Used Saltwater Fly Fishing Gear – Our expert saltwater anglers list the best saltwater fly reels available in 2022 including the best available, lightweight and corrosion resistant.
Choosing the best saltwater fly reel is important for any angler, as corrosion and damage caused by salt and sand can push the best gear to its limits.
Used Saltwater Fly Fishing Gear
Our first post on saltwater specific gear discusses what you should consider when buying the best saltwater fly rod.
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I’ve been thinking about writing this article for a while now, specifically because I’ve seen so many customers lose amazing fish because of bad reel choices.
Once, when a large number of giant trevally began their initial run, the buyer’s reel went up in smoke. Seconds after this happened the entire reel exploded from the cage.
Needless to say we lost the fish when the line wrapped around the rod, pulled the line and ended up with a broken fly.
What Is The Best Saltwater Fishing Reel Under $100?
In our discussion of “What Makes a Good Saltwater Fly Reel?” we will discuss some things that I believe are very important, such as types and materials.
In case you missed it, don’t miss our post on the best roller skates to fly in 2022.
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Below I will list my premium saltwater fly reels on the market in 2022. These reels will have a sealed drag system and corrosion resistant construction to ensure they can last even in the saltiest of oceans.
The Abel SDS 7/8 Reel wins Best Reel on iCast and consistently wins awards for its exceptional build quality, unique drag system and performance on saltwater fish.
This reel can handle saltwater fish of all sizes. It uses a very powerful multi-disc closed drag system that leads the industry with 20+ pounds of breaking force on the reel. This thing can handle big bones and even tarpon.
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It is currently available in 3 sizes, 7/8, 9/10 and 11/12 (you can click the link to order it on Amazon and Trident with free shipping and returns).
Part of the reason this reel is so expensive is its industry-leading performance and awards, but beyond that, it earns its price from the materials used.
The frame is made from strong and strong 6061-T651 cold finished aircraft grade aluminum, while the brake is a stacked carbon composite with stainless steel discs.
Maximumcatch Saltpro Saltwater Fly Rod Fast Action 30t+40t Sk Carbo Fly Fishing Rod With Cordura Tube 8/9/10wt 9ft 4sec
The combination of premium materials, build quality, warranty and finish make this saltwater reel the best on the market in 2022.
In short, if you have more than $1000 to spend on a saltwater reel, then the Abel SDS is the way to go. I fish this thing in Costa Rica and rent it out to clients and it’s a beast. It can handle any prey with very strong drag and is built to last…even if it costs a penny.
With more than 40 years of experience in the field of aeronautical engineering, Jack Charlton has focused his efforts on the development of flywheels. In 1993, he launched the popular Charlton reel brand, which in 2005 became Mako.
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Mako only has 4 reels in the entire line. 9500 (for applications weighing under 9), 9550 (weights 9 to 11), 9600B (weights 10 to 12) and the big boy 9700B (weights 12 and up).
All four models are among the best saltwater fly fishing reels out there and use a sealed carbon fiber drag system. The pull is very smooth and strong.
This reel has what Mako calls a “one turn drag handle”. It allows you to go from free reel volume to full drag with one turn of the large but lightweight drag knob.
Used G. Loomis Nrx+ Saltwater 9ft 7wt Fly Rod (790 4)
The Drag has a clutch pressure plate that ensures a constant amount of pressure is applied throughout the life of the reel. This ensures that resistance is reliable and predictable.
The spindle is finished with Type III anodization. This ensures a hard, deep penetrating finish that will protect the material for years.
Mako offers a full lifetime warranty to the original owner of the roll. You can check the current prices on their website below.
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Mako has long made some of the best reels on the market, and the 9500-9700 series are excellent. I chose this as the runner-up because after fishing both, I think the Abel makes a slightly better reel for the price in the SDS.
The Ross Evolution R series reels have long been among the best trout flies, but the new Ross Evolution Salt R takes the manufacturer’s line of great reels to a whole new level.
Ross has really hit the nail on the head with this reel and if you are looking for a smooth, high quality saltwater fly reel you will be hard pressed to beat the Evolution Salt R.
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This thing looks, sounds, and feels amazing. Once you reel in a bonefish or tarpon with Salt R, you’ll quickly understand what all the fuss is about.
The reel is built with a closed 16-disc system that provides an incredible 23 pounds of maximum resistance. It is balanced with a double spool that allows the reel frame to be reeled in and out without vibration.
If you’re in the market for the best high-end saltwater fly, then you’ll probably go for the Abel SDS series or the Ross Evolution Salt R series… if you have the budget to spend on a saltwater reel.
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This is another reel that I have fished myself and rented out to clients on multiple occasions, and both my clients and I love the smooth lure and nice aesthetics.
This is the top of the Nautilus range. The NV-G is very light and is known for its very low starting inertia. This helps protect the foot during the fight when the fish turns sharply in a blistering race.
There are 7 models in the NV-G range suitable for many applications. Reel sizes range from 5 to 12 weight options (aptly nicknamed the NV Monster).
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The reel has a sealed cork and a very reliable carbon disc. However, it lacks extreme stopping power. But as mentioned before, the resistance is subtle.
This reel is therefore ideal for “cleaner” fighting fish (those that don’t go for rocks or structure).
A large reel shaft offers a high line take-up rate. On the NV Monster, a 12-weight reel, one turn of the reel means nearly 15 inches of line drag.
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I highly recommend this reel for targeting fast swimming species and pure fighters. These include tarpon, milkfish, sailfish, mahi-mahi, etc. This product is not available on Amazon, but you can check it out on Trident and still get free fast shipping.
Like Abel and Ross, Nautilus have been making top saltwater reels for a long time and have made a name for themselves as some of the best among saltwater anglers around the world. I’ve hooked some monsters on this reel and the super light design means I can cast it all day and not tire out my arms.
Shilton has been around for a long time, but has only recently started gaining popularity in the United States. They have been offering a reliable service for years in the outer atolls of the Seychelles where servicemen use them for hire.
Maxcatch Predator Big Game Saltwater Fly Fishing Rod 8 12wt,4 Piece Fast Action
The older SL series is still available for purchase, and for me, compared to the newer SR line, it offers great value. The range also offers a wider range of reel sizes – so there will be one that best suits your outfit.
SL reels are available in sizes ranging from application weight 5 (SL 4) to 14 plus weight (SL 8). The big SL 8 has no problem with big tarpon and tuna.
SL has an open cap. It is not the most modern driver on the market, but it is reliable and easy to service. Stopping power is also impressive, capable of withstanding even the strongest fighting fish.
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As a South African, I may be a bit biased towards Shilton as a reel manufacturer in my home country, but this reel deserves to be on the list as it offers incredible value. I recently beat my SL on a trip to the Maldives and it’s still going strong.
For the beginner angler looking for the best, inexpensive saltwater reel, the Redington Behemoth is for you.
Reels are available in 5 sizes, from 5/6 heavy models to 11/12 beasts. For more personality, it also comes in black, gunmetal, desert, O.D. Green, and the hunter orange.
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Made from die-cast aluminum, you’ll find that it’s a little heavier than most other reels for its size. But for the price, the weight penalty is negligible.
On some of the reels I’ve tested, the drag button and reel handle are a bit wobbly.
The Behemoth has a carbon disc system that is sufficient for most marine species. Us too
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