Gear » Fly Reels

Gear is expensive, which makes this week one of the few times each year when the price tags ease up a bit. Black Friday and Cyber Monday are now a predictable part of the fly-fishing calendar. Every season manufacturers and specialty brands offer meaningful discounts, and it is always worth paying attention. If you need travel gear, cold-weather layers, a...

In an effort to continually bring fly-fishing history to light in new and interesting ways, the American Museum of Fly Fishing is kicking off an exciting program to create commemorative pieces of classic American tackle in partnership with some of the world’s finest reel-makers, rod-builders and artisans. Due to the significant amount of time and effort...

It's been three years since legendary angler, tier, author, and artist Dave Whitlock passed away. This weekend, Dave's wife, Emily, will be hosting an online auction of an impressive list of gear left behind. (Check out the items up for action here.) Here's Emily's announcement of the event: Dave’s been gone 3 years now and much about my life has changed...

By: Rick Mikesell, MidCurrent Gear Guru I landed my first ever saltwater fish, a black drum, on a Nautilus FWX 7/8. That reel went on to land my first redfish, bonefish, baby tarpon, and barracuda. Ten or so years later, it is still kicking. Since then, I have added several Nautilus reels to the collection. Built in Miami and trusted by saltwater guides and...

By Rick Mikesell, MidCurrent Gear Guru Ross Reels has announced the release of the Machinist Edition ($295), a limited-edition reel designed to honor the people and processes behind every reel produced at the company’s Montrose, Colorado, facility. According to Ross, the Machinist Edition is machined, hand-finished, anodized, and assembled in Colorado...

By: Rick Mikesell New for 2025, Temple Fork Outfitters has announced the Dispatch series, an all-in-one fly rod and reel kit aimed at new and progressing anglers. According to TFO, each Dispatch rod is built with a moderate action that provides a smooth, forgiving feel ideal for improving timing and technique, while still delivering enough power for anglers...

Nautilus Reels has announced the release of their new GTS 5/6 reels. This new size joins the previously-announced GTS reels in Nautilus' much-loved lineup. Nautilus introduced several advancements when releasing the GTS reels, including "effortless left-hand to right-hand conversion" and an expanded drag adjustment range. The GTS series replaces the NV-G...

Hardy Fly Fishing, the renowned maker of reels and rods in the United Kingdom, has partnered with Trout Unlimited to create a new reel. The Limited Edition Trout Unlimited Tealweight Fly Reel is designed for 3 and 4-weight rods, and only 300 have been built. For every reel sold, Hardy will donate $100 to Trout Unlimited. The Tealweight is available right...

Nautilus, the Miami-based reel manufacturer, has just announced the release of their newest reel series, the GTS. The GTS is replacing the NV-G series, which was a standout for Nautilus for years. The GTS building on the current GTX reel, a flagship product for Nautilus. However, the GTX is only available for 12-weight lines, so the GTS will take some of...

Ross Reels has launched a limited-edition version of their Cimarron reel to support Casting for Recovery. Casting for Recovery is a nonprofit that uses fly fishing to help women with breast cancer. The limited edition Cimarron will be a 5/6, and with every sale, Ross will donate $50 to Casting for Recovery. Casting for Recovery's retreats introduce over 80...