Best Fly Fishing Reels of 2026

"As someone new to fly fishing, I was blown away by the build quality and mechanical function of this reel, especially for the price. The drag is incredibly smooth and quiet, and the appearance rivals much pricier brands. I now own several sizes because I was so impressed."

"After using this reel on multiple trips in Wyoming and Colorado, I can say the drag system performs admirably once set. While it can become loose if not checked, I was still able to consistently land large fish. For the price, it's an excellent choice and I'd definitely buy it again."

"I own both expensive and budget reels, and honestly, I can't tell much difference when using this one. The solid construction and smooth action feel just as good as my pricier reels, and the drag is very nice. For the money, this reel is a fantastic buy."

"This reel offers excellent value—I use it for rock cod fishing and it performs reliably every trip."

"I paired my reel with an 11ft Penn Squadron III rod and now have a fantastic setup for surf fishing and crabbing. The packaging was great and delivery was right on time. I can't wait to get out on the water!"

"After a full summer of fishing, I can say the reel works as advertised, with smooth action and easy drag adjustment. The only thing I noticed is the level winder needs a little cleaning and lubrication now and then, but it's held up well with regular use."

"I've used this reel for years and finally replaced my old one. The new version is even better, and I really appreciate its durability and performance. This is a true classic—I enjoyed it as a kid and still do now."

"This reel is really sturdy and looks great. It fits perfectly with my 7/8 weight fly rod and holds plenty of line. Highly satisfied with how it matches my setup."

"I think this is a super fun reel and it's reasonably priced. The auto-reel feature makes fishing easier, especially for those who might struggle with manual reels. I've noticed the spring isn't as strong after heavy use, but it's still a blast for panfishing."

"As someone new to fly fishing, I found this reel to be excellent value for getting started. I've already caught plenty of trout, and the reel's drag system works flawlessly. The customer service is outstanding, and I plan to get another combo from this company for bigger adventures."

"I previously owned a fly shop and have sold many quality reels, so I was impressed with this one, especially considering it arrives fully loaded with backing, line, leader, and tippet. The price is fantastic, and while the drag could be a bit smoother, it still performs well for most fishing conditions."

"I purchased this as a second reel for my rod, and it's well-constructed with a reliable brake. The line is long enough for any scenario, and the overall build feels solid. Definitely a good buy for the money."

"I own a lot of pricey reels, but I almost always reach for this one. The value is unbeatable and the drag system is fantastic."

"I bought this reel as a gift for my husband before his fishing trip, and he absolutely loved it."

"The reel is amazingly smooth and quiet, and it handled both crappies and a huge largemouth. Unfortunately, it came apart during use and I had trouble finding replacement parts or contacting customer support."

"When I first picked up this reel, I was amazed by how incredibly light it felt—seriously, the pouch it comes in might weigh more! The finish looks great and pairs perfectly with my rod, while the simple click and pawl system is all I need since I fish with minimal drag anyway. For the price, I don’t think you can get much better in a budget-friendly reel. I’d absolutely recommend it to anyone looking for great value and performance."

"I use this reel as a dedicated ultralight setup on my creek rod, and it’s handled some surprisingly large fish without any issues. The weight savings are fantastic, and it has proven to be durable and dependable even after a year of hard fishing. While the finish has picked up a few scratches, that’s expected for the price point and doesn’t affect performance at all."

"What I love most about this reel is how lightweight and simple it is—almost feels like there’s nothing attached to my rod! The push-button spool exchange is super convenient, and it’s perfect for backpacking trips. The only minor downside is the loud click and pawl system; it can draw some attention, but that’s the only real drawback I’ve noticed."

"I really like the feel and quick line fill on this reel. It fits my 4 weight rod perfectly, feels well-made, and is quiet in use. I have high hopes for it and can't wait to test it out on bigger catches."

"This reel is solid and lightweight, with a durable build and smooth, strong drag. I love the clean machining and overall quality. Reversing the wind direction takes a little more effort than some other reels, but it's manageable."

"The CNC-machined aluminum body is sturdy yet light, and the drag system is smooth and consistent. It balances well on my 7/8wt rod and looks sharp in gunmetal gray. For the price, it's a top-notch choice for freshwater fishing—especially for new anglers or as a backup setup."

"I’m really impressed by how well-built and affordable this reel is. It performs on par with much more expensive brands, and the drag adjusts smoothly for my warm water flyfishing. The included fly line is decent, though I might swap it out eventually. Overall, I'm very satisfied with my purchase and feel like it's a great deal even if it doesn't last forever."

"For the price, this reel and line combo is hard to beat. While it’s not the absolute smoothest, it handled three days of trout fishing without issue, and the pre-spooled line worked just fine. I had a blast catching trout and love the unique rainbow pattern on the reel."

"I paired this 3/4 weight reel with my Fenwick travel rod, and the balance is spot on. It’s compact and great for mountain streams, plus it comes with backing, line, and leader already set up. The drag range could use improvement, but for less than $30, I’m very happy with the value."

"I was looking for a budget-friendly reel that could get the job done, and the Aventik Z really fits the bill. It feels solid and operates smoothly, even though it’s technically plastic. Pairing it with a quality rod and line has improved my casting a lot. The big drag adjustment knob makes it a bit thick, but for the price, I’d rather save and invest in better line or rods."

"After a lot of research, I decided to try this reel for my old fly rod, and I'm genuinely pleased with its performance. The drag stays in place, and it’s fast to reel in line without clicks. The one-way bearing is smooth, and for the cost, it’s hard to beat. I wouldn't hesitate to buy another."

"I actually bought three of these reels for less than a single name-brand spool would have cost me. The lightweight composite material is sturdy, and the larger size balances my bamboo rods perfectly. They seem to match the quality of reels that are much more expensive."

"The photo clearly displays a fully assembled reel, but only the spool arrived. Without the mount, the spool can't be used. If it's just the spool being sold, the listing should make that absolutely clear."

"La página fue muy confusa y engañosa, ya que en ningún momento se aclaró que solo se incluía el spool; en todo momento se hacía referencia a un reel completo."