7 Best Ultralight Fly Fishing Reels
Joshua Keaton
Nobody wants to do weightlifting when what you intended to do was fishing. Spending long hours enjoying your favorite sport can be physically taxing to your shoulders and arms. You would rather spend that energy fighting with strong fishes!
That being said, we bring you the best ultralight fly fishing reels that are available in the market. One has spent enough years carrying heavy reels. It is time to reward yourself with new ones that do not strain your upper body. Check out the pros and cons of each of these reels and choose which suits your needs.
You deserve only the best!
7 Best Ultralight Fly Fishing Reels
1. Sougayilang Fly Fishing Reel
2. Hardy Ultralite ASR Fly Fishing Reel
3. Hardy Ultralite CADD Fly Fishing Reel
4. Roll over image to zoom in Piscifun Sword Fly Fishing Reel
5. AnglerDream Fly Reel
6. Piscifun Blaze Fly Fishing Reel
7. Piscifun Aoka Aluminum Fly Fishing Reel
Sougayilang Fly Fishing Reel
This fly fishing reel is equipped with a stainless steel drag system that has a one-way clutch bearing for fast and smooth drag engagement. It has an accurate click-drag, and silent retrieve. This reel is precision CNC-machined to assure durability in high impact scenarios. It also is made of aluminum alloy to deliver strength and sturdiness. This product is ultra-lightweight, practical, and easy to use. It offers less line stacking and higher line retrieval rates. Covered with a gold finishing, this reel is aesthetically pleasing and high-performing. For only $35.99, this product will be a perfect gift to yourself or a loved one!
Pros
- Good aesthetics
- Unique
- Fast delivery
- Affordable
Cons
- Needs good maintenance
Our Take
It is rare to see a flying reel that is golden. This is why when I saw this one, it immediately caught my attention. It arrived on time, and it was packaged well in such a way that the reel inside will not be damaged. This is important to me because I have had experiences before where my order got damaged on the way. The reel surface is very smooth. Its different parts fit well with one another. Its machining is very impressive. Beyond that, the drag is pretty good, and the retrieve is pretty smooth. However, there might be some room for improvement when it comes to durability. Retrieving could get challenging in the long run as the product wears off over time. This is considerable if you are highly meticulous and careful of the way you handle your reels. If so, this product will be a great affordable option for your big game fishing. It would also be a nice gift to a special someone or a friend who enjoys fishing as much as you do. Overall, its appearance is unique and classy, and it will last longer if you take care of it well.
Hardy Ultralite ASR Fly Fishing Reel
This fly fishing reel has a unique Assister Spool Release or “ASR” spool system that makes your performance smooth and flawless. This feature assures a fast and easy spool release system that automatically releases the spool with one small flick of a switch. This then immediately takes on the new spool with one easy push-fit. It has a heavily ported lightweight design that lessens the strain on the arms of the fisher while fishing. This product caters to the needs and challenges of modern river fishing. This Hardy ASR is highly durable and long-lasting.
Pros
- Highly durable
- Very good quality
- Good packaging
Cons
- Relatively expensive
Our Take
This product has satisfied me as soon as I opened the delivery. The product was packaged really well. I am impressed with this reel because of how easy it is to change the cassettes. Many of us do not like meticulous work, especially while on water. At first, the process might be tricky, but it turns out to be very quick when you get the hang of it. Mind you; it would only take around two practices to be very familiar with it. Basically, it made the process very easy for me. Its larger arbor makes it easier to bring in fishes of bigger sizes. This impressed me even more considering how lightweight it is despite all of the power it has. Consider buying one as an investment. It is not as cheap as some flying reels out there, but this will last you longer. It will also be very hard to let go once you have gotten used to the quality it delivers. I am highly recommending this. It would also be great to give as a gift since its package is already presentable and gift-worthy!
Hardy Ultralite CADD Fly Fishing Reel
This fly fishing reel is constructed with a bar Stock 6061 alloy incorporated in its stunning industrial design. A new feature this reel has is a 360-degree color-coded drag system. This makes it easier for you to remember your drag setting with just one glance. Its ultra-large arbor also makes catching fishes of bigger sizes easier. Another feature is a captive spool release system, which results in easy changing of spools. This reel boasts high-quality performance and lightweight comfort for less than $300. Offered in different colors, you can choose which one you like best. Although, each and every one of them looks equally classy!
Pros
- High quality
- 360 color coded drag system
- Ultra lightweight
Cons
- Relatively expensive
Our Take
This is easily one of the most lightweight fly fishing reels I have ever had. It performs just like a real Hardy product. This reel looks aesthetically pleasing on top of the exemplary performance it gives. Let me start with the 360 color-coded drag system. As you are fishing in the waters, it is hard to keep track of all the minor details around you because you inevitably have to think about many things at once all the time. With this feature, you are always able to keep track of your needed drag setting because colors are simply more natural to remember. The design of this reel is well thought of and useful. Another convenience this item brings is the easy changing of spools that can be credited to the captive spool release system. It generally makes my fishing experience less tiring and meticulous. This is one of the products I will confidently recommend to another fisher because the price you are paying is worth the benefits you accrue. On top of all this, Hardy has an excellent customer service which makes their brand more appealing.
Roll over image to zoom in Piscifun Sword Fly Fishing Reel
If you are looking for a reliable fly fishing reel that suits your tight budget, this one is for you. For only $69.85, this product has a lot to offer! It has a multi-disc cork, and a stainless steel drag system with a one-way clutch bearing that results in a smooth and immediate drag engagement. Certainly, this reel is solid and lightweight. That is because of the precision CNC-machined 6061-T6 aluminum alloy used to construct this product. What makes this reel significantly lighter is the larger CNC hollow design that other reels do not have. Exposure to different weather conditions can easily wear out an ordinary reel. That is why Piscifun developed this one to be corrosion resistant. Hard anodized surface protection secures it from weather fastness. It is also cold forged and tempered for improved rigidity and durability.
Pros
- Very affordable
- Good quality
- Corrosion-resistant
Cons
- Normally set for left-hand retrieve. Must contact customer service to alter
Our Take
The delivery came on time, and the product was well packaged. There were no hassles on my part nor any hidden fees. This reel is very well thought of in the creation process. If I take a look at the details, it seems to me that every design and part is there for a specific purpose. The drag is smooth, just like the more expensive ones in the market. I am pretty impressed with the way the quality turned out despite its pricing. The wheel is very sturdy and does not wobble. This is important to me because even just the slightest inconvenience matters when you are out there fishing in the waters. I also have to commend the versatility of this reel because you can pair it up with basically any fly rod. The finishing seems to be very corrosion resistant because it barely has any scratches after months of usage. I have always known Piscifun products to be affordable yet can perform just as well as the more expensive ones. It is great to know that what I have bought delivered the same expected performance again. On top of all this, Piscifun offers a 3-year warranty for whatever issues you may have with its performance and quality.
AnglerDream Fly Reel
This is one of the most affordable fly fishing reels in the market today. However, unlike most inexpensive reels out there, this one offers a great performance that exceeds your expectations for its price point. This reel is specially designed for clearwater. To prevent corrosion, one must clean the reel after exposure to saltwater. The reel is made of aluminum, and its line is 100ft long. For beginners, this is highly recommended because of the ease it offers. The braided backing line is made of braided dacron that measures 50 yds. It has a vibrant color for high visibility in order to aid the vision of fishers as is goes to the water. The strength the line has does not change underwater.
Pros
- Very affordable
- Easy to use
- Ideal for beginners
Cons
- Not very durable
Our Take
This fly fishing reel is ideal for beginners who want to try out fishing. It is lightweight, small, and very easy to use. For its price, the reel performs better than what you would expect. I was doubtful of this one because it is significantly cheaper than what I would usually buy. It is not as bad as I thought. It gets the job done without major issues. Of course, it is not as durable as high-end ones. If well taken care of, this reel can last in a reasonable amount of time. I appreciate the vibrant color on the line because it is easier to keep track of where it is going. Sometimes, it is hard to locate the line, especially if you are a beginner. This product is truly great for people who are interested in starting out fishing because one does not have to spend so much on a piece of equipment that can do the job. I would recommend this as a gift to people who you think are curious about the sport/ recreation. It is affordable, fun to use, and certainly worth its price.
Piscifun Blaze Fly Fishing Reel
Just like other Piscifun products, this fly fishing reel is a less expensive alternative to high-end items that offer the same benefits! It is made with CNC-machined 6061-T6 aluminum alloy that gives it high-impact durability. Along with that is its multi-disc cork and stainless steel drag system paired with a one-way clutch bearing that delivers a smooth and immediate drag engagement. The concave-shaped arbor adds greater strength and capacity. It provides a great balance among backing capacity and rapid line pickup, which makes line backlash less likely. This product is also corrosion resistant due to its hard anodized finishing. It is easy to convert from left to right retrieve or vice versa. Although customer service is glad to help, shall you need any. Piscifun, like always, offers a 3-year warranty for any repairs the product will be needing.
Pros
- Cheap
- Comes with a 3 year warranty
- Smooth drag
Cons
- Highly recommended for freshwater use only
Our Take
Even the appearance of this reel exceeds my expectations for its price point. The anodized finishing makes it appear very classy. Upon arrival, the reel was programmed for the left-handed retrieve. As a right-handed person, I wanted to have it adjusted to my needs. I was not sure if I should do it by myself or ask for help from their customer service. To put all forms of risk aside, I decided to call them up and asked if they can do the work for me. They were very accommodating and welcoming. For my fishing experience, I would say that this reel performs beyond its price. Sure, it is not the strongest reel I have come across, but factoring in the price, it is beyond satisfactory. The drag is smooth, and I have had no problems with retrieving. It is highly recommended for freshwater, but I had to use it a few times for my saltwater fishing. So far, it did not have any corrosions because I immediately rinsed the reel with water after. Overall, this product is pretty satisfactory. Piscifun will also cover this item under warranty within three years of purchase in case you need any assistance or specific services.
Piscifun Aoka Aluminum Fly Fishing Reel
The AOKA reel series is perfect for those who want to go on fishing while working on a tight budget. This reel offers the same quality as bar-stock aluminum from Piscifun’s Trout Series reels, but for a lower price. It has a cork/Teflon disc drag system with a one-way clutch bearing the delivers smooth immediate drag engagement. It showcases a mid-arbor design that reduces line memory while also maintaining fast line pickup. Another feature is the quick spool release and easy retrieve change from left to right or vice versa. Having an exquisite appearance with a fully machined frame, it is hard to believe that this reel costs only $44.95.
Pros
- Inexpensive
- Has a 3-year warranty
- Performs like a high-end one
Cons
- Might lose color overtime
- Handle is not as sturdy as expensive ones
Our Take
This reel is indeed what Piscifun says it is. It offers the same quality the Trout Series has, but it is for those who want to save their dollars. Although I am not yet sure if its outer finishing will last overtime like the high-end ones, I am already satisfied with the practical performance it has in the waters. For less than $45, I have no complaints about it. The aesthetics are on point, and dragging a catch with this one is fairly smooth. The handle is not as sturdy as the expensive ones, but it still does the job in the same way. I have also noticed that the moving parts have high-quality grease on them, which makes the equipment more functional and convenient to use. It surprised me as well when the package came with a bag that can act as a protective case of the reel. I have had experiences in the past wherein my reel was damaged when I was transporting it from one place to another. At least that common problem may be mitigated now. For any issues, the product is covered by a 3-year worry-free warranty that can take your concerns off of your shoulders. This is such a steal considering its price.
