What Is a Good Cheap Fly Fishing Reel?

What Is a Good Cheap Fly Fishing Reel?

Brian M. Kelly

With growing popularity of fly fishing, there is a wealth of good, affordable reels for anglers to choose from.

Cabelas Three Forks

This lightweight reel packs a punch for the price. Built from sturdy graphite, the Three Forks offers a smooth disc drag and a large arbor for quick line pick up. The suggested price is $39.99 as of September 2009.

Pflueger Medalist 1400

Pflueger has a strong reputation for building fine fly fishing tackle, and the Medalist 1400 is no exception. This reel boasts a precision aluminum alloy frame and externally adjustable drag. The suggested price is $24.99.

Okuma Magnitude

This high-performance fly reel is cast from lightweight magnesium with a durable powder coat finish. The stainless steel and Teflon drag resist corrosion and provide a smooth drag needed to land big trout. The suggested price is $64.99.

Ross Flystart

This might be an entry-level Ross Reel, but it packs features such as a housing made from aircraft-grade aluminum and self-lubricating synthetic drag system. This reel fishes like those at twice the price. The suggested price is $55.

Cabelas Prestige Plus

From the lightweight-cast aluminum spool to the smooth disc drag that features a cork drag washer, this value-priced reel has all the features a fly fishing angler needs. The suggested price is $49.99.

Article Written By Brian M. Kelly

Brian M. Kelly has been freelance writing since 2003. His work has been published in respected outdoor magazines such as Outdoor Life, Great Lakes Angler and Salmon Trout Steelheader. He holds an associate's degree in automated machine design from Macomb College.

Write for Trails.com
  • Editor's Pick

    Backcountry Camping Tips

    Backcountry Camping Tips

    You've already tried car and RV camping. You've camped at commercial campsites that had a convenient restroom and water supply. Now, you want to explore the road less traveled. Backcountry camping, also known as primitive camping, is a wonderful way to explore the remote...

    More Backcountry Camping...
  • Popular Article

    Beach Camping Near Pismo Beach, California

    Beach Camping Near Pismo Beach, California

    Pismo State Beach, California, has many attractions and activities including camping, swimming, hiking and wildlife viewing. Birdwatching is one of the primary activities in the area. The park also has the largest over-wintering colony of monarch butterflies in the natio...

    More Beach Camping...
  • Featured Video

    Common Sense Hiking Tips

    Common Sense Hiking Tips

    The first and most fundamental thing is never hike alone. There are too many situations, especially as an unexperienced hiker, where you may find yourself without anyone to help you. So the buddy system works and applies very much in hiking.

    More Camping Basics...

Outdoor Gear & Equipment

ALL NEW Trails Gear Store powered by:

Trail Finder

US Map

Search by Keyword