Stalking tarpon in saltwater may well be the ultimate test for a reel. Go with a fly reel that's not built to hold up to these great gamefish and when you’re miles from shore with no backup your dream trip can quickly turn into a heartbreaker. That’s the bad news.
The good news is that the fly reels we’ve chosen from Hatch, Nautilus, Tibor, Abel and Sage are all built for the rigors of tarpon fishing. You can’t go wrong with any of these reels. we actually use them all ourselves just so we can honestly say how well they hold up.
In the market for a fly rod, too? Be sure to check out our picks for some of the best fly rods for tarpon fishing, too.
| Reel | Line weights | Price |
|---|---|---|
| Hatch Iconic 11+ fly reel | 10wt-11wt | $998.00 |
| Tibor Signature fly reel | 8wt–12wt | Starting at $745.00 |
| Nautilus CCF-X2 6/8 fly reel | 8wt–12wt | $435.00 |
| Nautilus NV-G 5/6 fly reel | 5wt–12wt | $560.00 |
| Abel SDS fly reel | 8wt–12wt | Starting at $995 |
| Sage Spectrum Max fly reel | 8wt–12wt | $525.00-$550.00 |
| Lamson Litespeed M fly reel | 8wt-12wt | $649.00-$749.99 |
Price: $998.00
Line weights: 2wt - 16wt
Hatch builds some of the finest fly reels on the planet for both freshwater and saltwater fishing. Built entirely in the USA and available in sizes from 2wt to 11wt, the Hatch Iconic has everything covered from baby tarpon to the giants. The 11+ will cover your giant tarpon needs. For baby tarpon take a look at the Hatch Iconic 9+.
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Price: $495.00-$770.00
Line weights: 8wt - 12wt
Equipped with their award-winning dual action CCF-X2 drag system, hybrid ceramic bearings, and a fully sealed design using their Activseal technology, these Nautilus reels are superb for saltwater fishing. Available in brushed titanium or black anodized finish. The features on these reels are extensive, so click to learn more.
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