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.

Sage Shift vs. Shift LT Fly Reel Review

Sage Shift vs. Shift LT Fly Reel Review

Patrick Blackdale
The Sage Shift and Sage Shift LT replace the Spectrum and Spectrum LT as the ...
Ross Cimarron LT Fly Reel Review

Ross Cimarron LT Fly Reel Review

Patrick Blackdale
The Ross Cimarron LT is the lighter, better-dressed sibling in Ross's newly e...
Lamson Hyperspeed F Fly Reel Review

Lamson Hyperspeed F Fly Reel Review

Patrick Blackdale
The Lamson Hyperspeed F is built around one wonderfully excessive idea: make ...
TFO Dispatch Fly Reel Review

TFO Dispatch Fly Reel Review

Patrick Blackdale
Temple Fork Outfitters built its reputation on high-performance fly rods at a...
Ross San Miguel Fly Reel Review

Ross San Miguel Fly Reel Review

Patrick Blackdale
Let's get the obvious part out of the way: the Ross San Miguel is gorgeous. L...
Abel TR Fly Reel Review

Abel TR Fly Reel Review

Patrick Blackdale
The Abel TR is a premium click-pawl reel that combines traditional mechanics ...
Ross Cimarron Creek Fly Reel Review

Ross Cimarron Creek Fly Reel Review

Patrick Blackdale
Did you find this video insightful? We've reviewed hundreds of Fly Rods &...
Orvis Ratio Fly Reel Review

Orvis Ratio Fly Reel Review

Patrick Blackdale
The Orvis Ratio represents a major change at the top of the Orvis fly-reel li...
Orvis Hydros (2026) Fly Reel Review

Orvis Hydros (2026) Fly Reel Review

Patrick Blackdale
The Orvis Hydros has long occupied a sweet spot in the fly-reel market. It of...
Mako 7450 Fly Reel Review

Mako 7450 Fly Reel Review

Patrick Blackdale
Mako built its reputation on uncompromising saltwater reels for tarpon, Giant...
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...
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