Best Anti-Reverse Fly Fishing Reels of 2025

Luke Dobson Avatar
Luke Dobson
Last Updated: 6 Feb 2025

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Anti-Reverse Fly Fishing Reels are a type of fishing reel that is designed to prevent the handle from turning backward when a fish is pulling the line. This feature is particularly useful when fishing for larger fish as it helps to keep the line tight and prevent it from becoming tangled or twisted. These reels are available in a variety of sizes and styles, and are a great choice for anglers of all skill levels who are looking to improve their fishing experience. With their innovative design and high-quality construction, Anti-Reverse Fly Fishing Reels are a must-have for any serious angler.

At a Glance: Our Top Picks

Sougayilang Lightweight Baitcasting Fishing Reel Cover #TOP 1
Sougayilang Lightweight Baitcasting Fishing Reel
ftb score rating icon 9.8
ANGRYFISH 8+1BB Spinning Fishing Reel Cover #TOP 2
ANGRYFISH 8+1BB Spinning Fishing Reel
ftb score rating icon 9.7
NGT CKR50 Coarse Fishing Reel with 8lb Line Cover #TOP 3
NGT CKR50 Coarse Fishing Reel with 8lb Line
ftb score rating icon 9.5

Top 10 Anti-Reverse Fly Fishing Reels

#TOP 1

Sougayilang Lightweight Baitcasting Fishing Reel

SEBL
Blue- Left Handed
Sougayilang Lightweight Baitcasting Fishing Reel Cover
Sougayilang Baitcasting Fishing Reel with 9 + 1 Anti-Reverse Ball Bearings, 8.1:1 High-Speed Gear Ratio Casting Reel-Blue-Left

The Sougayilang Baitcasting Reel is designed to enhance your fishing experience. Its lightweight construction, weighing just 7.2 ounces, makes it easy to handle for extended periods. The reel features a strong drag capacity of 17.6 LB, enabling longer casts, while the 8.1:1 high-speed gear ratio allows for quick line retrieval, perfect for various fishing techniques. Enjoy seamless casts and retrieves with its 9 high-quality ball bearings, ensuring smooth operation that helps you maximise your time on the water.

What We Like
Lightweight and easy to handle
High-speed gear ratio
Smooth operation with ball bearings
Durable brass gears
#TOP 2

ANGRYFISH 8+1BB Spinning Fishing Reel

FC100A3-USA
3000
ANGRYFISH 8+1BB Spinning Fishing Reel Cover
ANGRYFISH 8+1BB Collapsible Spinning Fishing Reel with 5.2:1 Gear Ratio Anti-Reverse Right/Left Handle Fishing Reel for Saltwater or Freshwater(X3000)…

The ANGRYFISH Fishing Reel offers an impressive combination of features for anglers. Its corrosion-resistant design and smooth ball bearings ensure a seamless fishing experience. The precision brass gears and hardened metal main shaft provide durability, allowing you to tackle tough conditions with confidence. With its triple disc carbon drag washers, you benefit from enhanced drag control, making it easier to manage larger catches. Additionally, the interchangeable handle allows you to customise your setup, ensuring comfort whether you fish with your right or left hand.

What We Like
Ultra-smooth performance
Durable construction
Great for various fishing types
Affordable for beginners
Customisable handle
#TOP 3

NGT CKR50 Coarse Fishing Reel with 8lb Line

NGT
FRL-CKR50-LINE
Black
One Size
NGT CKR50 Coarse Fishing Reel with 8lb Line Cover
NGT CKR50 Coarse Fishing Reel with 8lb Line, Black

The NGT CKR50 Reel is designed for coarse fishing enthusiasts. It features a rear drag system, allowing you to easily adjust the tension on your line, which is essential for landing fish without losing them. The sharp-stop anti reverse adds security, ensuring your reel doesn't unwind unexpectedly. Additionally, the anti twist system helps prevent line tangles, making your fishing experience smoother and more enjoyable. With an 8lb line already spooled, you are ready to start fishing right away.

What We Like
Easy rear drag adjustment
Sharp-stop anti reverse
Anti twist system
Includes 8lb line
#TOP 4

Sougayilang Round Baitcasting Reel for Fishing

10020
500-Left Hand
XLT-50
Sougayilang Round Baitcasting Reel for Fishing Cover
Sougayilang Round Baitcasting Reel,Conventional Reel-Reinforced Metal Body Anti-Reverse Fishing Reels for Catfish, Salmon/Steelhead, Striper Bass,Tuna and Inshore Saltwater Fishing

The Sougayilang Baitcasting Reel is expertly designed for catfish fishing, featuring a high-performance anti-rust treatment that ensures durability, even in seaside conditions. You can easily clean it by rinsing with water after use. With six stainless ball bearings and one roller bearing, it delivers smooth and consistent drag, making it easier for you to handle large catches. Its extended cranking handles provide added torque for tackling hard-pulling fish, while the centrifugal brake allows for precise casting, enhancing your fishing experience.

What We Like
Durable anti-rust design
Smooth drag system
Easy to clean
Extended cranking handles
Precise casting capability
#TOP 5

Sougayilang SE High-Speed Baitcasting Reel

SEBR
Blue- Right Handed
Sougayilang SE High-Speed Baitcasting Reel Cover
Sougayilang Baitcasting Fishing Reel with 9 + 1 Anti-Reverse Ball Bearings, 8.1:1 High-Speed Gear Ratio Casting Reel-Blue-Right

The Sougayilang SE Reel is a lightweight and powerful baitcasting fishing reel, designed to enhance your fishing experience. Weighing only 7.2 ounces, it is easy to handle for extended periods, making your fishing trips more enjoyable. With a strong drag capacity of 17.6 LB and an 8.1:1 gear ratio, you can achieve longer casts and quickly retrieve your line, perfect for various fishing techniques. Its smooth operation, thanks to 9 quality ball bearings, ensures seamless casts, allowing you to focus on catching fish without the hassle of overruns.

What We Like
Lightweight and easy to handle
Strong drag capacity
High-speed gear ratio
Incredibly smooth operation
#TOP 6

Quantum Optix Size 30 Spinning Reel

Quantum
OP30D
Multi-coloured
30 size/Clampack
Quantum Optix Size 30 Spinning Reel Cover
Quantum Optix Spinning Fishing Reel, Size 30 Reel, Changeable Right- or Left-Hand Retrieve, Aluminum Spool, Stainless Steel Bail Wire, Continuous Anti-Reverse, 5.2:1 Gear Ratio, Silver, Clam Packaging

The Quantum Optix Reel offers a balanced and smooth casting experience, making your fishing outings enjoyable. Its stainless steel bail wire and lightweight composite body help prevent corrosion, ensuring durability against the elements. With continuous anti-reverse technology, you can set a solid hook when reeling in your catch, enhancing reliability. The expertly crafted TRU Balance rotor and adjustable drag provide smooth retrieves, allowing you to reel in medium species like walleye and bass with ease.

What We Like
Smooth casting experience
Durable materials
Reliable hook setting
Easy line retrieval
#TOP 7

Sougayilang SE Lightweight Baitcasting Reel

Sougayilang SE Lightweight Baitcasting Reel Cover
Sougayilang Baitcasting Fishing Reel, Fishing Stuff with 9 + 1 Anti-Reverse Ball Bearings, 8.1:1 High-Speed Gear Ratio Casting Reel-Turquoisee-Right

The Sougayilang SE Reel is designed for anglers seeking a lightweight and powerful fishing experience. Weighing just 7.2 ounces, it allows you to fish for extended periods without fatigue. The high-speed 8.1:1 gear ratio ensures quick line retrieval, perfect for fast-paced fishing techniques. With 9 stainless-steel ball bearings, you can enjoy incredibly smooth casts and retrieves. Its durable construction, featuring heavy-duty brass gears, ensures reliability, making it a great companion whether you're on a lake or at sea.

What We Like
Lightweight and easy to handle
High-speed line retrieval
Smooth casting and retrieving
Durable construction for longevity

Sougayilang R-Spider DL Lightweight Fishing Reel

ZF-LIUYE3000 REEL
black green
3000
Sougayilang R-Spider DL Lightweight Fishing Reel Cover
Sougayilang Fishing reels Light Weight Saltwater Spinning Reel - 39.5 LB Carbon Fiber Drag,12+1 BB Ultra Smooth All Aluminum Inshore Reel for Saltwater or Freshwater-3000

The Sougayilang R-Spider Reel offers an exceptional fishing experience with its super smooth performance, thanks to a lightweight graphite body and rotor. You will appreciate the high-powered 12+1 ball bearing system that ensures effortless retrieves and prevents line slips. Its durable design features a carbon fibre rotor and aluminium spool, providing strength and longevity for your fishing adventures. Additionally, the lightweight build allows for comfortable handling during extended fishing sessions, making it suitable for both beginners and seasoned anglers alike.

What We Like
Super smooth retrieval
High-powered ball bearing system
Durable carbon fibre construction
Lightweight for extended use
Versatile for various fishing
#TOP 9

SHIMANO Aero BB C5000 Spinning Fishing Reel

AEROBBC5000
Silver/Graphite
SHIMANO Aero BB C5000 Spinning Fishing Reel Cover
SHIMANO Aero BB C5000, Black/Silver, Spinning Fishing Reel, 3000, 4.7:1 Gear Ratio, 11.0kg Max Drag, 3+1 Bearings, Anti-Reverse, Aluminum

The SHIMANO Aero BB C5000 is a high-quality spinning fishing reel designed for fly fishing enthusiasts. Featuring a sleek black and silver design, it not only looks stylish but also boasts a robust build. With a gear ratio of 4.7:1, this reel provides an excellent balance between speed and torque, making it easier for you to reel in large catches. Its impressive max drag of 11.0kg ensures you can handle tough fish with confidence, while the 3+1 bearings offer smooth performance for a more enjoyable fishing experience.

What We Like
Stylish black and silver design
High gear ratio for efficiency
Strong drag capacity
Smooth operation with bearings

Seaknight ARCHER II Ultralight Carp Fishing Reel

Reel-ARCHER2-6000
Seaknight ARCHER II Ultralight Carp Fishing Reel Cover
Seaknight ARCHER II Spinning Reel Freshwater 4.9:1 5.2:1 8+1BB Ultralight Carp Fishing Reel 2000 3000 4000 5000 6000 Max Drag 29LB

The Seaknight ARCHER II Reel features a unique rotor design that combines biomechanics with top-notch components, ensuring excellent performance for your fishing adventures. Its aluminium CNC hollow spool is both solid and lightweight, making it easy to handle while maintaining strength. You will appreciate the ceramic line guide, which reduces abrasion on your fishing lines and enhances their lifespan, providing you with a smoother casting experience. With 8 stainless ball bearings plus an anti-reverse ball bearing, this reel guarantees smooth operation, making your fishing outings more enjoyable.

What We Like
Lightweight yet strong design
Smoother casting experience
Durable ceramic line guide
Easy operation with ball bearings
Buying Guide Image

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. Do fly reels have anti reverse?

Fly Reels - Anti Reverse by Henschel® An Anti Reverse reel has a mechanism between the retrieving handle and the spool. This allows a fish to pullline off of the reel whenever a fish fulls the line with a force greater than the drag setting.

2. How does an anti reverse fly reel work?

FAMOUS BILLY PATE "ANTI-REVERSE" FLY REELS - Anti-reverse means the handle never spins on a hot running fish (no skinned knuckles or broken fingernails). THIS IS THE SURGEONS, DENTISTS reel OR anyone else concerned about losing a fingernail. Drag adjustment knob located on handle-side of reel.

3. When would you use an anti reverse reel?

The purpose is to keep anglers from accidentally reeling backwards, and letting out line when they intend to bring it in. An anti-reverse switch gives anglers the option to turn off this feature, so they can back reel, a technique typically used to play larger fish on light line.

4. What does instant anti reverse mean on a fishing reel?

An instant anti-reverse prevents the rotor from moving backwards instantaneously insuring solid hooksets. Instant anti-reverses use a roller bearing for immediate engagement unlike a multi stop which relies on a series of teeth. The gaps between the teeth of a multi stop result in back play thus delaying hooksets.

Editor's Notes

During our anti-reverse fly fishing reel research, we found 122 anti-reverse fly fishing reel products and shortlisted 10 quality products. We collected and analyzed 15,051 customer reviews through our big data system to write the anti-reverse fly fishing reels list. We found that most customers choose anti-reverse fly fishing reels with an average price of £23.56.

The anti-reverse fly fishing reels are available for purchase. We have researched hundreds of brands and picked the top brands of anti-reverse fly fishing reels, including Sougayilang, ANGRYFISH, NGT, Quantum, SHIMANO. The seller of top 1 product has received honest feedback from 22 consumers with an average rating of 4.9.

Written by
Luke Dobson Avatar

Luke is a runner, a climber, hiker, hunter, and a lot more. Luke Dobson is Celtic-born and has lived most of his life in Scotland. However, his sporting endeavours have taken him to several countries around Europe. He serves as a tour guide for countless companies and owns a couple of gyms and recreational centres in Scotland. Luke Dobson is proficient in 7 different languages. He maintains many sport article columns where he shares his wealth of experience in the sport industry.