There’s something to be said about a shiny new reel—the low startup inertia, the smooth drag system, the purple anodized aluminum. I’m guilty of buying nice reels, but I wouldn’t say I’ve ever purchased a fancy one—nor do I plan to.
Let me be clear: you don’t need to spend your life savings on a Nautilus reel to go fishing (most of the time).
The Modern Reel Is Already Amazing
Most modern reels are made from machined aluminum, with tolerances much tighter than even the priciest vintage reels. It’s a great time to be a trout bum—thanks to the marvels of modern manufacturing, you can score a decent fly reel for $40.
With a few exceptions, the vast majority of reels you’ll find in your local fly shop will catch fish for many years to come—as long as you take care of them.
Remember: the reel is mostly there to store your fly line. Don’t overcomplicate it.
Most of the Price You Pay Is for the Color and Weight
I’ve seen reels hit the market at $800+ just because they’re limited-edition lime green or feature laser-etched brook trout spots. Unless you’re an avid collector—or show up to the river in Balenciaga waders—I’d steer clear of the shiny objects.
Now, weight does matter when choosing a reel. The expensive ones are absurdly light—some feel like they barely register on a scale. But don’t get too hung up on it.
The best reel for your fly rod isn’t necessarily the lightest one.
Let me explain: the reel plus the weight of your fly line and backing should balance your rod. Even that isn’t the full picture.
Match Your Reel to Your Rod and Style
If you’re fishing dries, streamers, or indicators:
Your reel should either perfectly balance the rod or make it a little tip-heavy. That makes for a more responsive cast.
If you’re euro nymphing:
You want the rod to balance slightly toward your hand to reduce fatigue. You’ll probably also want a full cage reel.
If you’re casting a spey rod:
The reel should be on the heavy side to anchor your cast. A full cage is also ideal to prevent thin running lines from slipping between the frame and spool.
But Trev, the Expensive Reels Have the Best Drag!
Yeah, I’ve heard it before. But you don’t need a $600 drag system to stop the 0.2378-pound cutthroat that’s peeling backing.
You don’t even need it for a 12-pound steelhead or a 30-pound chinook—though it might help.
Don’t believe me? There’s an entire class of anglers chasing salmon and steelhead with 100-year-old Hardy click-and-pawl reels—which have no drag system at all.
There’s even a newer company, Cubalaya Outfitters, that makes click-and-pawl reels designed for saltwater use. Hitting the flats without any drag? Count me in!
It’s the Angler, Not the Drag
Here’s the truth: a talented angler who fights fish efficiently—using their fly rod as the shock absorber—doesn’t need an expensive drag system. In most trout scenarios, the drag on a $35 Echo Base will do just fine. Most of the time the fish is in my net before I let it get on the reel. Most of your control fighting fish comes from stripping line, being tactical, and fighting using the butt of your rod.
Shoutout to My Favorite Reelmaker
One night, while navigating a spey forum rabbit hole, I stumbled across a reel brand I’d never heard of: Danielsson.
Turns out, this mystery Swedish brand is closely tied to Loop (a European name you may recognize), but they only sell direct-to-consumer from Sweden—so you won’t find them in your local fly shop.
Two weeks later, I came home to a package from Sweden containing a Danielsson F3W that I snagged for $212.56 (shipping included). I instantly fell in love with:
- The minimalist, full-cage design
- The light weight
- The satisfying click of the drag
- The elegant machining
If you’re ready to upgrade from your first reel, give Danielsson a shot. Not into waiting for international shipping? Swing by your local fly shop and pick up a Lamson Liquid—another great value.
What’s Worth Paying For?
Pay for nostalgia, the story, and the fitment.
I know I’ll eventually spend a stupid amount of money on a click-and-pawl reel—just because I love how it sounds. I also know I’ll waste months and hundreds of dollars tracking down a vintage Hardy so I can imagine what it was like to fish the North Umpqua before the steelhead runs collapsed.
Some people are just that into brown trout, and they want their reel skin to show it. I get it.
A reel is an expression of your appreciation for the sport. And in that sense, spending a mortgage payment on one can make emotional sense.
Just don’t let a bargain-bin reel stop you from being the fishiest person on the river.
– T
Leave a comment