Best Budget Fly Fishing Reels

Finding the best budget fly fishing reel is no easy task. With so many different reels on the market, it can be hard to know which one is right for you. But don’t worry, we’re here to help.

Best Budget Fly Fishing Reels Review

In this post, we’ll introduce you to some of the best budget fly fishing reels on the market and explain why they might be right for you. So whether you’re a beginner or an experienced fisherman looking for a good deal, read on for some great recommendations!

1# Cabela’s RLS II Fly Reel

Cabela's RLS II Fly Reels

View on Cabelas

Specification

Line Weight: 5/6, 7/8, 3/4
Weight: 5.0 oz., 5.4 oz., 5.8 oz.

The Cabela’s RLS II Fly Reel is the perfect choice for anglers who demand the very best in terms of durability and performance. This reel is constructed from cold-forged, machined T-6061 aluminium, and features a rugged hard-anodized finish that will stand up to the rigours of constant use. The large-arbour design is perfect for handling large fish, while the overbuilt disk drag provides smooth, consistent drag throughout the fight. All models easily convert from right- to left-hand retrieve, making this an incredibly versatile reel. If you’re looking for a top-of-the-line fly reel that won’t break the bank, the Cabela’s RLS II is a perfect choice.

Pros
  • Cold-forged machined T-6061 aluminium construction

  • Rugged hard-anodized finish

  • Large-arbour design

  • Overbuilt disk drag

  • Convertible from right to left-hand retrieve

Cons
  • It may be too expensive for some budget-conscious anglers

  • Some users have complained about the quality of the drag system

2# White River Fly Shop Dogwood Canyon Loaded Fly Reel

White River Fly Shop Dogwood Canyon Fly Reel

View on Cabelas

Specification

Line Weight: 5/6

The White River Fly Shop Dogwood Canyon Loaded Fly Reel is a versatile and reliable reel that is perfect for any fly fisherman. Made from durable all-aluminium construction, this reel can take a beating and keep on going. The modern large-arbour design ensures quick and easy line retrieval, while the offset reel foot provides perfect balance on the rod. This reel comes preloaded with fly line and backing, making it ready to go right out of the box.

Pros
  • Durable all-aluminium construction

  • Modern large-arbour design

  • Quick and easy line retrieval

  • Offset reel foot for perfect balance

Cons
  • It may be too large for smaller hands

3# Orvis Encounter II Loaded Fly Reel

Orvis Encounter II Loaded Fly Reel

View on Cabelas

Specification

Line Weight: 5/6
Weight: 5.5 oz.

The Orvis Encounter II Loaded Fly Reel is a great value for anyone getting into fly fishing. It features a rugged composite frame and spool, as well as a hefty drag system that can handle any fish you hook. The large arbour design helps increase the line-retrieval rate, while the easily convertible left-hand/right-hand retrieve makes it versatile for any fisherman. The included weight-forward line comes to a half size heavier to help with casting. The Encounter II fly reel also comes loaded with Orvis Clearwater WF5F fly line, Dacron backing, and tapered leader. So get out there and start reeling in the big ones!

Pros
  • Rugged composite frame and spool

  • The hefty drag system can handle any fish

  • Large arbour design helps increase the line-retrieval rate

  • Easily convertible left-hand/right-hand retrieve

  • The weight-forward line comes to a half size heavier for casting

  • Comes loaded with Orvis Clearwater WF5F fly line, Dacron backing, and tapered leader

Cons
  • Retrieve is not as smooth as some other models

  • No drag adjustment knob

4# Redington Behemoth Fly Reel

Redington Behemoth Fly Reel

View on BassPro

Specification

Line Weight: 5/6, 9/10, 7/8
Weight: 5.7 oz., 7.5 oz., 10.8 oz.

There is no mistaking the unique design of the Redington Behemoth Fly Reel. This reel was designed with space-age aesthetics and an industrial-strength carbon fibre drag system, giving you a reel that is powerful and reliable. The adjustable drag on this reel represents the strongest available in its class, and the unique, unimaginable diecast reel body offers an impressive strength-to-weight ratio. The large arbour design with a deep V-Spool provides ample line capacity with minimal memory and maximum retrieve speed. You’ll find the oversized drag knob easy to access and adjust on the fly. This reel also features twin moulded soft-touch ergonomic handles, which can be converted to left- or right-hand retrieve. It also comes with a nylon reel case for added protection. For strength, performance, and reliability, choose the Redington Behemoth Fly Reel

Pros
  • Unimaginable diecast reel body for strength-to-weight ratio

  • Twin moulded soft-touch ergonomic handles

  • Adjustable drag system for max power

  • Large arbour design

Cons
  • The reel is a bit on the heavier side

  • It may not be suited for smaller hands

5# Cheeky PreLoad Fly Reel

Cheeky PreLoad Fly Reel

View on BassPro

Specification

Line Weight: 2/3/4, 5/6, 7/8
Weight: 3.9 oz., 5.1 oz., 5.6 oz.

The Cheeky PreLoad Fly Reel is a quality large-arbour reel that comes pre-spooled and ready to fish. It features a diecast frame and body, a quick-change spool with a B2 Backing Channel, and is pre-loaded with perfectly calibrated backing, fly line and leader. The reel is lightweight and durable, with fully machined CNC componentry, plus a super-smooth alternating-disc drag. It’s easy to convert from left to right-handed and comes with a custom reel case.

Pros
  • Quality large-arbour reel

  • Pre-spooled and ready to fish

  • Diecast frame and body

  • Quick-change spool

  • B2 Backing Channel

  • Machined CNC componentry

  • Smooth alternating-disc drag

Cons
  • None found

6# Cheeky Fishing Tyro Fly Reel

Cheeky Fishing Tyro Fly Reel

View on OpticsPlanet

Specification

Fly Size: 2-4 wt, 5-6 wt, 7-8 wt
Fly Type: Fly Reel
Fabric/Material: Aluminum

The Cheeky Fishing Tyro Fly Reel is the perfect reel for both experienced anglers and those new to the sport. The reel combines die casting and CNC machining for unparalleled value and performance. With a sleek design and powerful drag system, the Tyro Fly Reel is sure to help you land the big one.

Pros
  • Budget-friendly

  • Die casting and CNC machining for unparalleled value and performance

  • Sleek design

  • Powerful drag system

Cons
  • It can be a little difficult to use for novice anglers.

  • The frame of the reel is made from plastic, which makes it less durable than some of the other reels on the market.

7# B ‘n’ M Buck’s Ultra-Lite Crappie Fly Reel

B 'n' M Buck's Crappie Fly Reel

View on AcademySportsOutdoors

Specification

Handedness: Right
Gear Ratio: 1.0:1
Reel Size: 2
Backing capacity (yards/lb.): 75/6, 35/8, 30/10

Whether you’re an experienced fly fisherman or just getting started, the B ‘n’ M Buck’s Best Ultra-Lite Crappie Fly Reel is a great choice for your next trip. The reel’s adjustable drag lets you customize your line tension, while its 2 ball bearings provide a smooth experience when casting out and retrieving your line. Plus, the reel is constructed from durable, crush-resistant ABS material to withstand all-day use.

Pros
  • The reel’s adjustable drag lets you customize your line tension

  • 2 ball bearings provide a smooth experience when casting out and retrieving your line

  • Durable, crush-resistant ABS material

Cons
  • The reel is not made for left-handed anglers

  • The line guide could be better

FAQ

What should I look for in a fly reel?
When shopping for a fly reel, you’ll want to consider the following factors:

– Budget: How much are you willing to spend?

– Size: What size fish will you be targeting?

– Weight: How heavy is your line?

– Drag: How much resistance can the reel handle when a fish takes off?

How much should I spend on a fly reel?
Depending on the above factors, you should budget between $50 and $200 for a fly reel.
Does fly reel colour matter?
Fly reel colour does matter, as it can affect how visible the reel is against the background. Dark colours are generally better for fishing in clear water, while light colours are better in murky water.

Conclusion

Budget fly fishing reels don’t have to mean you are sacrificing quality. In this article, we provide a list of the best budget fly fishing reels and also some tips on how to find the right one for you. So if you’re looking for an affordable option that will still deliver on performance, then be sure to read on!

0 0 votes
Article Rating
Subscribe
Notify of
0 Comments
Inline Feedbacks
View all comments