The best flyfishing reel is one that is built tough, and has a smooth drag system that is sealed from the elements. Quality fly reels are machined out of aircraft grade aluminium and anodised for extra protection; while entry level models tend to be made from weaker cast aluminium, or even plastic.

Fly reels are specifically designed to hold fly lines which are quite thick and totally unlike normal fishing line. Large arbor reels are better as they reduce coiling of the line which can lead to tangles. They also allow you to wind the line in faster, which will help you land more fish.

The best fly reels can cost over a thousand dollars, but that doesn’t mean you can’t catch fish using a more budget friendly option. If you spend more, you’ll end up with a reel that is reliable, and will last a lifetime.

Reel size is determined by the line weight you’ll be fishing. So start with the line, and then select a reel to suit the fly line weight. Bigger reels hold heavier fly lines and often feature more rugged drag systems for stopping big fish.

You don’t have to have an expensive reel but they are more pleasurable to fish. They’re lighter, have smoother drags that are more easily adjusted, and they have large arbors that help wind line in faster. Premium fly reels are made to such a high level of quality that you’d expect them to last a lifetime. Maybe even two lifetimes!

Reels are sized to match the weight of the rod. For example, a 6 weight rod needs a 6 weight line, which will fit on a reel sized for a 6 weight. Reel balance is another consideration but we believe lighter is almost always better.