Last Updated on July 15, 2022 by Ecorf
The saltwater fly reels, which are the opposite of the freshwater fly reels, are the fishermen’s favourite and for obvious reasons too. The flexibility and the additional corrosion resistance make the reels the perfect choice for anglers that want to have a swell time when fishing. More so, having the right saltwater fly reels helps to make the difference between catching a trophy sailfish as again any other type of fish you may have in mind. Moreover, the robust features on the reels and their overall functionalities make them ideal for every angler that is looking at engaging in fly-fishing around the rocks and in large saltwater.
Table of Contents
What Is a Saltwater Fly Reel?
Many anglers have been racking their brains to understand the undertones to the saltwater fly reels. On the other hand, some anglers find it challenging to distinguish between the saltwater fly reels and the freshwater fly reels. So, what are the saltwater fly reels?
The saltwater fly reels are corrosion-resistant reels that offer better drags and other additional features over the freshwater fly reels. Moreover, they are of either the powder-coated steel or anodized aluminium and have abrasion-resistant bodies.
The Basics of Selecting the Best Saltwater Fly Reels
Before you go all out to buy one of those saltwater fly reels that catch your fancy, you may need to exercise some patience to understand the basics to them. In most cases, the fly reels are considered not to play some roles in the casting. Instead, they are more of storages for the fly lines.
Those are not usually the actual position of things because the saltwater fly reels come in different sizes and design. Moreover, they are designed specifically for several fishing needs, such as fishing in saltwater. Therefore, serious consideration should be given when looking for the perfect saltwater fly reels in the market.
How To Select the Saltwater Fly Reels
It’s time to separate the wheat from the chaff. What are some of the factors or things that hint on the certain functionality of the saltwater fly reels? The drag systems, the material used in the fly reels’ construction, and the backing capacity are some of the things to look for when selecting saltwater fly reels.
On the other side, these considerations tend to pose some challenges, especially when you don’t understand how they work. So, the saltwater fly reels reviews below would take you by the hand until you master the basics and the factors that highlight the appropriate saltwater fly reels.
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Arbor Size
Since you’re fishing in saltwater, it’s ideal that you select saltwater fly reels that have broader arbour sizes. The rule of thumb is that the larger the arbour, the higher the time used in fishing and the increment in the retrieval rate.
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Corrosion Resistance
It’s no news that the saltwater fly reels are corrosion resistant. Yet, you shouldn’t follow that as it is, because the resistance varies. For instance, saltwater fly reels made of aluminium may not rust but might corrode over time, especially when they are not rinsed after use.
Therefore, you need saltwater fly reels that can handle the harsh elements of the saltwater. On that note, it would be a great idea to settle for the saltwater fly reels that have fully sealed bearings and bodies. That way, the resistance would be doubled, as the saltwater wouldn’t have an opening to get into the inner workings of the reel.
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Drag System
How do you intend dragging the reels? That is a potential problem if you don’t know how to get around it. That is why you need to factor in the drag system anytime you’re looking at getting saltwater fly reels.
The ideal drag system is the one that is both sealed and protected from the elements. Ideally, the disc drag system is the perfect saltwater fly reel because of the maximum resistance it offers against the elements.
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Length of the Frame
On the other hand, the width of the saltwater fly reels’ frame matters when it comes to selecting one. As a rule of thumb, reels made out of anodized steel tend to have more resistance against corrosion. Such saltwater fly reels also offer the necessary stability that comes into play when the reels begin to angle for larger and aggressive fishes. That is tenable because the desired frame length aids in reduces the reels’ chances of bending or warping when the angling begins.
There are many more features or factors that help in the selection of the best saltwater fly reels. So, look out for some of those, such as the weight (lightweight preferably), spool design, and line capacity.
Benefits of Having the Best Saltwater Fly Reels
Among the many advantages that come with the saltwater fly reels are the delicate and the quiet casting of fly, as well as the affordability of the flies used with fly reel fishing. Above all, the lightweight nature of the flies makes it easier to cast the reels to longer distances.
Frequently Asked Questions on Saltwater Fly Reels
Below are some of the questions anglers ask when buying saltwater fly reels.
- What Differentiates the Fly Reels from the Spinning Reels? The primary difference between the two lies on the intent of the angler. If you’re looking at catching a lot of fish (with some troubles though), then use the direct fishing method provided by the spinning reels. On the other hand, the fly reels are perfect for anglers that want to “fool” the fishes. The only downside to this is the limited fishes you can catch. Otherwise, it’s faster and has many materials to make the angling experience seamless.
- What Makes a Good Saltwater Fly Reel? Some of the unique features to look for are the type of drag systems, the reel weight, and the arbour size.
- What Type of Fish Can I Catch with the Saltwater Fly Reel? The saltwater fly reels are ideal for catching salmons and trout. They can also be used to catch carp and bass.
The Top 5 Saltwater Fly Reels
Now, read the saltwater fly reels reviews below to discover some of the fly reels you can find out there in the market.
The fish wouldn’t be there waiting for you to get it. That’s why the Isafish Fly Reel came up with an integrated rugged disc drag system that mounts pressure on the fish. Moreover, you would like the additional features, such as the combinations of tippet go fishing, fly fishing reel, and the mainline.
Pros:
- Right-hand retrieve
- Interchangeable handles
Cons:
- Didn’t come with an aper leader
- The lines need to be stripped and backed off before changing to the left-hand retrieve
The hard-anodized corrosion resistance in this fly reel alongside the CNC-Machined aluminium alloy is designed to provide maximum durability to the reels. So, if you’re looking for something sturdy and efficient, then this is one of the best saltwater fly reels you can get.
Pros:
- Silky smooth drag
- Mid-arbour design
Cons:
- The loose threading of the drag system makes it easy and quick to move from light to heavy
- There are no instructions on disassembling the complicated drag system
Here comes a fly reel with many features, such as a robust disc drag system for stopping power, and larger arbour design for faster retrieval.
Pros:
- Durable composite design for swift changing of the spool
- Reliable disc drag system that offers fish-stopping performance
- Constructed from durable polymer
Cons:
- Some users noted that the gap with the spool and the frame causes the floating line to get caught in it
This saltwater fly fishing reel packs many features, some of which are the aluminium handle, a disc drag system that uses washers to apply pressure against specific materials, and stainless steel main shaft for long-term performance.
Pros:
- Compact ultra-light fly fishing reel
- High-grade precision machined Aluminum CNC frame
Cons:
- Some users complained of the inconsistency of the drag system
- The handle is smaller than expected
The last but not the least of the saltwater fly fish reels is the Redington I.D Fly Fishing Reel that provides twin-moulded dual density handle for supreme grip and control. The large arbour design provides options for faster retrieval while the flat back surface creates room for the integration of custom decals.
Pros:
- Smooth and robust Rulon disc drag system
- Full-frame back
- Large arbour design for tipped protection and speedy line retrieval
Finals Words on the Saltwater Fly Reels Reviews
You’ve now seen the differences between the freshwater and the saltwater fly reels. More so, it’s now clear that the saltwater fly reels have better prospects for anglers that are versed in saltwater fishing. Alongside the varieties of features in the reels, you get to enjoy ample time-saving when engaging in your favourite pastime – fishing.
The Isafish Fly Reel caught our fancy, and we’re sure you would like it too. With the interchangeable handles and the right-hand retrieval, you wouldn’t have trouble in switching sides as you want.
So, do you have any other saltwater fly reels in mind, or do you have some opinions or reviews to share about your experience(s) with the ones on the list? Feel free to let us know via the comment section!
