Top Fly Reel Brands for Anglers: Unraveling the Best Choices

Fly fishing enthusiasts know the importance of having a reliable and high-quality fly reel to enhance their angling experience. With a plethora of brands available in the market, choosing the perfect one can become an overwhelming task. However, certain brands have consistently stood out due to their innovation, craftsmanship, and commitment to performance. To assist you in finding the finest gear for your next fishing adventure, we have compiled a list of the best fly reel brands below.

Illustration of fly reels

Best brands of fly reels in 2025

Orvis

The Orvis Company, Inc. is a leading producer in the fly fishing apparel and accessories market, known for its high-quality fly reels that cater to the diverse needs of anglers. The global fly fishing apparel and accessories market, in which Orvis is a key player, is expected to reach USD 4.34 billion by 2030, growing at a CAGR of 4.1% from 2023 to 2030. Orvis, along with other prominent brands like Simms Fishing Products and Patagonia, dominates the market, particularly in North America, which accounted for 46.4% of the global revenue in 2023. The brand's commitment to eco-friendly and sustainable fishing practices further enhances its market position. Orvis's products are highly regarded for their durability and performance, making them a favorite among both recreational and professional anglers. For more information, visit the Orvis official website.

Abel

Abel is a premium American fishing company, established in 1980, renowned for producing some of the finest and most expensive fly reels in the industry. With a manufacturing facility and R&D lab in Montrose, Colorado, Abel reels are crafted with meticulous attention to detail, impeccable artistry, and durable engineering. The company's Super Series, introduced in 1999, and the SDS (Sealed Drag Salt) series, which won the best new saltwater reel at ICAST/IFTD in 2016, are particularly notable for their high-quality materials and innovative drag systems. Abel reels are made from cold finished aerospace grade aluminum and feature advanced drag systems, such as the multi-disc drag in the SDS series, which provides over 20 pounds of braking power. With a diverse color palette and custom finish options, Abel continues to set standards in the fly fishing industry. For more information on their products, visit their official page on Abel fly reels.

Sage

Sage is renowned as one of the top producers of fly reels, known for their high-quality manufacturing and innovative designs. The Sage 3200 series, for example, features fully-machined reels with a large-arbor design, smooth drag systems, and a lightweight construction, making them highly praised by anglers. These reels support line weights from #3 to #8 and are characterized by their top-tier machining, oversized drag knobs, and max limiter for drag control. Sage's commitment to quality and performance has made their reels a favorite among fly fishermen, contributing to the growth of the fly fishing reel market, which is expected to reach USD 0.16 billion by 2032 with a CAGR of 3.3%. For more details about their Sage Trout Reel, visit their official website.

Hatch Outdoors

Hatch Outdoors is renowned for producing some of the best fly reels in the industry, known for their exceptional durability, precision-machined components, and reliable drag systems. Built from solid blocks of aluminum, Hatch reels feature a one-piece machined reel seat and a unique multi-disk drag system, ensuring strength and stability even in harsh conditions. The brand's Finatic series, in particular, has garnered praise for its performance and build quality, with some models surviving significant drops without damage. Hatch reels are favored by many anglers due to their flawless quality and dependable performance, as evidenced by their use in challenging environments like the Upper Dean River for summer steelhead fishing. The global fly fishing reel market, which includes Hatch, is projected to grow at a CAGR of 5% from 2023 to 2030, reaching $228.3 million by 2030.

Nautilus

Nautilus Fly Reels is renowned for its excellence in the fly fishing industry, boasting 180 years of family tradition, innovation, and dedication to quality. Their reels feature advanced technologies such as the patented NV-CCF draw bar cork and carbon fiber braking system, which provides a smooth drag from 0-12+lbs in just one and a half turns. The use of ceramic hybrid bearings, thrust bearings, and a titanium drag shaft ensures unparalleled performance. Nautilus reels are designed to be the lightest in their class, minimizing casting fatigue, and their Spey models cater specifically to two-handed fishing techniques. With a strong presence in the market, Nautilus is among the top companies in the fly fishing reel industry, expected to contribute to the market's projected growth to USD 0.16 billion by 2032. For more details, visit their website.

Ross Reels

Ross Reels, founded in 1973, is a renowned leader in the fly fishing industry, particularly celebrated for its high-quality fly reels. The brand is often mentioned alongside other top manufacturers like Abel Reels, Nautilus Reels, and Taylor Fly Reels, highlighting its prestige in the market. With a revenue of $7 million, Ross Reels continues to be a significant player, contributing to the global sport fly fishing reels market, which was valued at $162.7 million in 2022 and is forecasted to grow at a CAGR of 5.0% from 2023 to 2030. Ross Reels' products are favored by fly anglers for their durability and performance, reflecting the brand's commitment to excellence. As part of the broader fishing reels market, Ross Reels benefits from the overall industry growth, expected to reach $9,528.7 million by 2033. For more information on Ross Reels, visit their company profile.

Hardy

Hardy is renowned as one of the premier brands in fly fishing, particularly for its high-quality fly reels. With a rich history and roots in Alnwick, England, Hardy has been crafting top-tier fly gear for anglers who demand the best. Their reels, such as the 1939 Bougle Heritage and the Hardy Ultradisc UDLA 6000, are engineered for durability, lightweight design, and precise drag systems, making them ideal for both freshwater and saltwater fishing. Hardy's commitment to innovation and fine tolerance machining ensures optimal performance, reducing line slip and preventing snagging. The brand's products are highly rated, with many models receiving 5-star reviews for their exceptional quality and performance. For more details on their exceptional fly reels, visit their official fly reel collection.

Redington

Redington is renowned as one of the top producers of fly reels, particularly noted for its high-performance and affordable products. The brand has been refining its focus on building functional, dependable, and desirable reels since 2015, starting with the BEHEMOTH, which brought big-game angling to a broader audience. The GRANDE, another big-game targeted reel, stands out for its fully anodized CNC machined T-6061 aluminum construction and robust design, offering confidence in its durability. Redington's commitment to quality and affordability has redefined expectations for fly anglers, making high-performance gear accessible without compromising on performance. This approach has contributed significantly to the growing demand in the fishing reels market, which is expected to grow at a CAGR of 4.1% to 4.5% from 2024 to 2032.

Bauer

Bauer is renowned as one of the top producers of fly reels, known for their precision engineering and unmatched performance. Utilizing 5-Axis CNC machines, Bauer achieves greater precision and symmetry, yielding tight tolerances and a premium surface finish, as seen in their RVR Euro-Nymph Fly Fishing Reel. This model features a super large arbor for incredible line pick-up and a debris-sealed carbon drag system for durability. Bauer's reels are highly regarded for their smooth start-up and consistent drag, making them ideal for various fishing styles. The brand's commitment to innovation and quality has maintained its relevance in the crowded high-end reel market.

Lamson Waterworks

Lamson Waterworks is renowned for producing high-quality, innovative fly reels, having been in the industry for nearly 20 years since its inception in 1996. Founded by brothers Michael and Ryan Harrison and Mark Farris, the company has evolved from creating the Ketchum Release tool to developing a wide range of reels, including the popular Lamson Guru S and Lamson Liquid models. Known for their large arbor designs, conical sealed drag systems, and lightweight construction, Lamson reels offer smooth retrieve and reliable performance. The Lamson Liquid, in particular, stands out as an affordable and durable entry-level reel, priced starting at $139.99, making it a favorite among both novice and experienced fly anglers. For more insights, check out this expert review on the Lamson Guru S fly reel.