Best Saltwater Fly Fishing Reels of 2026
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Saltwater fly fishing reels are essential for any angler looking to catch big fish in the ocean. These reels are designed to withstand the harsh conditions of saltwater fishing while providing smooth and reliable performance. Many saltwater fly fishing reels are made from high-quality materials such as aluminum or titanium to ensure durability and strength. They also feature large arbor designs that allow for faster line retrieval and less line memory. Some models even have sealed drag systems to prevent corrosion and increase longevity. With a good saltwater fly fishing reel, anglers can confidently tackle the biggest fish in the ocean.
At a Glance: Our Top Picks
Top 10 Saltwater Fly Fishing Reels
Redington Behemoth Fly Fishing Reel
The Redington Behemoth Fly Fishing Reel is a multipurpose reel suitable for both freshwater and saltwater fishing. It features a unique and durable die-cast construction with an interlocking large-arbor spool design that functions like a premium reel. The reel is equipped with a super-heavy duty carbon fiber drag package for the utmost in drag strength and performance. The large arbor is designed for speedy line retrieval and reduced line memory, and the twin molded handle with soft-tough ergonomic grip gives great feedback when pulling in larger fish. The reel is available in sizes ranging from 5-weight trout rods to saltwater ready big-game sizes.
ROSS REELS Animas Fly Fishing Reel
The Ross Animas Fly Reel is a high-performance reel designed for freshwater and saltwater fishing. Its innovative fly reel design combines new machined features and visually stunning, time-proven design. The reel features a high-performance drag system with a composite-disc drag and a stainless steel interface, delivering more power. Its redesigned frame and spool geometry make it ergonomic and eye-catching. With an ultra-large arbor and a frame accented by a silhouette of the Colorado mountains, it is also made of high-quality materials, ensuring durability and long service life. The ultra-light canvas phenolic handle gets tackier when wet, and the two-tone drag knob features an updated aesthetic with a lower profile and increased grip.
Redington Crosswater IV Fly Reel
The Redington Crosswater IV is a versatile fly reel designed for both freshwater and saltwater fishing. Its reliable drag system ensures you can take on various gamefish, providing smooth performance that helps you land your catch. The durable composite construction and easy spool change make your time on the water more enjoyable, allowing you to focus on fishing rather than equipment issues. Additionally, the large arbor design enables quick and easy retrieves, enhancing your overall fishing experience. Whether you prefer left or right-hand retrieval, this reel adapts to your needs effortlessly.
ROSS REELS Animas Fly Reel
The ROSS Animas Fly Reel is designed for both freshwater and saltwater fishing, making it a versatile choice for anglers. Its advanced drag system ensures you have the power needed to tackle tough fish, enhancing your fishing experience. The reel features an ergonomic design with a large arbor, allowing for smoother line retrieval and better control. Made from high-quality materials, this reel promises durability and minimal maintenance, so you can spend more time fishing and less time worrying about your gear. The lightweight handle adds comfort and grip, especially when wet, making it easier to handle in various conditions.
LAMSON Liquid Max 8wt Fly Reel
The LAMSON Liquid Max Reel is designed for serious anglers who need reliability and performance. Its robust cobalt drag system ensures smooth adjustments, protecting against saltwater and debris, so you can focus on your catch without worries. The super large arbor allows you to quickly retrieve line, reducing tangles and memory issues, making your fishing experience more efficient. Built from durable pressure-cast aluminum, this reel is engineered for a precise fit, ensuring it stands up to both fresh and saltwater conditions. You'll appreciate the integrated design that enhances strength while keeping the weight manageable.
Origin II 7.8.9 Fly Fishing Reel
The Origin II Fishing Reel is a full-frame fly fishing reel designed to enhance your fishing experience. Its sealed waterproof drag system ensures that you can fish in wet conditions without worrying about water damage. Made from fully machined 6062 T6 aluminum, this reel is both lightweight and durable, making it easy for you to handle while providing long-lasting performance. Additionally, it's saltwater safe, allowing you to take it on your ocean fishing adventures without any concerns about corrosion. This reel combines quality and reliability, making it a great choice for any angler.
SAGE Spectrum C Fly Reel
The SAGE Spectrum C Reel is designed for versatility, making it suitable for both freshwater and saltwater fishing. Its SCS drag system effectively manages the pressure from running fish, ensuring smooth performance and quick energy dissipation. You will appreciate the one-revolution drag knob, which simplifies adjusting tension with clear numbered settings, allowing you more time to fish and less time fiddling with your gear. Additionally, the large arbor design enhances line pickup speed, ensuring a more efficient fishing experience. This reel is built to withstand the elements, featuring a durable finish that protects against corrosion.
Sougayilang Fly Fishing Reel #5
The Sougayilang Fly Reel is a lightweight and sturdy option for your fishing adventures. Made from durable die-cast aluminum, it ensures you won’t feel weighed down during long days on the water. The smooth drag system allows you to adjust resistance easily, enhancing your fishing experience by giving you better control. Its aerospace-grade construction means it can handle tough conditions without compromising performance. Additionally, the interchangeable handle lets you switch between left and right-hand retrieves effortlessly, adding to its user-friendly design.
ROSS REELS Animas Fly Fishing Reel
The ROSS Animas Fly Reel is designed for both freshwater and saltwater fishing, making it a versatile choice for anglers. Its advanced drag system enhances performance, giving you the power needed to handle big catches. The ergonomic design features a large arbor that allows for quick line retrieval, which is crucial when reeling in fish. Made from high-quality materials, this reel promises durability and requires little maintenance, allowing you to focus on your fishing experience without worrying about your gear.
Redington Rise Fly Fishing Reel, Olive, 3/4
The Redington Rise Reel is a lightweight and elegant fly fishing reel with a large u-shaped arbor for quick line retrieve. Its compact carbon fiber drag system provides smooth fish stopping torque. The twin molded soft-touch handles and oversized drag knob make it easy to retrieve the line. This reel is CNC machined and anodized with 6061-T6 aluminum design, making it suitable for freshwater and saltwater fishing. Additionally, it comes with a quick-release spool. With a 1-year warranty, this reel is perfect for any angler looking for a reliable and versatile fishing reel.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. Can you use any fly reel in saltwater?
Saltwater fly reels are a bit different to normal fly reels in two aspects. First of all they generally need to be stronger because most species in the sea are stronger. Hence, the drag system needs to be reliable. Secondly, saltwater fly reels need to be corrosion proof because of the salt in the water.
2. Can you use a freshwater fly rod in saltwater?
Light tackle saltwater rods can be used in freshwater, but you would not want to use a freshwater rod in a saltwater environment because freshwater rods and fishing gear may not be made with the corrosion-resistant guides or components that saltwater rods are.
3. Can you use Orvis Clearwater reel in saltwater?
Clearwater rods also give the angler versatility: from stripers to steelhead, our Clearwater rods accommodate you in both saltwater and freshwater scenarios. Complete with saltwater reel seats and Cordura rod tubes, the Clearwater rods offer great performance at unbelievable prices.
During our saltwater fly fishing reel research, we found 24 saltwater fly fishing reel products and shortlisted 10 quality products. We collected and analyzed 5,636 customer reviews through our big data system to write the saltwater fly fishing reels list. We found that most customers choose saltwater fly fishing reels with an average price of $101.62.
The saltwater fly fishing reels are available for purchase. We have researched hundreds of brands and picked the top brands of saltwater fly fishing reels, including Redington, Ross Reels, LAMSON, SAGE, Sougayilang. The seller of top 1 product has received honest feedback from 240 consumers with an average rating of 4.6.
Paul Tilton is a fitness enthusiast. He doesn't like to work in front of a computer screen so he quit his job and runs a gym in Washington. He spent a lot of time on the road and has been a contributing writer for a well-known travel guide website. He is now happy to share his travel experience and professional knowledge of travel gear and fitness here.