The fishing community is actually divided into those who do spin fishing and fly fishing. While both the reels used for each discipline may look similar to the untrained eye, they are not.
There are subtle differences for sure in the design but significant ones in their function. Fly fishing is perfect for beginners and fly reels are not very expensive either.
So, let’s start your fly fishing experience right now, maybe with our top pick the Aventik HVCE Graphite Fly Reel. Or scan our review further for some of the best fly reels under 50.
Best Fly Reel under 50 Product Reviews!
| Product Name | Weight | Line capacity |
|---|---|---|
| Aventik HVCE Graphite | 4.2oz/120g | WF3F+60m backing |
| Piscifun Aoka XS | 4.5 oz | WF4+80 yards/20 pounds |
| M MAXIMUMCATCH Maxcatch | 4.6 oz | WF1F/100yds/20lbs |
| BAIKALBASS Fly Fishing Reel | 5/7WT | WF6F/100yds/20lbs |
| Redington i.D Fly Reel | 0.3 pounds | WF5F/100yds/20lbs |
| Z Aventik Fly Fishing Reel | 6.14 oz | WF9F+90m backing |
1. Aventik HVCE Graphite – Best Premium Fly Reel
The Aventik HVCE Graphite Fly Reel is our top pick for a lot of good reasons. The graphite material enables it to be lightweight yet powerful and flexible.
It’s durable and corrosion-resistant amongst a lot of other desirable features it comes with. This makes it one of the best saltwater fly reel overall as well in our opinion.
“Check out the best price of Aventik HVCE Graphite on here.”
Features and Benefits:
- Large arbor: The large arbor is perfect for more capacity and faster retrieves. It comes with two extra spools with polycarbonate shocks that are break-proof.
- Disc drag: The central disc drag is ruggedly designed. This way, it’s meant for tough catches but does not lose its smoothness either.
- Graphite: Graphite has all the properties of a good fly reel material. It’s lightweight, powerful, and durable but does not compromise on flexibility.
Specifications:
- Size info: 3/4 dia 76mm
- Weight: 4.2oz/120g
- Line capacity: WF3F+60m backing
- Color: Black
Definitely one of the best and cheapest fly reels Aventik have in its arsenal. Not a bad reel to start with for sure.
Pros
- Extremely durable for the price
- Sleek color
- Smooth to operate
- Very little learning curve
- Strong reel
Cons
- Could use a little more drag
2. Piscifun Aoka XS – The Top-rated fly reel
Our runner-up is the Piscifun Aoka XS Fly Reel which is also quite a distinguishable brand in the fly fishing industry. This is one versatile fly reel meant for both fresh and saltwater. Definitely, one of the best fly reel for trout.
“Check out the best price of Piscifun Aoka XS on here.”
Features and Benefits:
- Sealed drag: The sealed drag design protects it from debris. This also adds to its corrosion-resistant nature and enables it to work on both fresh and saltwater.
- Precise body: This reel is made with precision as a priority. Made out of aircraft-grade aluminum alloy, it’s not only accurate but durable at the same time.
- Smooth operator: This fly reel comes with a carbon fiber drag and cork washer. This ensures smooth operation as you cast and reel it in.
Specifications:
- Line weight: 3/4
- Drag: Sealed
- Arbor: Mid
- Weight: 4.5oz
- Diameter: 2.9″
- Width: 0.94″
- Backing capacity: WF4+80 yards/20 pounds
The best from the brand at this price point for sure. Smooth operation and lots of sizes to choose from depending on what you need.
Pros
- Multiple sizes to choose from
- Versatile design
- Very durable
- Sleek color schemes
- Accurate operation
Cons
- Could use some ball bearings
3. M MAXIMUMCATCH Maxcatch Tino Fly Fishing Reel – Best for Budget
With its large arbor, you’ll retrieve your line pretty fast. It also comes with a durable body that will get you through several fishing trips. One of the best fly reel for redfish for sure.
“Check out the best price of M MAXIMUMCATCH Maxcatch on here.”
Features and Benefits:
- Reinforced construction: This reel is made out of aluminum through and through and with CNC cutting. This cut is like a reinforcement of its design makes it more enduring.
- One-way bearing: Its one-way bearing enables left to right-hand retrieval. This makes it for ambidextrous usage.
Specifications:
- Material: Aluminum
- Hand Orientation: Ambidextrous
- Color: Ice Blue
- Handle Material: Stainless Steel
- Item Weight: 4.76 Oz.
- Bearing Material: Stainless Steel
Very decent fly fishing reel for the price. Will give our top 2 a run for their money.
Pros
- Very durable
- Versatile design
- Left and right-hand retrieve
- Quick-release spool
- Good capacity and fast retrieve
Cons
- Fishing line tends to get caught up
4. BAIKALBASS Fly Fishing Reel – Best all-around fishing reel
This fly fishing reel is as tough as they come. We are very impressed with its endurance and resistance against the elements of both fresh and saltwater. One of the best fly reel for bass fishing we can assure you.
“Check out the best price of BAIKALBASS Fly Reel on here.”
Features and Benefits:
- Cold-forged: The construction of this reel is one of a kind. It is abrasion and carrion-resistant.
- Smooth operator: It comes with a stainless steel drag system and 2+1 ball bearings. That results in easy retrieves and immediate drag engagement.
Specifications:
- Line Weight: 5/7WT – 7/9WT – 9/10WT
- Diameter: 3.54in/90mm – 3.81in/97mm – 4.09in/104mm
- Backing Capacity: WF6F/100yds/20lbs – WF7F/125yds/20lbs – WF9F/150yds/20lbs
This fly reel is not that far in terms of quality compared to our top picks. It looks cool, operates smoothly, and is super durable.
Pros
- Extremely durable
- Versatile design
- Resistant to all sorts of elements
- Smooth operator
- Large arbor
Cons
- Not as fast line retrieve as advertised
5. Redington i.D Reel – The Most User-Friendly Fly Fishing Reel
Talk about a lightweight and sleek fly reel. This one is another smooth operator and is meant for a lot of fish species due to its versatility.
“Click here to get the discount price of Redington i.D Fly Reel.”
Features and Benefits:
- Smooth drag: It comes with a round disc drag. This offers not just smooth but powerful and fast retrieve.
- Large arbor: The large arbor has a large capacity. This further reinforces its top-quality retrieve and smooth operation.
Specifications:
- Material: Aluminum
- Color: Black
- Handle Material: Aluminum
- Item Weight: 0.3 Pounds
- Bearing Material: Aluminum
Redington is an underdog compared to the ones on our list. But, that doesn’t stop us from shedding light on it due to its impressive drag capabilities.
Pros
- Smooth operation
- Easy to handle
- No learning curve required
- Fast retrieve
- Plenty of line
Cons
- Not very durable
6. Z Aventik Fly Fishing Reel – Best for Value
Aventik is not done yet and their second entry also deserves a nod. It comes in multiple sizes and operates rather smoothly. This is quite durable as it is made out of pure stainless steel.
“Check out the best price of Z Aventik Fly Fishing Reel on here.”
Features and Benefits:
- Superb Build: This fly reel is cold-forged aluminum and aircraft grade. This makes it not only super durable but also lightweight.
- Ambidextrous: A fly reel that’s meant for quick left and hand retrieve or change. This enables beginners to use it with very little hindrance.
Specifications:
- Reel size: 7/9 – 3.74 inches (95mm)
- Weight: 6.17 ounces (175g)
- Line capacity: WF9F+90m backing.
Tried our top pick but didn’t work for you? Try this one out!
Pros
- Extremely durable
- Lightweight
- Smooth drag system
- Consistent operation
- Lots of line capacity
Cons
- Too bright color schemes
Things to consider before buying a fly reel (How to choose the best one)
Material of the Gear
The material of your fly reel gear basically determines its durability. Aluminum alloy looks to be well-used in these fly reels but steel may also be desirable given its durability.
But graphite, on the other hand, has both the good properties (durability and flexibility) of both that’s why they are also highly recommended.
Line Capacity, Action, and Size
Your reel’s size determines its line capacity. Line capacity determines how much line you can have in one go. And this determines strength when you reel fish in.
Ball bearings and Smoothness
This is quite simple, the more ball bearings the smoother your reels will go. Ball bearings are crucial to pick the ones that are durable.
Brand and Quality
All the brands we listed above are top brands. Piscifun and Aventik look to be on top of the pack. They manufacture some of the most reliable reels there are for both newbies and pros.
Arbor, Gear Ratio, Speed, and Efficiency
The arbor is essential as to how fast you may retrieve your line. Most fly reels will have a mid arbor or large arbor. The higher the gear ratio
Comfort and Handle Knobs
To fish with a fly reel all day or all afternoon they must be comfortable to wield. A good handle is key for a good fly fishing experience so don’t take it for granted.
Reel Drag & Braking Systems
Your drag and braking system helps your ball bearings on ensuring the smoothness of your fly reel. It also promotes consistent performance. Choose a disc-drag system if you’re a beginner as spring and pawl can be difficult.
Budget
If you’re a beginner, $50 fly reels are good enough. Go for something more expensive if you’ve learned how to do it and want to go for more challenging catches.
Recommended Rod and Reel Combo, Line, and Lure!
Sougayilang Fly Rod Reel – Best Fishing Combos
This fly rod and reel combo comes with a lightweight rod and then a durable reel. The reels themselves are made out of CNC-machined aluminum and comes as a complete package.
This is a beginner’s delight and we highly recommend it for anyone trying to learn the ropes of fly fishing.
Let’s watch the video review!
“Click here to get the discount price.”
Piscifun Sword – Best Fly Fishing Line
One of the best fishing lines for fly fishing. The Piscifun Sword Fly Fishing Line is perfect for trout fishing and many more as it is very versatile. It also works for any weather condition.
“Check out the best price here.”
BASSDASH Fly Fishing Flies Kit Fly Assortment Trout Bass Fishing with Fly Box
Comes with a convenient container and all sorts of fly fishing lure. This set should get you going for a while. Meant for still or running water as well as stocked & resident fish.
“Check out the best price here.”
FAQs
How important is the rod, reel and line in fly fishing?
When it comes to fishing, there has got to be a good balance between skills, technique, and gear. That’s why it’s very important for you to bring with you the best value fly reel that you can get your hands on.
Your skills as an angler can only do so much if your rod, reel, and line can’t hold up to your standards. Also, if your intended catch can easily break them.
Does fly reel color matter?
For the reel itself, probably not as much as your line color or what you’re wearing. If not yet a seasoned angler, then make sure to use the best beginner fly reel.
Does fly reel size matter?
Yes, it does. Make sure to buy the best fly reel for the money that you can get according to what you are intending to catch. Small reels are for smaller fish species and of course, bigger reels are for larger fish species.
How do I choose fly line weight?
The same as with your reel size. Light lines for smaller fish species and heavier lines for larger fish species. Pair it up with your best budget fly reel and you’ll certainly have good results.
How to set up fly fishing line?
Click Here and watch the video.
Final Thoughts
Please do take note that each of the best fly reels under 50 that we listed for you has its own strengths. Our top pick the Aventik HVCE Graphite Fly Reel while we highly recommended may not be what’s best for your needs. We hope you learned a lot from our fly reel reviews.
Maybe you need to take a look at our runner up the Piscifun Aoka XS Fly Reel. Nevertheless, they are great fly reels at an affordable rate. So, pick what you think is best for your style, start practicing now, and reel them IN!
