10 Best Saltwater Fly Reels For The Money: The Ultimate Guide

best saltwater fly reel for the money

Overview

Avid fishers know how saltwater fly fishing is rewarding, but at the same time, it’s highly intense and nerve-wracking.

Unlike freshwater fish, saltwater fish are meaner, stronger and bigger as these traits help it to survive in the salty environment.

Two of the most important things to consider before going saltwater fly fishing are a rod and a reel.

Check out whether they can withstand the saltwater environment and catch fish, as saltwater is an extremely corrosive liquid.

If you’re looking for a complete list of the best saltwater fly reels for the money, read on.

1. Best Saltwater Fly Reel For The Money – Piscifun Sword Fly Fishing Reel

Piscifun Sword Fly Fishing Reel, CNC-Machined Aluminum Alloy Fly Reel, Light Weight and Corrosion Resistance Design 9/10wt Black

Known for its incredible design, smooth drag, and solid construction, Piscifun Sword Fly Fishing Reel is perfect for saltwater fly fishing.

It has a modern, hollow, and lightweight yet strong construction.

Made from CNC-machined aluminum alloy, this saltwater fly reel is three times stronger and much more durable than, for example, a die cast reel.

Piscifun Sword Fly Fishing Reel also features a hard anodized surface that creates weather fastness and abrasion resistance by more than 30 percent.

Since this reel is corrosion resistant, it can survive many years of saltwater fishing.

The reel’s smooth drag is easy to adjust and the retrieve is silent.

Piscifun Sword Fly Fishing Reel, CNC-Machined Aluminum Alloy Fly Reel, Light Weight and Corrosion Resistance Design 9/10wt Black

The durable one-way clutch bearing completes a stainless-steel drag system and multi-disc cork, ensuring smooth drag engagement experience.

Due to its mid-arbor design, Piscifun Sword Fly Fishing Reel also decreases line memory and ensures a quick line pickup. Moreover, the reel features a knurled handle.

This double-screwed and smooth-rotating handle is durable and has slight grooving.

Therefore, you can be sure of a strong grip.

2. Best Saltwater Fly Reel For The Money – Redington Behemoth Fly Reel

Redington Behemoth Fly Fishing Reel, Multipurpose Fly Reel for Freshwater and Saltwater, Large Arbor and Adjustable Drag, Black, 7/8

Finding a reliable, high-quality saltwater reel can be difficult.

Fortunately, Redington Behemoth Fly Reel is a top notch and reliable option.

It’s a large fly reel created for chasing large fish.

The reel is notable for its carbon fiber drag system that provides a 30-pound drag pressure.  

With a unique, deep-V spool design, Redington Behemoth Fly Reel has a powerful line capacity, holding enough backing. But it has its drawbacks.

Redington Behemoth Fly Fishing Reel, Multipurpose Fly Reel for Freshwater and Saltwater, Large Arbor and Adjustable Drag, Black, 7/8

Although a drag of this reel is strong, it is unsealed.

When it comes to saltwater fishing, a sealed drag is essential on a fly reel. When it’s unsealed, it’s not the end of the world, but don’t expect it to serve you for decades.

Unlike many saltwater fly reels, Redington Behemoth Fly Reel is constructed of die-cast aluminum rather than machined aluminum. However, it’s what makes the reel cheap.

Again, it may not serve you for years. Only proper care of the reel could increase its service.

Despite those disadvantages, Redington Behemoth Fly Reel is still an excellent saltwater fly reel option.

3. Best Saltwater Fly Reel For The Money – Bodhi V-Sea Saltwater Sealed Multi Disk Drag Fly Reel

Archer Outdoor Gear Bodhi V-Sea Saltwater Sealed Multi Disk Drag Fly Reel 5 to 10 Weight

Bodhi V-Sea Saltwater Sealed Multi Disk Drag Fly Reel ensures stability and durability without the oversized and overprized bulkiness that typically comes with the majority of saltwater fly reels.

Constructed from aluminum billet stock, CNC machine-cut, this reel has one-of-a-kind V-design that stops water from getting trapped inside and leading to accidental drag.

Maintaining saltwater fly reel dry encourages better accuracy when casting, helping you to catch a big fish. Moreover, the Bodhi reel is unbelievably durable.

Since saltwater triggers fast corrosion, it can be harsh on reels.

Bodhi V-Sea Saltwater Sealed Multi Disk Drag Fly Reel is resistant to corrosion and enhances its longevity even after continuous exposure to saltwater.

Archer Outdoor Gear Bodhi V-Sea Saltwater Sealed Multi Disk Drag Fly Reel 5 to 10 Weight

The reel features accurate needle bearings on a chrome alloy spindle.

The Bodhi V-Sea Saltwater Sealed Multi Disk Drag Fly Reel also has an absolutely sealed drag system, which is of top quality and aids in warding off elements such as dirt, sand, and water.

Whether you’re going to go sight fishing for bonefish or fish the flats for tarpon, Bodhi V-Sea Saltwater Sealed Multi Disk Drag Fly Reel is well-equipped and reliable.

It helps to have a swift retrieve, better ample line capacity and features a machine-cut reel seat for extra comfort.

Unlike die-cast aluminum, this reel is a lot durable and stronger, which means you can hunt after the bigger fish.

4. Best Saltwater Fly Reel For The Money – Fiblink Fly Fishing Reels with Large Arbor

Fiblink Saltwater Fly Fishing Reels with Large Arbor 2+1 BB, CNC machined Aluminum Alloy Body and Reel Spool (9/10 Wt, Orange)

One of the most popular outdoor gear manufacturers, Fiblink is known for its high-performance and top quality products and Fiblink Fly Fishing Reels with Large Arbor is no exception.

This fly fishing reel is well-designed and saltwater safe.

Having a CNC-machined, cold-forged, aluminum construction, Fiblink’s reel can overcome any saltwater fishing challenge.

The reel’s material is corrosion-resistant, low maintenance, and sturdy.

The drag stack of the reel is absolutely sealed, so there’s a little to no chance of dirt and sand infiltration. 

Fiblink Fly Fishing Reels with Large Arbor boasts less line stacking, ensuring the increased line retrieval rates.

Despite being lightweight, this saltwater fly reel has the perfect weight-to-strength ratio, which doesn’t sacrifice efficiency.

It also features an upgraded fiber-composite drag system that provides the needed control for catching big saltwater fish.

Besides its strength, Fiblink Fly Fishing Reels with Large Arbor is highly versatile and has a simple right-to-left hand retrieval switch thanks to the one-bearing system. 

Apart from saltwater, this reel can be used in other fishing environments, as it has a 1:1 gear ratio and a 2+1 ball bearing.

If you’re an avid angler, Fiblink Fly Fishing Reels with Large Arbor is a great investment and will treat you well.

5. Best Saltwater Fly Reel For The Money – Isafish Fly Reel for Saltwater and Freshwater

Made from the CNC-machined, high-grade aluminum alloy, Isafish Fly Fishing Reel is versatile and can be used for both saltwater and freshwater fishing.

It’s durable and lightweight with well-sealed stainless-steel and carbon construction, which is corrosion-resistant and waterproof.

The reel is easy to use and clean after fishing.

Isafish Fly Fishing Reel is noted for its adjustable click drag system, which provides increased performance, unlike traditional reels.

The 2+1 ball bearing system ensures a smooth and strong drag that can withstand the pressure caused by bigger fish.

Due to the one-way clutch bearing, you can swap the left and right-hand retrieve to meet your needs.

Moreover, the reel features a mid-arbor design, offering the balance between backing capacity and line pickup.

Isafish Fly Fishing Reel is available in a variety of sizes and each provides different capacities and functions.

The versatility of this reel makes it one of the best choices for catching a variety of fish from light and normal trout to sea trout, salmon, and bass.

6. Best Saltwater Fly Reel For The Money – Piscifun Crest Fully Sealed Drag Large Arbor Fly Fishing Reel

Piscifun Crest Fly Fishing Reel Large Arbor Fully Sealed Drag Saltwater CNC-machined Aluminum Alloy Fly Reel 9/10 Green

Constructed from CNC-machined, ultra-strong, anodized aluminum alloy, Piscifun Crest Fully Sealed Drag Large Arbor Fly Fishing Reel is durable, lightweight, and versatile.

The spool is strong, rigid, and a lot more resistant to corrosion than other saltwater fly reels designed from standard aluminum.

Since the reel is well-ventilated, it removes water fast keeping its strength.

The machine work and polishing of the reel are perfect, and the reel’s drag is stainless, fully-sealed, and resistant to dirt, sand, water, and other debris usually trapping in the reel and causing the issues with catching fish.

The Piscifun Crest Fully Sealed Drag Large Arbor Fly Fishing Reel is easy to clean and it’s low maintenance.

Its big, U-shaped arbor provides rapid line pickup and limits line memory when combined with a big, flared cranking handle.

Plus, Piscifun Crest Fully Sealed Drag Large Arbor Fly Fishing Reel has a damage-proof knurled handle, a click drag design, and a silent retrieve that allow making accurate adjustments when needed.

You can change the hand retrieve and switch spools due to the free spool disassembly line that allows disengaging the spool from the reel’s body in a jiff.

This is another high-quality reel that we highly recommend.

7. Best Saltwater Fly Reel For The Money – Waterworks-Lamson Liquid Fly Reel

Waterworks-Lamson Liquid Fly Reel

One of the best fly fishing reel brands, Lamson provides high-quality and advanced reels, which are manufactured in the United States.

Waterworks-Lamson Liquid Fly Reel is one of their most popular reels that avid anglers swear by.

It has the conical drag system manufactured of the line CNC-machined components for better durability and performance.

Waterworks-Lamson Liquid Fly Reel

The reel is made from pressure-cast aluminum and is notable for its lightweight, durable, and rigid qualities.

Apart from the sturdy construction, the drag of this reel is completely sealed and thus it’s ideal for saltwater fishing.

There are extra spools available for Waterworks-Lamson Liquid Fly Reel in case you’re planning on using various lines.

8. Best Saltwater Fly Reel For The Money – Orvis Hydros SL Fly Reel

Orvis Hydros SL Fly Reel | 3-5WT | Black Nickel

Another fly fishing reel brand renowned for the high-quality fly fishing reels, Orvis was destined to end up on this list.

Orvis Hydros SL Fly Reel features this combination and is lighter, bigger, and sturdier than the older versions of the Hydros reels.

Orvis Hydros SL Fly Reel has a reversible retrieve hand, machined aluminum frame, and a narrower spool with a huge arbor for the decreased line twisting, knotting and stacking and increased speed retrievals.

The stainless steel disc drag system features a completely sealed carbon.

The play between the frame and spool is minimized for liquid smooth performance and improved tolerances.

Orvis Hydros SL Fly Reel is available in a variety of different sizes so you can get the fly line weight rating, arbor diameter, and the line capacity depending on where you’re going to fish.

9. Best Saltwater Fly Reel For The Money – Goture Fly Fishing Reel

Goture Fly Fishing Reel Waterproof 2+1BB 3/4 5/6 7/8 9/10 Aluminum Alloy Body

If you’re a beginning or occasional angler who is looking for a great introductory rod, Goture Fly Fishing Reel is probably the best option for you. T

his reel is high-quality and provides smooth operation.

The reel features a reverse bearing system, two ball bearings, and a sturdy drag system along with a smooth spool release configuration.

The large arbor of the reel retrieves line fast and prevents the common line twist issues. The drag system is simple and can be changed anytime.

Goture Fly Fishing Reel Waterproof 2+1BB 3/4 5/6 7/8 9/10 Aluminum Alloy Body

The reel features an aluminum handle with an easy right and left reversing mechanism and has a lightweight design.

Made from the stainless steel main shaft, machined aluminum CNC frame, precision machined brass gear and dual sealed cartridge bearings, Goture Fly Fishing Reel will serve you for years.

10. Best Saltwater Fly Reel For The Money – Okuma SLV Diecast Aluminum Fly Reel

Okuma SLV- 8/9 Diecast Aluminum Fly Reel, Light Silver

One of the best fishing gear manufacturers, Okuma has a great fly reel as well.

Okuma SLV Diecast Aluminum Fly Reel ensures great performance and outstanding quality.

Made from stainless steel spool shafts, precision machined brass drive system, and a die cast aluminum frame, Okuma SLV Diecast Aluminum Fly Reel features a multi-disk cork, die cast aluminum arbor, one-way roller bearing, and the stainless drag system.

The drag system is efficient and reliable, but don’t challenge it.

Due to an extremely large arbor design of the reel, the retrievals are fast and the line memory issues are reduced.

The rubberized handle ensures a sturdy, non-slip grip and changing left to right-hand retrieval isn’t a problem.

Okuma SLV Diecast Aluminum Fly Reel is available in different sizes and has a diversity of spare spools in case you’ll want to use it with sinking and floating fly lines.

The spools are easily switched without detaching the reel.

Can I Use My Regular Fly Fishing Reel?

Truth be told, if you use your regular fly fishing reel in saltwater, you are just going to damage and most likely destroy it.

This is because saltwater destroys everything, and chances are your freshwater reel is not made out of corrosion-resistant materials.

Saltwater fly fishing reels tend to be made out of a corrosion-resistant material such as machined aluminum, thus it can stand up to the destructive powers of saltwater.

In Conclusion

When it comes to choosing the best saltwater fly reel, the options are endless.

However, make sure you consider quality and durability above everything else and you will end up just fine.

Also, ensure the reel you buy is designed for saltwater fishing.

Even though some fishers claim any reel can survive one-time saltwater fishing, choosing the one created specifically for saltwater is a smart purchase.

Looking for more articles on fishing? Check out our article on some of the best chest waders on the market today.