In the land of trout fishing, saltwater fly fishing can be an intriguing but cumbersome endeavor. There are many salt water specific fly fishing reels on the market, but it can be hard to sift through and locate the perfect reel for your desired application. The best way to narrow down your salt water reel of choice is to break it down by line weight. Check out our top reels per line weight below:
7-8 Weight
The Orvis Hydros
The Orvis Hydros IV is hands down the best bang for your buck as far as salt water reels are concerned. Each Hydros features a fully concealed drag adorned with stainless steel washers. The concealed drag makes it durable for salt water use, and the stainless steel washers offers the strength to fight salt species. Many anglers may already run a Hydros on their freshwater setups. If that is the case, it is an even better bang for your buck to purchase an extra spool. Run it on your carp set up with a 7 weight freshwater line, then change out your spools to run it on your red fish set up with an 8 weight salt line. Best part? This reel is sub $300.
8-10 Weight
Ross Evolution R Salt
As you go up in line weight, the cost of the reel tends to go up as well. Though this reel is a step up in price from the Hydros, it reasonable compared to larger salt water systems. The award-winning Evolution R Salt is a breakthrough product, designed with a power-to-weight ratio never before seen in a saltwater fly reel. This makes the R Salt the most unique, best-performing reel per dollar on the water today. It is worth the price point to ensure you land your fish of a lifetime!
10 – 11 Weight
Hatch Iconic
12 Weight
Shilton SR12