Fly reel
Also called fly fishing reel
The fly reel holds your fly line and backing, and it gives you a drag system to control a running fish.
- Group
- Reels
- Category
- Gear & tackle
- Level
- Beginner
- Water
- Fresh & salt
Last updated
What Fly reel means
Most of the time, a fly reel is line storage. It keeps your fly line and backing organized, and it balances the fly rod in your hand.
When a fish takes line, the reel’s drag and spool tension control how fast line leaves the reel. You can also palm the rim of some reels for extra resistance. The reel attaches to the rod with a reel foot that locks into the rod’s reel seat.
Reels are sized to match rod weights and line sizes, and they come in different drag styles. For trout fishing, a smooth drag and a spool that retrieves line cleanly are usually the priorities. For saltwater, sealing and corrosion resistance become a bigger part of the decision.
Why it matters on the water
A reel that matches the rod and line makes the whole setup feel calmer. It reduces loose coils, tangles, and the “where did my line go” moments when you strip line off the deck or bank and then need it back on the spool.
Drag quality shows up when a fish runs close to the reel. Smooth, predictable resistance protects lighter tippet and keeps pressure steady, especially when a fish changes direction and the line angle shifts.
Read next
- Arbor knotA simple knot used to attach backing to the reel spool arbor. It tightens under tension so the backing grips the spool instead of slipping.
- BackingBacking is thin, strong line spooled onto a fly reel under the fly line. It adds extra length for long runs and helps the fly line fit the reel correctly.
- Fly lineThe fly line is the thick, weighted line that loads the fly rod and carries the cast. It connects the reel and backing to the leader.
- Fly rodA fly rod is a flexible rod built to cast the weight of a fly line, not the weight of the fly. Its line weight rating and action determine how it loads, casts, and fights fish.
From the Journal
- How to Pack for a Saltwater Fly Fishing TripWhen you consider how much gear is involved with a saltwater fly fishing trip, packing your bags can seem a bit overwhelming.
- The Palometa Club Pre-Trip PlannerThis pre-trip planner & outfitting guide is your go-to resource for questions about your trip from now until you return home safely.
- Cast vs Machined Fly Fishing Reels - What's the Difference?If you’ve ever shopped for a fly reel and wondered why one costs $200 and the other $700—even though they look pretty similar—you’re not alone.
- Top Three Fly Rod Combos For The Texas AnglerTop Three Fly Rod Combos For The Texas Angler Author: Brandon Rodriguez Photography By: Lawson Fish From the first light to the last cast, no one offers a more comprehensive portfolio of fly rod and reel combos than Redington.