Redfish are powerful game fish that are very popular across North America. They have the strength and the size that can trouble any angler. Plus, they live in the sea. So, you’ll need the best fly reels for redfish if you ever attempt to fight them.
Redfish are powerful and pick the line quickly that is why a 7wt+ moderate drag, durable fly reel with a fast retrieval line is best for catching a good redfish. Based on customer satisfaction, and expert reviews we have listed the 6 best redfish fly reels. And among them, Ross Evolution R Salt is the best choice and fulfills all these required features. Each product is reviewed in detail below.
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Here I am reviewing the six best fly reels for redfish to help you land a big one.
6 Best Fly Reels For Redfish Reviews:
Here are my six best redfish reels reviews:
1. Ross Evolution R Salt Fly Reel – Best Lightweight Redfish Fly Reel
The Ross Evolution R Salt is a specialist in saltwater fishing and a champion for bigger species such as the redfish. Why? The massive drag strength! I had my jaw dropped to the floor when I measured the max drag on such a lightweight reel. Ross managed to pack over 23 lbs of sheer power in this minimalistic-looking reel, and we’re happy they did!
But when I said sheer power, I meant it. The drag force is non-linear and decreases significantly as the distance increases, with the endpoint being at 15 lbs. Not too bad, I would say. Next, the reel looks solid and has a pretty long-lasting finish. The components are all corrosion-resistant and seawater-friendly, plus there’s a top coating for added protection.Â
What makes it stand out among the best redfish fly fishing reels? The fast retrieval rates, large arbor, and enormous capacity to store lines. The only troublesome thing is the tiny drag knob that affects the adjustability.
Pros:
- Salt R wins when it comes to the sheer power
- It is very lightweight
- The reel is tough enough to face seawater
- It has fast retrieval rates and good capacity
- The arbor is large
Cons:
- The drag knob isn’t ergonomic
2. Orvis Mirage Fly Reel – Best Looking Redfish Reel
The new Orvis Mirage fly reel is an ode to quality USA-made products. It looks super stylish and oozes quality. The extremely eye-catching design makes it stand out in a crowd full of high-end reels. And on top of that, it performs equally well.
The maximum drag strength is a whopping 10.3 pounds, and my favorite thing about it is that all of this force is usable. You need the best fly reel for redfish with enough torque to handle the fish when it starts to fight, and Mirage is exactly that. Also, Orvis introduced a single-turn drag to help you exert full power quickly. Of course, this compromises the range of adjustability.
The finish of this reel is fantastic. We know that type 3 anodizing is the most durable of all top coatings. Mirage uses quality materials in its construction, which is seawater-compatible, and protects the whole assembly with a type 3 finish. Moreover, the retrieval rate is where Mirage dwarfs all other fly reels. An impressive 9.9 inches per turn makes it the best fly reel for salmon or redfish fishing.
Pros:
- The design looks super attractive
- The drag strength is perfect for catching redfish
- Type 3 anodizing makes it very durable
- The retrieval rate is very impressive
- Single-turn drag for faster operation
Cons:
- This reel is a bit on the heavier side
3. Waterworks-Lamson Guru S Series Fly Reel – Best Reel For Redfish With The Smoothest Drag
The best fly reels for redfish have drag, lines capacity, and a huge arbor. With Waterworks-Lamson’s new Guru S series, you get them all. These new reels give a modern techy look that looks awesome on a complimenting fly rod. The colors are attractive but what’s most crucial for a perfect rod-reel balance is the weight. The Guru S are pretty light and pair up with most rods beautifully.
The CNC machined body is very durable and speaks of the quality of the material it was cut from. I found no rough edges or unfinished spots and was pretty happy with the craftsmanship on this thing. Next, the Guru S reels, like other Lamson reels, have a unique conical drag system. This drag features two cones that rub against each other to generate friction. The braking power produced from this design is more efficient than the conventional washers a disc-drag uses.
The drag knob is unique, a little awkward even, but the smoothest I have yet tried. There are no clicks when you turn it, just buttery smooth rotation. The handle is nothing special, it gets the job done, but I would have liked a bit more effort to make it more grippy.
Pros:
- The reel is very lightweight and pairs well with modern fly rods
- The CNC machined body is durable and fit for seawater use
- Finishing is impressive
- The unique conical drag system is more efficient
- The drag knob is buttery smooth
Cons:
- The drag knob feels a little awkward
- The handle could do better
4. Piscifun Platte Pro Fly Reel – Best Budget Redfish Fly Reel
There’s a star on this reel to represent the stellar performance it gives! I was on the lookout for the best fly reel for redfish when a friend recommended me this underhyped product. Piscifun is usually known for producing best budget fly reels in bright, vivid colors.Â
My first impression of this fly reel was how amazing it looked. I wasn’t expecting to see such a neat finishing and a solid feel it gave me. Plus, the fact that you get a machined reel without spending half of your fortune delights me. Though the reel felt a bit heavy to me, I’d gladly put this one drawback aside for the countless benefits it provides.
The arbor is giant and gives ample storage capacity. The carbon and steel disc-drag is fully sealed and powerful enough to take down a saltwater fish easily. The drag knob and handle are okay too, nothing extraordinary about them. One of our best sealed drag fly reel.
Pros:Â
- Amazing budget fly reel for redfish
- The drag is sealed and powerful
- The finishing is neat with large arbor
- Drag Knob is smooth and amazing
- It looks durable
- Storage capacity is sufficient
Cons:
- It is a little heavy but that’s okay
5. EatMyTackle Saltwater Fly Fishing Reel – Best Redfish Fly Rod And Reel
This fly reel has a size that is specific for redfish. What else could you ask for!
The Eatmytackle one of the best saltwater fly reel has the right specs and dimensions you need to fight a redfish. The line’s capacity is 105 yards of 20 pounds weight, which is quite sufficient. The CNC machined body is durable and is compatible with the salt content of seawater. The anodization on top adds to its durability and gives it a high-end look, though quite moderately priced.
On my last trip to a New Orleans beach, and was pretty happy with how smoothly it turned. The stainless steel ball bearings surely do their job well, and I had no sticky feeling while cranking. This reel demanded to be included in my redfish reel reviews.
The drag knob, however, is a little objectionable. It is too small to grip with my stubby fingers, especially when they are wet and I am busy fighting a mighty redfish on the other end.
Pros:
- The â…š size is specific for redfish tournaments
- The line holding capacity is sufficient
- The body is durable and high-end looking
- It is moderately priced
- It cranks very smoothly
Cons:
- The drag adjustment knob is too flat
6. Penn Battle Fly Fishing – Best Value Redfish Fly Reel
The next entry in our redfish fly reels reviews is by Penn, which is immensely famous for its top-of-the-line spinning reels. The new Battle fly reel is its entrance into the fly fishing world, and they do so by giving a saltwater fly reel that is heavy on performance and light on the pocket.
The Battle is die-cast, meaning it lacks the strength of a machined reel but still holds up well against the corrosion from seawater. The anodizing gives it protection against rust and abrasion. So if you aren’t too clumsy and are not likely to drop your reel from a height, this reel can save some bucks for you.
The drag system is adjustable and smooth. This reel comes in an eight-weight that can take over most seawater monsters no matter how big. The hand orientation is switchable, and you can use this reel for almost all kinds of big game fish.
Pros:
- This saltwater reel is light on the pocket
- Anodizing protects against damage
- Drag is smooth and adjustable
- Hand orientation is switchable
Cons:
- It is not as strong as machined reels
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Buying Guide
Redfish are big and powerful. But they are NOT too fast. So to buy the best fly reel for redfish, here’s what you’ll need:
1. Moderate Drag
An exceedingly powerful drag sure feels nice but is not an absolute necessity. You can do well with a moderate force, too, as redfish aren’t that quick to run.
2. Fast Retrieval
Here’s what you DO need, a redfish fly reel that picks up the line fast. For a fish as powerful as redfish, you want to bring it to deck fast before it attempts to fight you.
3. Durable Structure
Seawater is unforgiving to fishing gear, and hence, compromising the durability of red fishing reels is something out of the question.
What Size Reel For Redfish?
You’ll need a size bigger than 7 wt at least to fight a big, strong, marine fish like redfish.
And The Best Fly Reel For Redfish Winner Is:
Ross Evolution R Salt Fly Reel!
It is strong, durable, lightweight, and fast—all that makes it the best fly reel for redfish.
So the next time you’re in the mood of landing a trophy fish, you know what you need to catch it.
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