A good fly reel used to be simple: hold your line and provide a functional drag. Modern fly reels are far more sophisticated, and the difference between a great reel and a mediocre one can mean the difference between landing a fish and watching it disappear. This section is our complete fly reel review library, covering freshwater trout reels, mid-range all-arounders, and fully sealed saltwater-grade reels built for tarpon, GT, and everything in between.

150+ fly reels have been evaluated through our testing process, spanning freshwater and saltwater categories at every price point. Whether you need a lightweight 3-weight reel for spring creeks or a battle-ready 12-weight for offshore, these reviews give you a direct comparison built on actual fishing experience.

Best Saltwater Fly Reels of 2026

Best Saltwater Fly Reels of 2026

Patrick Blackdale
When it comes to saltwater fly fishing, having a reliable reel with a strong ...
Mako Tournament Fly Reel Review

Mako Tournament Fly Reel Review

Patrick Blackdale
The Mako Tournament is a no-compromise saltwater reel built for anglers who d...
Peux Fulgor Fly Reel Review

Peux Fulgor Fly Reel Review

Patrick Blackdale
The Peux Fulgor is unlike any reel we’ve reviewed. Built in Switzerland by a ...
Old Mariner Inshore Fly Reel Review

Old Mariner Inshore Fly Reel Review

Patrick Blackdale
Old Mariner might be a new name in the fly reel world, but it comes with seri...
Lamson Guru E Fly Reel Review

Lamson Guru E Fly Reel Review

Patrick Blackdale
The Lamson Guru E is Lamson’s euro-nymphing-specific take on their best-selli...
Echo Ion Fly Reel Review

Echo Ion Fly Reel Review

Patrick Blackdale
The Ion is Echo’s mid-priced, all-purpose freshwater reel, but keep in mind t...
Galvan Swing Fly Reel Review

Galvan Swing Fly Reel Review

Patrick Blackdale
The Swing is Galvan’s new spey-specific fly reel built using technology and d...
Hardy Averon Euro Fly Reel Review

Hardy Averon Euro Fly Reel Review

Patrick Blackdale
The Averon Euro Fly Reel is Hardy’s replacement for the outgoing Ultradisc se...
Hardy Resonate Fly Reel Review

Hardy Resonate Fly Reel Review

Patrick Blackdale
Introducing the Hardy Resonate, Hardy’s new high-performance click & pawl...
Bauer SLT Fly Reel Review

Bauer SLT Fly Reel Review

Patrick Blackdale
The Bauer SLT fly reel is Bauer’s new saltwater big game fly reel, ending a n...
Hardy Averon Fly Reel Review

Hardy Averon Fly Reel Review

Patrick Blackdale
Hardy has replaced the Ultradisc fly reel with the all-new Averon, their high...
Redington Ace Fly Reel Review

Redington Ace Fly Reel Review

Patrick Blackdale
Redington has replaced the beloved Rise fly reel with the new Ace: their late...
Nautilus GTS Fly Reel Review

Nautilus GTS Fly Reel Review

Patrick Blackdale
Nautilus Fly Reels have garnered an almost cult-like following thanks to reel...
TFO NTR Fly Reel Review

TFO NTR Fly Reel Review

Patrick Blackdale
TFO has built a strong reputation as the everyman’s fly rod manufacturer over...
Echo Base Fly Reel Review

Echo Base Fly Reel Review

Patrick Blackdale
In a world where fly reel prices seem to climb higher every year, finding a r...
Hardy Zane Carbon Fly Reel Review

Hardy Zane Carbon Fly Reel Review

Patrick Blackdale
The Zane Carbon Fly Reel is Hardy’s mid-priced big game saltwater fly reel. D...
Orvis Battenkill Disc Fly Reel Review

Orvis Battenkill Disc Fly Reel Review

Patrick Blackdale
The Orvis Battenkill fly reel series has been synonymous with affordability a...
Hardy Cascapedia Fly Reel Review

Hardy Cascapedia Fly Reel Review

Patrick Blackdale
Hardy has a rich history of producing fine fly reels for freshwater anglers, ...
Sage Spey II Fly Reel Review

Sage Spey II Fly Reel Review

Patrick Blackdale
Sage has been making big strides over the past few years with their reel desi...
Lamson Purist II Fly Reel Review

Lamson Purist II Fly Reel Review

Patrick Blackdale
The Purist has been a staple in the Lamson fly reel lineup for many years, re...
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