10 Best Large Arbor Fly Reels 2025 in the United States

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.

The Redington Behemoth 7/8 fly reel offers a strong combination of power, durability, and speed designed for anglers who want a reliable reel for a range of fishing situations—from trout fishing with a 5-weight rod to tackling larger saltwater species. Its large arbor spool enables faster line retrieval and reduces line memory, helping you respond quickly when a fish takes off. The reel features a heavy-duty carbon fiber drag system that provides smooth, reliable resistance up to about 9 kilograms, making it easier to control stronger fish without line breakage.

Weighing just 0.65 pounds, it is lightweight enough for comfortable long fishing sessions, with carbon materials contributing to its strength without extra weight. The line capacity is generous for its size, holding up to 200 yards of 20-pound backing line, which is suitable for handling long runs in both freshwater and saltwater environments. The design includes an ambidextrous handle with soft grips for better control and feedback.

While the reel is built tough with die-cast construction, it may not feel as premium as fully machined reels preferred by some experienced anglers. The retrieve rate is strong but not specifically quantified, so if ultra-fast retrieval is essential for certain techniques, this might be a minor consideration. This reel suits beginners through advanced users who want a versatile, reliable fly reel with a powerful drag and large arbor, especially if fishing multiple types of water and needing a solid all-around performer.

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.