Fly Reels

Choosing the Best Fly Reel

The first thing to consider when choosing a fly reel is the size. Generally speaking, fly reels are designed to match specific rod weights. However, certain reels are made larger or smaller to accommodate specific situations. If you’re fishing for trout on a small stream, a smaller, lighter reel will be optimal and not much backing space is required. However, if you’re fishing for larger species like steelhead, striped bass, or saltwater flats species, you’ll want to choose a larger reel designed to accommodate the amount of backing it takes to get these fish to hand.

The next thing to consider is the drag system. There are two primary types of drag systems: open and sealed. Fly fishing reels with open drags, with the exception of heavy-duty cork drags, are generally limited to freshwater use. They do not protect against water intrusion and are generally more simple/cost-effective. Cork drag systems, however, have been the gold standard for saltwater and big game anglers for decades. While they allow water to reach the drag system, they are essentially built so that there is nothing that will fail due to salt exposure. This is why we like to refer to reels such as Tibor fly reels as “lifetime fly reels”. With limited maintenance and care, they will keep stopping fish for years to come. Fly reels with sealed drags are designed with one or more seals that protect drag components from water intrusion. This makes them a favorite of many saltwater anglers. They require little to no maintenance. However, not all sealed drags are made the same. While many drags are “sealed”, this does not mean they are designed to be used in salt water or truly offer waterproof protection, as the seals are only meant for light use. If you are looking for a sealed drag fly reel for the salt or saltwater fly reels in general, be sure to check out our saltwater recommended section for the reels that we trust and use ourselves on our saltwater fly fishing adventures.

Lastly, you’ll want to consider the material that the fly reel is made out of. Most fly reels are made from either cast aluminum or machined aluminum. Cast aluminum reels are made by pouring molten aluminum into a mold. This is a less expensive and faster process than machining a fly reel. Cast aluminum reels are limited in their design due to the molding process and are generally heavier. They are less impact-resistant and more prone to rusting in saltwater environments. Cast aluminum reels are great for beginners and anglers on a budget looking for a backup freshwater reel. Machined aluminum fly reels are made from solid blocks of billet aluminum. This makes them incredibly durable and lightweight. They hold up to extreme use and accidental impact far better than cast reels. Machined aluminum reels are the best fly reels for serious anglers and saltwater fly fishing

At The Fish Hawk, we stock a wide variety of fly reels to fit every budget and fishing style. We specialize in saltwater and big game fishing, so if you need advice for your next trip, feel free to give us a call and pick our brains! We love sharing our customers’ and our own experiences with our favorite gear! Shop our selection of fly reels online today or visit us in-store.