Best Right Fly Fishing Reels of 2026

Luke Dobson Avatar
Luke Dobson
Last Updated: 9 Feb 2026

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Fly fishing enthusiasts know the importance of having the right gear to ensure a successful and enjoyable fishing experience. One of the most crucial pieces of equipment is the fly fishing reel, which not only holds the line but also helps to control the fish. A high-quality fly fishing reel can make a significant difference in the success of a fishing trip. In this article, we recommend some of the best fly fishing reels available in the market that are durable, reliable, and provide excellent performance.

At a Glance: Our Top Picks

GLA 7/8 Fly Fishing Reel with Line Cover #TOP 1
GLA 7/8 Fly Fishing Reel with Line
ftb score rating icon 9.9
Martin Caddis Creek Size 6/5 Fly Reel Cover #TOP 2
Martin Caddis Creek Size 6/5 Fly Reel
ftb score rating icon 9.8
Pflueger Automatic Fly Reel, Size 44385 Cover #TOP 3
Pflueger Automatic Fly Reel, Size 44385
ftb score rating icon 9.6

Top 3 Right Fly Fishing Reels

#TOP 1

GLA 7/8 Fly Fishing Reel with Line

Orange GLA7/8
GLA 7/8 Fly Fishing Reel with Line Cover
Fly Fishing Reel, GLA 7/8 Fly Fishing Reel with Line Left/Right Hand and the Required Fishing Lines, Fisherman Accessory, Fly Fishing Wheel with Fishing Line (Orange GLA7/8)

The GLA Fly Fishing Reel is designed for convenience and durability. Its robust ABS shell and metal inner shaft ensure that it withstands the rigours of various fishing environments, making it a reliable choice for you. Lightweight and compact, this reel is easy to carry, allowing you to enjoy your fishing trips without the burden of heavy equipment. You can select from two sizes, ensuring you find the perfect fit for your needs. Equipped with all the necessary fishing lines, it simplifies your setup, letting you focus more on your fishing experience.

What We Like
Durable materials
Lightweight and portable
Two size options available
Includes necessary fishing lines

Martin Caddis Creek Size 6/5 Fly Reel

MARTIN
MLT63A,,CP4
Black
Martin Caddis Creek Size 6/5 Fly Reel Cover
Martin Caddis Creek Fly Fishing Reel, Size 6/5 Single Action Fly Reel with Rim-Control, Changeable Right- or Left-Hand Retrieve, Lightweight Aluminum Spool, Brown, 63

The Martin Caddis Creek Reel is a 6/5 single action fly reel designed with a reinforced aluminium spool, making it an excellent choice for catching various fish such as panfish, trout, walleye, and bass. The metal clicker features an on/off control, allowing you to manage your fishing experience effortlessly. You will appreciate the push-button spool release, which offers convenience when changing lines. Pre-spooled with 20-pound backing, LT6F fly line, and a 5X leader, this reel ensures you are ready to fish right out of the box.

What We Like
Lightweight aluminium construction
Easy right- or left-hand retrieve
Convenient push-button spool release
Pre-spooled for immediate use
#TOP 3

Pflueger Automatic Fly Reel, Size 44385

1149987
Multi-coloured
Pflueger Automatic Fly Reel, Size 44385 Cover
Pflueger Automatic Fly Reel, Size 44385 Fishing Reel, Right Handle Position, Corrosion-Resistant Aluminum Alloy Frame & Spool

The Pflueger Size 44385 Reel is designed for effortless one-handed operation, allowing you to fish with your right hand while navigating with your left. Its lightweight, corrosion-resistant aluminium alloy frame ensures durability without weighing you down. With a convenient line trigger, you can quickly wind in your line, reducing the risk of tangles and frustrations. This reel adapts to various fishing conditions, helping you manage every situation with ease, so you can focus on reeling in that big catch.

What We Like
Lightweight and durable design
Easy one-handed operation
Quick line retrieval
Adapts to various conditions
Buying Guide Image

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. What is a right hand fly reel?

A Left Hand Retrieve will place the handle of the reel on the left side of the rod for your left hand to reel up the line. Right Hand Retrieve will place the handle of the reel on the right side of the rod for your right hand to reel up the line.

2. Which hand do you reel with if you are right handed?

Just like spinning, if you are right-handed (casting and holding the rod in the right hand) use a reel that has the crank handle on the left side (labeled as “left-handed”). Left-handed anglers should choose a baitcasting reel with the crank handle on the right side (labeled as “right-handed”).

3. What type of reel do you use for fly fishing?

There are two main systems on the market: click-pawl, and disc drag. In the past fly reels used by the everyday fly fisherman had a "traditional" click-pawl style drag mechanism. The drag tension was provided by a clicker (pawl) that ticks against the teeth of a round turning gear, which makes a clicking sound.

Editor's Notes

During our right fly fishing reel research, we found 306 right fly fishing reel products and shortlisted 3 quality products. We collected and analyzed 8,659 customer reviews through our big data system to write the right fly fishing reels list. We found that most customers choose right fly fishing reels with an average price of £26.32.

The right fly fishing reels are available for purchase. We have researched hundreds of brands and picked the top brands of right fly fishing reels, including WDEC, MARTIN, Pflueger.

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.