Recommendations for saltwater fly reels?

[flycaster9]

I would say the Colton Torrent is the best reel I own for the money. It is rock solid and has a serious drag for the price.

I have the 789 and the 911 reels and have caught everything from schoolie stripers to big tarpon on them and never had a problem.

[boba]

Thanks for all of your input. It's very helpful, and it's clear I need to do some more research. A few of the brands are completely new to me, and I need to check them out.

[jalthoff]

I have had 2 Teton 8-10 weight reels for 15+ years and still love 'em. If you want to save some coin, go on fleabay and grab one - likely cost you under $125.

I also still love my old Orvis DXR (made be Lamson). Simple and never had one problem.

[Joey Langan]

The Nautilus is great and I would also recommend Hatch reels. They are light and have a buttery smooth drag. Also, Hatch are not quite as expensive as the upper end stuff (about the same as the Nautilus).
Joe

[fly]

lamson konic

incredible drag handles big fish as well as my abel. new technology.

finally a high quality, reliable reel in the mid price range.

[Craiggah]

I just bought a Galvan Torque. Light weight, extra large arbor, beautiful fit and finish, $150 less than Nautilus and Hatch, AND...made in the USA! Really happy with it.

[BillHassan]

A couple years back I was given a Hatch to test out. I beat on it, fishing it 30 days in a row without ever rinsing it off. Every day I'd give it a dunk in the salt just for sport. It never failed.
I have all of the "big name reels" and every other one has had a vacation back to the factory at least once.
I can't stand it when reels fail -- the Hatch has never failed.

[RJ]

Ditto on the Teton reels and the Hatch as well. Most of the reels being manufactured today are much higher in quality than anything that was availaale "back inthe day." The Cabela's line up of their name reels have a reasonable price and very good sealed drag systems. I suspect Pro Bass might have a few that would fill the bill for all bet the most professional of us.

The Cabela's WLx Fly Reels are mad by LamsonWaterworks.

the 9-10 weight version can carry 220 yds of 30 pound backing whilst carring a WF10F line.

They are large arbor reels with sealed drag system composed of stacked "Rulon" discs and a 2 stage drag system

It costs $219.00 with spare spool for another $109.00. bs id you purchase them as a combo the pair goes for $299.00. It is milled from Aircraft Alum.
You can compare the prices with the Lamson Waterfowrks reels in the same catalog. If Lamson proudly signed off on the Cabela's signature WFx rees, is would think that the are just as proud of their quality and ability.

Just my .02 cents

[boba]

Ah, more checking to do. Thanks again!

[m1tchman]

+1 on Colton. Buy in the holiday season when they're on sale!

[salamid]

I have been pretty happy with the performance of my Pflueger Trion Fly Reel. Budget priced and has held up well in the salt. I've got some more expensive Orvis reels, but, can't say that I think they perform any better.

[FishHawk]

I own Tibor's and they have never failed me. They are a little pricey but you get what you pay for. FishHawk

[Tin Boat]

I am hearing accounts of the Orvis Hydros failing on bonefish trips.

[smcisaac]

For $39 you can get a LL Bean Quest II reel that is tough enough to take whatever you can dish out until you decide to get something more expensive. Buy it in the store and they will even load it with backing for free. Once you get something more impressive you can still keep it as a backup, but this will give you more time to make a careful decision or wait for a sale.

I'm serious. I have 2 of them and 2 extra spools. Mine have been dependable. I use them now to keep my specialized lines on (different grain weights, sink tips, that sort of thing).