{"id":3509,"date":"2024-04-17T15:51:13","date_gmt":"2024-04-17T15:51:13","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/decideoutside.com\/?p=3509"},"modified":"2024-04-17T16:38:08","modified_gmt":"2024-04-17T16:38:08","slug":"best-saltwater-fly-reels-for-the-money","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/skilledoutdoors.com\/best-saltwater-fly-reels-for-the-money\/","title":{"rendered":"Best Saltwater Fly Reels For The Money: Top Reels For Less"},"content":{"rendered":"\n

If you are in a hurry and just want to find out what the best saltwater fly reel for the money is, then we recommend the Piscifun Platte Large Arbor Fly Reel<\/a> as the best all around.<\/strong><\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n

There\u2019s no better feeling than getting out on the water and casting the perfect line to hook a stubborn fish. Of course, without a reliable reel, you\u2019ll likely end up wasting hours with nothing to show for it instead. But how are you supposed to find one you can depend on that won\u2019t cost you a fortune?<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Lucky for you, that\u2019s what our list and guide are here for! With these, you\u2019ll be given a head start in finding the best saltwater fly-fishing reels for the money<\/p>\n\n\n\n

After researching the market and gauging the best value saltwater fishing reels, we\u2019ve compiled a list of the top five that provide the greatest quality for the lowest cost. If you still haven\u2019t found one that suits your needs we have a detailed buyer\u2019s guide that will help you keep looking.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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In a Hurry? Here\u2019s Our Top 3 Picks\u2026<\/h2>\n\n\n

[amazon table=”7049″ link_id=”1232″]<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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Buyer\u2019s Guide: What To Look For In A Good Saltwater Fly Reel<\/h2>\n\n\n
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Of course, even with our selections above, if you don\u2019t know what to look for in a good, low-cost saltwater fly fishing reel<\/a> then you\u2019ll likely be left floundering (pun intended). It can seem like there are always some unknown features and qualities that you don\u2019t know to look for until you\u2019ve already bought a reel and by then it\u2019s too late.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Not to worry though, as we\u2019re here to help you figure out just what you should look for when combing over our list or doing your own research on fly fishing reels. Our buyer\u2019s guide will hopefully answer any questions you have and any questions you didn\u2019t know you needed to ask!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Difference Between CNC Machined And Diecast<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

If you weren\u2019t aware of the different methods of constructing a saltwater fly fishing reel before reading through our list, you were most likely put off by the jargon of \u201cCNC\u201d and \u201cDiecast\u201d in our descriptions. These are the main two ways in which reels are manufactured and the difference between the two can have an effect on what reel you\u2019re likely to buy.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Diecasting is the easiest and most common method of manufacturing for fly reels. It\u2019s done by pouring the molten alloy of choice into a precast mold until it hardens and sets into the desired reel shape. While this may sound simple, it actually requires a lot of advanced machinery, but the process also allows for many of them to be mass produced efficiently and reliably.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

CNC (Computer Numerical Control) machining on the other hand is a direct machining process whereby the reels are formed without a mold and the construction is planned entirely by computer coding. It\u2019s essentially a form of 3D printing and, as you can imagine, is incredibly delicate and complicated. Usually, reels constructed by CNC are more expensive than those that are die cast.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The major differences between the two lie in the quality of the reel produced. While a die cast reel\u2019s design is more flexible and can be altered easily, the trade off is that they can shatter more easily than CNC reels. CNC reels, on the other hand, are lighter and more durable, but often cost more and the design is set in stone.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Does Size (And Weight) Really Matter<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

In short, yes. If you\u2019re an experience fly fisher, you likely already know this about selecting a reel, but finding one with the right size and weight is probably one of the more important things to consider before reaching for your wallet.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

You may think that a certain reel is perfect. It has all of the exact specifications that you\u2019ve been looking for; the perfect material, construction, arbor size, line weight, color, shape, etc. However, when you finally take it out of the package and fit it on your rod, you realize that your reel and rod are not in compatible weights at all.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

You should look up the specific weight and size class of your reel and compare it with your rod before making any purchases, otherwise you\u2019ll be left with absolutely nothing to use on the water.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

But Does It Matter For Arbors Too<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Another long answer made short, yes. However, finding the right size arbor for your fishing goals matters in a different way than finding the right reel weight.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Most reels on the market will have a smaller arbor, which is useful when fishing for freshwater fish. This is because the freshwater fly fishing market is the most dominant one at the moment. However, we\u2019re here to provide reels for the saltwater<\/a> fly fishers out there, so what we\u2019re looking for are larger arbors.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Larger arbors are essential for hooking and reeling the bigger saltwater fish as they provide more reel length for casting and allow for a quicker pick up. So be sure to look for larger arbors when hunting for your perfect saltwater fly fishing reel.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Listening For The Click<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

While this isn\u2019t as essential a feature of fly fishing as some of the above categories, the sound and quality of the drag click when casting and reeling is such a big part of the sport that we couldn\u2019t leave it out. Without it, a fly reel just doesn\u2019t have the same aesthetic appeal.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

What you want to listen for is a click that is smooth and satisfying when the reel is rotating. If the click has a tinny, metallic, erratic, or jarring sound, then you\u2019d be best off looking for another reel. Of course, if you don\u2019t mind having a grating, unnerving, and absolutely unpleasant sound while you\u2019re trying to enjoy a relaxing day of fly fishing, then by all means, ignore our obviously good advice.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

How To Find The Best Drag<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Finally, one of the more important things to look for when purchasing your saltwater fly fishing reel is the drag system. For those who may not know, the drag system on a reel is what controls the speed of the reel when a fish is pulling line off of it in its mad swim for freedom. As you can imagine, having a good drag system that will slow the catch down is a must and the more powerful the drag system the better; especially in the case of saltwater fishing.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Of course, how are you supposed to know which drag system is the most powerful? Well, in that case, it usually depends on the quality of the reel itself. A high-quality reel will undoubtedly have a strong, durable, and dependable drag system.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

There are some other things to look for as well though that can help you notice a good drag system when you see. One of the main signs is that the drag system is sealed. This means that there is no chance of dirt, dust, or water getting into the system and degrading it over time.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Reviews: Best Saltwater Fly Reels For The Money<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Piscifun Platte Large Arbor Fly Reel<\/h3>\n\n\n

[amazon box=”B01AWAYL8Y” template=”horizontal” link_id=”1233″]<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The first reel on our list comes from PISCIFUN, one of the top brands in the fishing market. The Platte Large Arbor Fly Reel comes with its unique arbor design that picks up the drag fast and smoothly with an oversized drag knob for easy adjustment. With a custom carbon to stainless drag system that resists dirt, sand, and water, this reel is a durable and effective one.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

It comes with an anodized, strong, and lightweight vented spool that is made of precise CNC high grade aluminum. The rim is easy to palm and the knurled grip of the drag knob provides you with the maximum amount of control while casting. You also have the most control over your reel\u2019s look with the Platte as it comes in three distinctive colors; Black, Gunmetal, and Ice Blue!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The Platte also comes in a large variety of line weight options so you can choose the perfect option for your fishing goals. It comes in 5\/6, 7\/8, and 9\/10 line weight options, though if you\u2019re planning on using it for saltwater fishing you\u2019ll most likely want to get the 9\/10 option to reel in the bigger fish. Of course, the reel is a bit heavy to compensate and manage the increased line weight.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

If you\u2019re looking for a satisfying click with your reel too this model has a loud clicker adjustment for enjoyable casts. Overall, this is a great reel that provides a maximum amount of control.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Pros:<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n