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10 Best Large Arbor Fly Reels 2025 in the United States

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Our technology thoroughly searches through the online shopping world, reviewing hundreds of sites. We then process and analyze this information, updating in real-time to bring you the latest top-rated products. This way, you always get the best and most current options available.

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Our Top Picks

#1

Winner

Piscifun Sword Fly Fishing Reels with CNC-machined Aluminum Alloy Body Fly Reel 5/6wt (Gunmetal)

Rating
9.8
Chosen by1,166
Drag System
Weight

Most important from
2454 reviews

Drag System
The drag system is impressive and the gunmetal finish looks great with any rod.
Weight
It’s machined, not cast like most inexpensive reels, and spins smoothly while being lightweight.

The Piscifun Sword Fly Fishing Reel in Gunmetal is a solid choice for enthusiasts looking for a reliable large-arbor fly reel. Crafted from precision CNC-machined 6061-T6 aluminum alloy, it boasts excellent impact resistance and durability. The larger CNC hollow design helps keep the reel lightweight at just 4.7 ounces, making it easy to handle on long fishing days.

It features a mid-arbor design, which is beneficial for minimizing line memory and ensuring quick line pickup, enhancing the fishing experience. The drag system is a standout, combining premium carbon and stainless steel discs with a one-way clutch bearing for smooth and instant drag engagement. This setup provides precise control and a seamless retrieve, essential for fly fishing. Additionally, the reel’s hard-anodized surface treatment adds to its corrosion resistance, making it suitable for use in various weather conditions.

Users will appreciate the ambidextrous hand orientation and easy conversion from left to right-hand retrieve. With a maximum drag of 20 pounds and a retrieve rate of 25 inches, it can handle a variety of fly fishing situations. The three-year warranty further attests to its reliability. However, some may find that the mid-arbor design, while effective, may not match the line capacity of some large-arbor models. Nonetheless, for its price and features, the Piscifun Sword Fly Fishing Reel offers a great balance of performance, durability, and user-friendly design.

Rating
9.8
Chosen by1,166
Drag System
Weight

Most important from
2454 reviews

Drag System
The drag system is impressive and the gunmetal finish looks great with any rod.
Weight
It’s machined, not cast like most inexpensive reels, and spins smoothly while being lightweight.
#2

LAMSON Liquid S-Series Fly Reel, Size -3+, Smoke

Rating
9.6
Drag System
Weight
Material

Most important from
67 reviews

Drag System
The smooth drag system impresses with its reliability and ease of use.
Weight
Combines great quality with a lightweight design for comfortable handling.
Material
Well-made construction that feels surprisingly durable and smooth in action.

The Lamson Liquid -3+ S-Series Fly Fishing Reel is a solid choice for anglers looking for a large-arbor reel suitable for a variety of water types, ranging from freshwater to saltwater. It features a large arbor that allows for quick line pickup and reduces line memory, helping to keep lines and leaders from becoming twisted or coiled. The reel’s drag system includes a sealed conical drag that is smooth and powerful, offering a wide range of resistance while protecting the drag from water and debris, which enhances durability in tough environments.

Constructed from pressure-cast aluminum, the reel weighs just 7.65 ounces yet remains durable enough to handle different fishing situations. It offers a decent line capacity of around 100 yards of 20-pound backing, which suits most fly fishing needs in the weight classes it supports (2wt, 3wt, 4wt). Additionally, its ambidextrous design allows comfortable use for both right- and left-handed anglers.

This reel is versatile and well-built for its price range, providing a dependable, all-around fly fishing option without the premium cost associated with higher-end CNC machined reels.

Rating
9.6
Drag System
Weight
Material

Most important from
67 reviews

Drag System
The smooth drag system impresses with its reliability and ease of use.
Weight
Combines great quality with a lightweight design for comfortable handling.
Material
Well-made construction that feels surprisingly durable and smooth in action.
#3

ROSS REELS Animas Fly Fishing Reel | Durable Lightweight High-Performance Ultra-Large Arbor Reel for Fly Fishing in Freshwater & Saltwater, 4-5wt, Platinum

Rating
9.4
Drag System
Weight

Most important from
45 reviews

Drag System
The drag system is very good, providing reliable and smooth performance.
Weight
Super-light and beautifully crafted, perfect for pairing with an ultra-lightweight rod.

The Ross Reels Animas Fly Fishing Reel is designed for both freshwater and saltwater fishing, making it versatile for various fishing conditions. One of its standout features is the ultra-large arbor, which allows for a faster retrieve rate and reduces line memory issues. The composite-disc drag system, combined with a stainless steel interface, offers reliable and powerful drag performance, which is crucial for managing larger fish.

The machined aluminum construction ensures durability and longevity, while keeping the reel lightweight and easy to handle. The ergonomic design, including a redesigned frame and spool geometry, adds to the reel's visual appeal and functionality. The handle, made from ultra-light canvas phenolic, becomes tackier when wet, enhancing grip during use.

The reel is ambidextrous, suitable for both left and right-handed users. However, the premium build quality and performance come at a higher price point, which might not be ideal for budget-conscious anglers. For anglers looking for a reliable, high-performance reel that can handle both freshwater and saltwater environments, the Ross Reels Animas is a solid choice.

Rating
9.4
Drag System
Weight

Most important from
45 reviews

Drag System
The drag system is very good, providing reliable and smooth performance.
Weight
Super-light and beautifully crafted, perfect for pairing with an ultra-lightweight rod.

Buying Guide for the Best Large Arbor Fly Reels

Choosing the right large-arbor fly reel can significantly enhance your fly fishing experience. A large-arbor reel is designed to hold more line and retrieve it faster, making it ideal for catching larger fish. When selecting a fly reel, it's important to consider several key specifications to ensure it meets your needs and preferences. Here are the key specs to look at and how to navigate them.
Arbor SizeThe arbor size refers to the diameter of the spool where the line is wound. A larger arbor allows for quicker line retrieval and reduces line memory, which is the tendency of the line to retain the shape of the spool. Large-arbor reels are great for targeting bigger fish and for situations where you need to quickly reel in line. If you often fish in fast-moving waters or target species that make long runs, a large-arbor reel is a good choice.
Drag SystemThe drag system controls the resistance a fish feels when it pulls on the line. This is crucial for preventing the line from breaking and for tiring out the fish. There are two main types of drag systems: disc drag and click-and-pawl. Disc drag systems offer smoother and more adjustable resistance, making them suitable for larger fish. Click-and-pawl systems are simpler and provide less resistance, which can be ideal for smaller fish. Consider the type of fish you target and choose a drag system that matches your needs.
WeightThe weight of the reel should match the weight of your fly rod and the type of fishing you do. Reels are typically rated by the weight of the line they are designed to hold, such as 5-6 weight or 7-8 weight. A balanced setup ensures better casting performance and reduces fatigue. If you have a 5-weight rod, for example, you should look for a reel that is rated for 5-6 weight lines.
MaterialFly reels are made from various materials, including aluminum, graphite, and composite. Aluminum reels are durable and lightweight, making them a popular choice for many anglers. Graphite reels are lighter but may not be as durable. Composite reels offer a balance between weight and durability. Consider where and how often you fish to determine the best material for your needs. If you fish in saltwater, look for corrosion-resistant materials.
Line CapacityLine capacity refers to the amount of backing and fly line the reel can hold. This is important for ensuring you have enough line to handle long runs from fish. Large-arbor reels typically have greater line capacity, which is beneficial for targeting larger species. Consider the type of fish you are targeting and the environments you fish in to determine the appropriate line capacity.
Retrieve RateThe retrieve rate is how quickly you can reel in the line. A higher retrieve rate means you can bring in line faster, which is useful when fighting fast-moving fish. Large-arbor reels generally have higher retrieve rates due to their larger diameter. If you often fish for species that make quick runs, a reel with a high retrieve rate will be advantageous.

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