What’s The Best Fly Reel Under $50 [Buying Guide 2021]

Fly reels are one of the very first tools that cross our minds when we think about going fishing. These reels come in simple designs but are extremely efficient when it comes to catching fish.

Many fishermen, especially beginners choose to use these kinds of reels because they are inexpensive and easy to use. So, if you are looking for the best fly reel under $50 then you’re on the right page.

Choosing a fly reel is difficult. Since there are so many options available in the market, it is inevitable that you’re going to get confused. So, to make things simpler and easier for you, we have already done all the research and given you some promising prospects to consider.

Take a look at our top choices for the best under $50 fly reels and we are sure you will find what you’re looking for. Also, don’t forget to check out our detailed buyer’s guide at the end of this article.

Comparing The Best Fly Reel Under $50 in 2021

1. Piscifun Sword Fly Fishing Reel

If you don’t intend on taking any chances for your favorite pass time i.e. fishing then you might want to check out the most precise and excellent fishing reel, the Piscifun Sword Fly Fishing Reel.

It comes at a very affordable price and we are sure you’re going to fall in love with its performance.

It is available in different sizes and colors for you to choose from. But the reason why we have chosen this fishing reel as our top choice is because of how well it fishes.

Powerful and corrosion-resistant: One thing that most fishermen are usually worried about is rusting their fishing reels. Since they are possibly going to come in contact with water, what you need is rust and a corrosion-resistant fishing reel that is going to last for a very long time.

Lucky for us, the Piscifun Sword Fly Fishing Reel features all these aspects. It doesn’t get rusted or sustain damage that easily. It features an aluminum alloy body that is abrasion and corrosion resistant and is very well-capable for showing resistance against all sorts of weather.

We also loved its precise construction so you’re not going to come across any nicks while you’re on your hunting trip.

Easy to grip: Having a fishing reel that is not only powerful but also ensures maximum convenience is also extremely important. The Piscifun Fishing Reel also comes with an easy to grip handle that is going to make it ten times easier for you to handle it.

It sustains great balance and doesn’t overwhelm the user with jerky motions that might make them lose control over the reel.

Smooth drag system: With a stainless steel and cork construction, rest assured the drag and control over this reel are optimal. It works really well and makes it easier for you to wrap the reel around the fly.

You can lock down the system whenever you prefer while during your hunt, you can keep it balanced enough to catch fish effectively.

2. M MAXIMUMCATCH Maxcatch ECO Large Arbor Fly Fishing Reel

We have come across several people who sometimes need fishing reels urgently but don’t have enough budget to invest in expensive and high-end reels. That is where the Maxcatch ECO Large Arbor Fly Fishing Reel comes into play.

This is one of the highest quality fishing reels available in the market that comes at an affordable price. Trust us when we say that once you invest in this fishing reel, you will never need to take a look at another reel for a very long time.

Solid and corrosion-resistant: The very first thing that we all like to make sure of is the reel is corrosion and rust-resistant, shouldn’t be made out of plastic or low-quality materials.

Then prepare yourself to not get disappointed. The Maxcatch ECO Large Arbor Fly Fishing Reel is made out of aluminum and stainless steel.

It is very well-capable of showing maximum resistance against all kinds of weather so rest assured, it is going to last you for a very long time.

Another thing that attracted us to this reel is that it is available in three different sizes and different colors to choose from. You can conveniently pick one that goes well with your aesthetics and a size that fits your needs.

Ergonomic handle: The Maxcatch ECO Fly Fishing Reel comes with an ergonomic and easy to grip handle that is not going to let you lose even a little bit of balance. The handle is designed nicely and gives you maximum control over the fishing reel.

However, it doesn’t come with a rubber grip that causes a little bit of discomfort when you use it for long hours.

Incredible design: The fishing reel comes with a very large die-casting retrieval and arbor so that you don’t have any trouble retrieving the line. The bearings work in only one direction and are used to be made by the left hand. However, you won’t have trouble switching it between the left and right hands.

3. ANGLER DREAM AnglerDream 8WT Fly Reel

The next fly fishing reel that we have in line is the ANGLER DREAM 8WT Fly Reel. It is another affordable option that people fishermen can go for.

The Angler Dream Fly Reel is a highly durable fly reel that fishermen can use regularly. Since it comes at a decent price and offers smooth reeling in and out, rests assured, you will not have trouble catching your favorite fish with this one.

Ergonomic design: The Angler Dream Fly Fishing Reel comes in a very ergonomic design. Now you will not have to worry about switching it between your left and right hand since it can be done quickly and without tangling the thread.

The handle is covered with a thick and durable rubber that will keep your hands from sweating and ensure you’re at utmost ease when trying to catch a fish.

Corrosion and rust-resistant: Another reason why Angler Dream Fly Reel happens to be one of the most convenient and effective fishing reels is that it is manufactured out of the highest quality materials.

The reel is corrosion and rust-resistant, both of which are among the strongest suites for a high-quality reel. With this fly reel in your grasp, you will not have to worry about running water over it because it can resist the damage caused efficiently.

Smooth operation: Unlike many low-quality and cheap fishing reels, this one can be reeled in and out as smoothly as possible. There aren’t any twists and you won’t have to fear untangling the wire in case something goes wrong. One-click of a button and the fly will smoothly wrap up all the wire without causing any trouble.

4. Redington Crosswater Fly Reel

Another one of the best fly reels under $50 that we would like you to look into is the Redington Crosswater Fly Reel. The Crosswater Reel is extremely popular for being highly durable, weather-resistant, strong, and features cast iron construction.

It is a highly powerful tool for fishing, one that you’re going to enjoy for the longest time.

Great backing space: The selling point of Redington Crosswater Fly Reel features incredible backing space. The dimensions speed up to reduce and retrieve line memory.

You can get several types of a reel in this model based on size, footage, and weight depending on the type of rod.

Powerful drag system: Even though the overall construction quality and durability of this fishing reel are pretty topnotch, the best part about the reel is its powerful drag system. Even the brand has spoken quite highly of the drag system.

It is extremely smooth and convenient to wrap around the reel while the best part is, you will be able to switch it between your left and right hand with great ease.

Limited time warranty: Not all the fly fishing reels in the market, especially ones under a $50 budget come with a limited time warranty but this one does. Redington is proud and sure about the performance of this reel is that they have backed it up by a 1-year warranty.

In case the reel malfunctions during this time or sustains damage, you can always get it replaced with a new one.

5. Piscifun Aoka Fly Fishing Reel Aluminum with Cork Disc Drag System

If you happen to be a fly angler who has a budget set as a top priority, then you might want to take a look at another one of the Piscifun fly reels. It is among the top flying reels on the market for a minimum budget and that too for good reason.

The Piscifun Aoka Fly Fishing Reel offers great advantages over various other angling reels of the same budget. The reel is designed to be a mid-arbor fly reel and also comes with an incredible drag system.

Piscifun has always been famous for coming up with commendable fly reels and the Aoka Fly Fishing Reel is another of their absolute bests.

Drag system: Since we have just mentioned the drag system of this reel, it is highly fair that the first thing we talk about should be this aspect.

The Piscifun Aoka Fly Fishing Reel features a very consistent and smooth dragging system. You can easily switch from a silent drag system to a click-drag system, both of which we really like and are extremely consistent.

Most of the people that we have come across don’t really like the click-drag system since it makes a noise that users don’t really prefer especially when they are in the calmness of nature. But with the Aoka Fly Reel, you will not have to worry about the noise and the power.

Exquisite design: The reel features an all-metal design and body. It is available in several colors to choose from. We were absolutely smitten with how good the reel really looked. It comes with an oversized handle for ergonomic use and has an aluminum spool for a smooth dragging system.

Great build quality: Piscifun made sure to give the Aoka Fly Reel a brushed finish so it can efficiently resist corrosion and dust. The reel is capable of lasting for a very long time and can conveniently sustain any kind of damage that may or may not come away.

6. Sougayilang Large Arbor Fly Fishing Reel

The Sougayilang Large Arbor Fly Fishing Reel is one of the most enigmatic-looking fly reels that we have featured on this list.

If you just take a look at the fly reel, trust us when we say that you won’t be able to resist buying it because of how good and charming the reel truly looks.

We found its golden and silver color combination to be the star of the show. We know how a great-looking reel isn’t really going to do you any good because good looks aren’t going to catch fish.

But lucky for us, along with being enigmatic looking, the Sougayilang Large Arbor Fly Fishing Reel offers commendable support in the performance department as well so we weren’t disappointed.

Great value for money: Many users have found this fly reel to be great value for money. It comes under the $50 budget so basically, the Sougayilang Large Arbor Fly Fishing Reel is known as an entry-level reel, exclusively designed for beginners.

It comes with great construction and a high-quality drag system, something that is rarely found under $50. And given its silver and gold finish along with rust-resisting properties, you will truly have an ace up your sleeve.

Better protection: Most of the problems that occur with fly reels are concerning the bigger wobbles that get very difficult to handle. The Sougayilang Large Arbor Fly Fishing Reel features a very small wobble which ensures maximum convenience.

On top of that, the brand has backed this fly reel with a 5-year warranty which is unlike something we have ever heard before for such an affordable fishing reel. So don’t worry, even if you do get issues with the reel, you can always have it replaced.

Excellent performance: The reel is made out of high-quality aluminum and comes with a large arbor. The arbor helps in speeding up the process of retrieving the line.

There is also a rotary knob system on Sougayilang Large Arbor Fly Fishing Reel that will help you have maximum control over the level of resistance you need when releasing the fly line.

We also loved the fact that how adaptable the reel truly is. With this in your kayak, rest assured that you’re never going to come home empty-handed.

7. Pflueger Automatic Fly Reel

The Pflueger Automatic Fly Reel was one of the first automatic reels in the market and it is still known as one of the top choices that you can ever purchase.

Since it first came into the market, a lot of time has gone by and the reel has been through several improvement phases.

What you see now is a new and improved fishing reel that offers tremendous performance and gives you a fishing experience, unlike something you have ever had before.

Automatic drag system: The most notable feature regarding this fly reel is the fact that it comes with an automatic drag and retrieval system. Now you will not have to worry about manually retrieving the entire line.

All you have to do is just click the retrieval button and the reel will wrap the line all by itself with utmost efficacy.

Topnotch build quality: The brand has made the Pflueger Automatic Fly Reel out of high-quality components. Its handle is made out of sturdy and solid material, covered by rubber so that you won’t get tired of holding it for hours. We also loved how durable the reel is and how it doesn’t feel cheap with regards to its manufacturing at all.

Great design: The Pflueger Automatic Fly Reel might come in a simple design but it surely is very efficient. There are no added tweaks on the reel thus making it very easy to use. You will also find a detailed manual in the package that will give you all the instructions you need to make the reel work.

Fly Reel Under $50: Buyer’s Guide

By now, we are sure you must have gone through all our above-mentioned recommendations for the best fly reel under $50. But in case you’re still confused about your purchase, let our buyer’s guide help you through.

When it comes to buying fly reels under a reasonable budget, there are a lot of things you need to keep in perspective so you can attain the most out of your reel. If you don’t keep the right aspects in mind and end up with a wrong and flimsy reel, there is no chance you will be catching fish on your next adventure.

So, here we are enlisting a few key factors that should be kept in mind when buying a fly reel.

Drag Settings

We don’t suppose anyone would disagree that drag settings are the most essential factor to keep in mind when buying a fly reel.

Drag is the ability of a fishing reel to not let the fish escape if the line isn’t visible. If you happen to be a budget-angler or a beginner, then choosing a click-drag system is going to be your best bet. It works in a very stable form but it isn’t as smooth as a disc.

Retrieval Style

When you start hunting for fly reels, you’re going to come across three kinds of retrieval mechanisms i.e. multiplying reel, single action, and automatic reel.

The most outdated form of retrieval mechanism is the multiplying reel that uses a gear to retrieve the line. It is inconvenient and not many fishermen like to use it anymore.

You can always go for an automatic retrieval system that will bring the line in with a click of a button. It is expensive but very convenient.

Weight

Reels need to be as lightweight as possible and this is what most manufacturers are striving for. We know you must be thinking that how much hassle can a few extra lbs can cause but trust us when you have thrown a line to catch a fish throughout the entire day, even the littlest weight can seem a lot. So, go for lightweight reels.

Ease of Use

Reels shouldn’t come with rocket science. They should have a minimal design, one that can be easily understood by the user.

When you’re buying a fly reel, make sure it comes with an instruction manual so you can learn all that you want about the reel and use it in the most efficient way.

Durability

Make sure that you assess the construction quality of the fishing reel before you buy it. Stainless steel and aluminum fishing reels tend to last for a very long time.

Also, buying a fly reel that is corrosion and rust-resistant. Since you will be using this tool on water, there is a great chance that its mechanism might come in contact with dampness every now and then. Having a fly reel that resists corrosion and rust will be a plus point and it would last you for a very long time.

Frequently Asked Questions

Conclusion

So, this is everything we had regarding the best fly reel under $50. As you can see, finding a fly reel under a decent price point isn’t really a hassle. You just need to look into the right place.

We collected all these recommendations after thorough research and testing. We hope the article was able to help you find what you were looking for. If you have any suggestions in this regard, do let us know through your feedback below.