic design with modern technology and aesthetics, then the Wychwood Game River & Stream fly reel is the perfect choice for you.

Wychwood - Game River & Stream 4/5# Fly Reel Black
£94.49
  • Spare spool for River & Stream Gun metal fly reel. Anodised...
  • Color: Black
  • Material: Other
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03/27/2024 05:40 pm GMT

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Redington Run Fly Reel

Our Score:

Weight: 133g

The Redington Run fly reel is a great option for anglers looking for a lightweight reel with the stopping power of a carbon fiber drag system.

Redington Run Fly Reel

Its durable, non-machinable die-cast aluminum construction and unique ported arbor on the inner barrel of the spool make it both durable and light.

The large arbor design allows for quick retrieval, so you can keep the pressure on the fish no matter how hard the fight is, whilst the compact carbon fiber drag is smooth and reliable in all types of environments.

I found this fly reel to be a great all-rounder that performed well in all situations, and I would recommend it to any fly fisherman looking for a new reel.

Redington Run Fly Reel - 5/6 - Burgundy [Allow 4 days for shipping]
£115.62
  • RUN FLY REEL: The Redington RUN fly fishing reel will change...
  • RELIABLE DRAG SYSTEM: Its compact carbon fiber drag is...
  • LARGE ARBOR: The RUN fly reel features a large arbor deisng...
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03/27/2024 10:51 am GMT

Shakespeare Sigma Fly Reel

Our Score:

Weight: 133g

The Shakespeare Sigma fly reel is a great choice for fly fishermen looking for a lightweight and durable reel.

Shakespeare Sigma Fly Reel

The smooth disc drag ensures a smooth, consistent drag on your line, while the large arbor provides plenty of backing capacity. The black finish looks great and helps to keep the reel hidden from fish.

I used this on my fly rod during a recent fishing trip and was very impressed with its performance. The reel was very lightweight and easy to use, and it provided a smooth, consistent drag on my line.

I would definitely recommend this reel to anyone looking for a quality fly fishing reel.

SHAKESPEARE Omni Fly 6/7 WT Reel - Black
  • Lightweight graphite body and quick release spool
  • Large Arbour Spool design
  • Right / Left Hand
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Greys QRS Fly Reel

Our Score:

Weight: 283g

The Greys QRS fly reel is a great choice for anglers who want the versatility of a quick-change spool system.

Greys QRS Fly Reel

The light yet strong aluminum alloy construction paired with the large arbor design makes this reel a great choice for a wide variety of fishing conditions.

I managed to take this out for a spin a few weeks ago, and I was very impressed with the performance.

The line retrieval rate is excellent, and the overall power-to-weight ratio is outstanding.

The included polycarbonate spools are also light and durable, making this fly fishing reel a great option for anglers who want the best of both worlds in terms of strength and weight.

If you’re in the market for a fly reel that can do it all, the Greys QRS fly reel should definitely be at the top of your list.

Fly Fishing For Beginners


Choosing A Fly Reel

When it comes to fly fishing, the reel is just as important as the rod. The reel is what helps you control the line, and ultimately the fish.

There are many different types of fly fishing reels on the market, so how do you know which one is right for you? Here are a few things to consider when choosing a fly fishing reel:

How much line capacity do you need?

This will depend on the type of fish you’re targeting. If you’re going after smaller fish, you won’t need as much line capacity.

But if you’re targeting larger fish, you’ll need a fly reel that can hold more line.

What type of drag system do you prefer?

There are two main types of drag systems: disc drag and click-and-pawl. Disc drag systems are typically found on larger fly reels and offer more fish-fighting power.

Click-and-pawl drag systems are usually found on smaller fly reels and are better for lighter tippets.

Do you want a fly reel with a built-in line counter?

This can be helpful if you’re fishing in an area where you need to keep track of how much line you’ve let out. But if you’re just fishing for fun, a fly reel without a line counter might be just fine.

Ultimately, the best fly fishing reel is the one that meets your specific needs.

Consider what type of fish you’ll be targeting and how much line capacity you need. Then decide what type of drag system you prefer.

And finally, decide if you want a fly reel with a built-in line counter. With all of these factors in mind, you’re sure to find the perfect fly fishing reel for your next fishing adventure.

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Last update on 2024-03-28 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API