Best Cheap Fly Reels

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A fly reel does not have to cost as much as a fly rod. For most trout, panfish and bass fishing, the reel mainly stores line and balances the rod; a smooth, reliable drag only really matters when a big fish runs. That is good news, because several affordable reels today are machined from aluminum and have sealed drags that were premium features not long ago.

This list, updated for 2026, includes only reels that are still sold. Our picks are based on manufacturer specifications, warranty terms and long-term feedback from anglers, not on lab tests, and we don't give star ratings.

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Cheap fly reels compared

The best cheap fly reels

The Sword is still one of the easiest recommendations in budget fly fishing. It is machined from 6061-T6 aluminum and hard anodized, so it feels much more solid than cast reels. The mid-arbor spool is a sensible compromise: it picks up line faster than a traditional small arbor but stays compact and light on a trout rod.

It ships set up for left-hand retrieve and converts to right hand with simple instructions. Piscifun backs it with a three-year warranty. A 5/6 Sword on a 9 foot 5 weight is a great all-round setup for brown trout, bass and panfish.

The Behemoth is Redington's heavy-duty value reel and costs more than most reels on this list, but it earns its place. Its drag stacks carbon fiber plates with stainless steel friction plates, which gives it more stopping power than you usually find at this price. A deep V-shaped, large-arbor spool holds plenty of backing for long runs.

Oversized drag knobs and soft-touch twin handles make it easy to use with wet or cold hands. Sizes run from 4/5 up to 11/12, so the same design works for streamer fishing for trout, bass, pike, and saltwater species like redfish and stripers. Colors include black, gunmetal and O.D. green.

Okuma's SLV (the current version is sold as the SLV "b") has been a go-to cheap fly reel for years. It has a die-cast aluminum frame, a precision-machined stainless steel spool shaft, a one-way roller bearing, and a multi-disc drag made of cork and stainless steel.

The super large arbor retrieves line very quickly, which helps with fast fish and keeps line memory low. Sizes cover almost everything from a 2 weight to an 11 weight, and spare spools are inexpensive, so you can carry a floating and a sinking line without buying a second reel. Okuma gives it a one-year limited warranty.

A sealed drag keeps water, sand and grit away from the drag washers, so it needs almost no maintenance beyond a rinse. The Crest brings that feature to a budget price. It is machined from 6061-T6 aluminum and has a large, U-shaped arbor for quick pickup and less line memory.

The knurled drag knob is easy to adjust with a fish on, and a quick-release spool makes changing lines simple. The 7/8 and 9/10 sizes suit bass, steelhead, and inshore salt water. At launch, Piscifun announced a lifetime warranty for the Crest; check the current terms when you buy.

The Platte sits above the Crest in Piscifun's range and costs more, but it is still far below the price of premium sealed reels. It has a fully sealed carbon-to-stainless drag, a large arbor, click retrieve and a drag knob with positive clicks, so it is easy to return to the same drag setting.

The CNC-machined aluminum body is anodized for corrosion resistance. Piscifun also sells a Platte Pro version with a full-size drag knob. If you want one reel for trout now and saltwater trips later, this is a good candidate.

The ECO is built for beginners. It is die-cast aluminum with a large arbor and a simple disc drag, and it is widely sold pre-spooled with backing, fly line and a leader. That saves a new angler from learning knots and line setup before the first trip.

The 3/4 model has a 2.95 inch diameter and holds about 80 yards of 20 lb backing with a 4 weight floating line. It is a good fit for small streams, bluegill ponds and brook trout.

The Redington Zero from our earlier list has been discontinued. Redington's current entry-level reel is the Crosswater IV. Its body is made of durable polymer instead of metal, which keeps it light and helps it balance on longer rods without tiring your wrist.

It has a fully carbon disc drag, a large arbor and a big notched drag knob, and it converts between left and right-hand retrieve. It comes in just two sizes: a 4/5/6 for trout, small bass and panfish, and a 7/8/9 for salmon, big bass and redfish. Pre-spooled versions are also sold.

Sougayilang's machined reel stands out mainly for its five-year warranty. The frame is CNC-machined from aluminum alloy with a hollow, ported design that saves weight. It uses a stainless steel drag with a one-way clutch bearing, and it converts from left to right-hand retrieve.

It is a solid choice for trout and bass anglers who want an aluminum reel without spending much.

The Croch reel is cold-forged and CNC-machined from aluminum, then hard anodized for corrosion resistance. Its concave, ported arbor adds strength and capacity. It uses a stainless steel drag system with a one-way clutch bearing and converts between left and right-hand retrieve.

The mid-arbor spool suits trout rods well. It comes in several colors, and some listings include fly line and a leader.

Goture's reel is one of the cheapest CNC-machined aluminum fly reels you can buy. It has a large arbor, a 2+1 bearing system and a hollow, ported design that keeps it light. It is set up for left-hand retrieve and can be switched to right.

Goture also sells it in rod and reel combos, which can be a very low-cost way to try fly fishing.

How to choose a cheap fly reel

1. Match the reel to your line weight

Fly reels are sized by line weight, like 5/6 or 7/8. Choose a reel labeled for the line you use: a 5 weight rod gets a 5/6 reel. The reel should hold your fly line plus enough backing for the fish you target, typically 50 to 100 yards for trout and more for salt water.

2. Balance

With the reel and line on the rod, the outfit should balance near the front of the grip. A reel that is too heavy makes the tip feel light and loose; one that is too light makes the rod feel tip-heavy. Try the combination in a shop if you can.

3. Drag type

• Click-and-pawl: simple and light, with a classic sound. Fine for small trout and panfish, but offers little resistance.
• Disc drag: smooth and adjustable. The best choice for most anglers.
• Sealed disc drag: keeps water and grit out, so it needs almost no maintenance. Worth it for salt water and hard use.

4. Arbor size

A large arbor picks up more line per turn and reduces coils in the line; it is the better choice for fish that run and for salt water. A mid or standard arbor is smaller and lighter, which suits light trout rods. Most budget reels today are large or mid arbor.

5. Construction

CNC-machined aluminum is the strongest and most precise. Die-cast aluminum costs less and is perfectly adequate for most fishing, but it is a bit heavier. Polymer or composite reels are the lightest and cheapest but less rigid. For a first reel, any of the three works.

6. Warranty

Warranty terms vary a lot, from one year to five or more. On a cheap reel, a good warranty is a sign the maker trusts its product.

Once you have the reel, the line matters just as much. See our guide to the best fishing line for trout, and our overview of fishing reel types if you are comparing fly reels with spinning gear.

Tips to make a budget fly reel last

• Rinse the reel in fresh water after every saltwater trip and let it dry with the spool out.
• Back off the drag when you store the reel so the washers don't compress.
• Keep sand off the spool; a reel case or pouch helps.
• Replace old backing and fly line; it is often the weak point, not the reel.

FAQ

Are cheap fly reels good enough?

For trout, panfish and most bass fishing, yes. The reel mainly holds line, and fish rarely test the drag. Expensive reels offer lighter weight, tighter tolerances and better sealed drags, which matter most for big, fast saltwater fish.

What size fly reel do I need for trout?

Most trout anglers use a 4, 5 or 6 weight rod, so a 5/6 reel is the most versatile choice. For small streams with a 3 weight rod, choose a 3/4 reel.

Do I need a sealed drag?

Not for most freshwater fishing. A sealed drag is worth it if you fish salt water, wade in sandy rivers, or want a reel that needs almost no maintenance.

Is a large arbor better?

For most anglers, yes: it retrieves line faster and reduces line memory. A smaller arbor can balance better on very light rods.

Can I use a freshwater fly reel in salt water?

Occasionally, if you rinse it well afterward. For regular saltwater fishing, choose a reel with anodized aluminum and a sealed drag, such as the Crest or Platte.

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