10 Best Fly Fishing Reels 2026 in the United States

The Ross Reels Animas is a lightweight, durable fly fishing reel designed for both freshwater and saltwater fishing, fitting 7-8 weight rods. It stands out with its ultra-large arbor, which helps in faster line retrieval and reduces line memory, making it practical for active anglers. The reel features a high-performance composite disc drag system paired with stainless steel components, providing smooth and powerful drag control that’s reliable when fighting strong fish.

Made from machined aluminum, the frame and spool offer strength without unnecessary weight, while the updated spool design enhances durability and requires no maintenance. The ergonomic design includes an ultra-light canvas phenolic handle that actually gets tackier when wet, improving your grip during long fishing sessions. The reel weighs just over half a pound, keeping your setup comfortable without sacrificing build quality.

While the drag system is powerful, some may find the two-tone drag knob’s lower profile a bit less accessible if they prefer larger knobs. The Animas reel effectively balances performance, durability, and style, appealing to anglers looking for a reliable, smooth-operating reel that handles both fresh and saltwater conditions well.

The LAMSON Guru S-Series -3+ is a versatile fly fishing reel designed to handle a wide range of fishing conditions, from small panfish to larger saltwater species. One of its standout features is the smooth, strong conical drag system, which is sealed to protect against water and debris—delivering consistent performance even in tough environments. The large arbor design helps with quick line retrieval and reduces line memory, making it easier to manage your line without tangles.

The reel is fully CNC machined and anodized, ensuring it’s both lightweight and highly durable against abrasion and damage. Its metal construction and quality materials like stainless steel bearings and aluminum handle add to its reliability. The reel is available in smaller sizes (2wt, 3wt, 4wt), which are great for light to moderate fly fishing scenarios. While it features one or three bearings, the retrieve may not feel as buttery smooth as reels with more bearings, but it remains functional and dependable. Additionally, the left-hand orientation might not suit all anglers who prefer right-hand retrieves.

Weighing around 0.23 kg, it’s lightweight enough for long days on the water without causing fatigue. With its balance of durable build, effective drag, and large arbor benefits, this reel serves as a solid choice for both beginners and experienced anglers seeking a reliable, all-water reel without breaking the bank.

The TIEMCO Ross Animus Matte Olive 5/6 Reel is a well-crafted fly-fishing reel designed for anglers using 5 or 6 weight lines. It features a moderate outer diameter of 3.5 inches and a spool width of 1 inch, which gives it a balanced size suitable for most freshwater fly fishing needs. The reel is made from durable aluminum, keeping the weight light at just 4.5 ounces, which helps reduce arm fatigue during long fishing sessions. Its ambidextrous design makes it comfortable for both right- and left-handed users.

The reel includes a smooth drag system with a 6.2:1 gearbox ratio, which provides good line retrieval speed and precise control when fighting fish. The anti-slip phenolic handle adds extra grip for better handling in wet conditions. With a good line capacity for WF5F and WF6F lines plus extra backing, it can hold enough line for typical fishing scenarios.

Despite its sturdy construction, the limited spool width might restrict backing capacity if you intend to fish for very large or strong species requiring more line. The Ross Animus 5/6 reel is a nimble and well-built option best suited for anglers seeking a versatile, easy-to-handle reel for typical freshwater fly fishing. It balances weight, size, and retrieval efficiency well, though those targeting bigger fish might want to verify drag strength and line capacity needs.