Fly fishing is a reputable outdoor door activity that helps you challenge your ability to fish. Unluckily, the activity can end up being very expensive, which is a thing that normally prevents new anglers from trying it. However, it doesn’t have to be very expensive. There are a plethora of best and most effective gears in the market that don’t cost you an arm and a leg.
In this article, we are into the best fly reels under 100 dollars, which are very reliable and durable to allow you to enjoy your hobby without any interruption. At least, the best fly reels should only consume more of your time rather than consuming all your hard-earned money.
But before you can make any decision, you must know that not all cheap fly reels offer the best results. We’ve reviewed thousands of options, and we narrowed them down to the best 4 fly reels under $100. With our review, you’re sure that you’re getting value for your hard-earned money without necessarily breaking the bank. The fly reels we have reviewed also are made to stand the test of time.
That said, let’s now delve into this list of the best fly reels under $100.
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Best Budget
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Redington Crosswater
This unit by Crosswater offers you function and style on a shoestring budget. It comes with a unique design using reliable polymer material. It has a durable disc-drag system to provide fish-stopping performance and easily turn the head. Aside from that, it is lightweight. Better still, the reel is suitable even when dropped on concrete or rock. Though it is set for the right hand, this unit can also be switched to match both left- and right-handed anglers.
Though the Crosswater doesn’t command the market, you won’t complain about the price. The drag is designed to ensure that it works as intended by bringing big fish like trout. It is super easy to use. For the aesthetic, it is not bad. So, what are you still waiting for? If you plan to go for a fishing expedition soon, you need to grab this fly reel while stock lasts. After all, you’ll save much of your hard-earned money.
Pros
- It is extremely lightweight and affordable
- The drag is very easy to use
- The unit is designed to stand the test of time
- It is good for catching bigger size fish
Cons
- Nothing worth noting
Angler Dream Ex-ALC Fly Reel
If you are looking for a lightweight fly reel, you can always opt for this brand by Angler dream. This unit weighs only 200 grams and features a large hollow CNC design that makes it easier to carry around. It is designed from high-quality aluminum and alloy components that assure you of a stronger and more durable unit.
Moreover, you can use it for fishing in streams, lakes, creeks, rivers, and many other sources.
It is more suitable for fly fishing for various species such as salmon, trout, and many other predatory species. Since the fly leader, fly line, and fly backing are well tied together, you wouldn’t be spending more time trying to get all these units together. This means that you will be ready for fly fishing without any time-consuming assembly.
In addition, it has a woven Dacron braided line inside, and a PVC covering outside that adds to its strength. You are as well assured of smooth drag for more convenient fly-fishing operations. This is because it is equipped with smoother bearings. The aluminum handles are ergonomically designed to keep you feeling comfortable as you perform your tasks.
Pros
- Take less time to assemble, thus saves your time
- Occupies less storage space with its compact design
- Made sturdy for safer and stable operations
- Designed from quality materials that last longer
Cons
- Not suitable for use in salty waters because it requires frequent cleaning
- The inside part of the reel lacks a smoother polish
MAXIMUMCATCH ECO-Large Arbor Fly Fishing Reel
M MAXIMUMCATCH fly reel is equipped with many features to meet all your needs. It is designed from high-grade aluminum materials known for their strength and durability. As a beginner, you can always choose a brand to help you build up your skills for a better experience. With the rugged Teflon drag, you are assured of stable operations to allow you to attract bigger fish.
This unit only weighs 4.5 ounces; you can carry it around without feeling much of its weight. This also contributes to more convenient operations. What’s more, is the fact that they are available in different weights and colors to allow you to choose one that you love the most. You can either increase or decrease the drag using the drag adjustment knob. This prevents unnecessary jumps from minimum to maximum drags and vice versa.
The included leader, fly line, and backing are a huge bonus since they make performing your tasks easier. They are well designed to ensure that you capture fish without any of them escaping.
Pros
- Have a good finish to make it looks elegant
- Very responsive for more convenient operations
- Adjusts easily depending on the size of the fish
- Works best on smaller ponds to capture smaller bass
Cons
- Has an imperfect finish with rough, sharp edges
PISCIFUN Sword Fly Fishing Reel
This reel will match your needs whether you’re a left-handed or a right-handed angler. PISCIFUN fishing reel will match both your budget needs and performance needs. It features a multi-disc cork with a stainless-steel drag unit for smooth and silky drag. Better yet, it has a one-way clutch that promotes smooth drag engagement. Furthermore, it offers correct click drag and also silent retrieve. We also like that this reel is solid and lightweight, solid to stand the test of time, and lightweight to be convenient to use. Unlike the ordinary models, this one is reliable and functional.
Additionally, corrosion resistance ensures that it is weather-fastness and abrasion resistance, tempered and cold-forged for exceptional rigidity and strength. Further, the mid-arbor design lowers line memory while also promoting lightning-quick line pickup. If you’re a casual fly fisherman, then you need to grab this unit before it can run out of stock. What’s more, this reel is well-machined, particularly when you think about its price.
Pros
- Come with a three-year warranty
- The kit is lightweight to offer you convenience
- It is abrasion- and weather-resistance
- Offers you precise click-drag
Cons
- The drag system loosens up after a while
Factors you need to consider when purchasing the best fly reels under $100
When searching for the best fly reels under $100, it is easy to become overwhelmed, particularly when presented with more than one option. However, to be sure with the one you’ll purchase, here are some key factors to offer you a lending hand.
Drag system
A drag system won’t be necessary if you plan to target smaller fish species. Average-sized fish such as panfish, bass, or trout may be played while the hand is on the spool. Therefore, if you aim to chase bigger fish, then getting a reel with a drag system is a must to make the entire experience enjoyable.
Overall weight
It is rare to find a reel under $100 that is both reliable and lightweight. You’ll always have to forego one feature over the other in most cases. If a unit is made from plastic, it will be lightweight but can’t stand the test of time. But go for the one that meets your weight requirements and settle with it.
Arbor size
Of course, arbor size and price don’t often go together. You could find some very expensive reels that still have larger and small arbors and cheap reels that feature small and large arbors. So, this will only have to do with what you need. A smaller-sized arbor is suitable for those anglers who are up to smaller fish because they don’t require to wind inline so quickly, whereas a large arbor is suitable for those targeting large fish species.
Material
They are usually made from plastic material for the cheaper options, and usually, they are brittle but lightweight. In most cases, you’ll rarely get a cheaper fly reel that stands the test of time. That is usually the dealbreaker when cheaper models are on the lookout.
Aesthetics
Several of the cheaper reels do not come with some of the best aesthetics in the market. Unique designs, colors, and looks are features that can only be found on expensive models. Despite that, you can still find the best model under $100 with good aesthetics.
Wrapping it up
That brings us to the end of this post on the best fly reels under $100. If you need to enjoy your fishing expedition without shelling out more from your pocket, you need to check out the options we’ve offered you above.
