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SALTWATER FLY REELS

 

A fly reel for bonefish should have a reliable drag system that is smooth, easy to adjust and will not "melt down" at high speed (as the reel empties, a bonefish running at 25mph can cause the spool of a conventional fly reel to revolve at up to 10,000 rpm. Even a large arbor drum can reach speeds of 4,000 rpm!) Large arbor reels are preferred for their fast recovery and low RPM but the spool must be large enough to accommodate the fly line plus 200 yards of 20lb backing, the handle should be balanced to prevent wobble and the entire reel must be corrosion resistant. All our reels conform to these criteria but please remember that however much you pay for a reel, it will still need to be washed in freshwater after each day's use in the salt, and lubricated regularly, or one day it will let you down.

Unless stated otherwise, these reels are ambidextrous but if you specify left-hand-wind or right-hand-wind when ordering we will ensure it is correctly handed for you.  Also, if ordering a reel, line and backing at the same time we will, if you wish, load the backing and flyline onto the reel for you at no extra charge!

Please note that the stated weights and capacities of reels we stock are based on our own measurements and may differ slightly from some adverts or catalogue descriptions. In this way you can compare specifications of the various reels we offer, knowing that they are based on fact, not bias or estimates.

To jump straight to a section on this page, click a bonefish then click your "BACK" button at any time to return to this menu...

                                        Hardy from £469.00
                                        Orvis from £165.00
                                        Redington from £29.99
                                        Snowbee from £155.00
                                        Vision from £59.99
                                        Waterworks Lamson from £120.00

H

Hardy ZANE Saltwater Fly Reel

The standard Zane is anything but standard. It is precision engineered from high-grade aluminium and shares the same glorious looks as the all-titanium Zane Ti (£5,000.00). Constructed so that you can flush it clean at the end of its working day, the open drag system means the sand, gravel and salt that goes in can just as easily be washed out. Zane reels allow you to preset the maximum drag setting to suit your tippet strength exactly. Once set, the drag can’t be over-tightened to result in a break-off. Fully ventilated for lightness and heat dissipation.

Our verdict:The first dedicated saltwater fly reel from Hardys for many years (if ever), and well worth waiting for! Includes many of the important features borrowed from other top makes, plus some Hardy inovations. Ideal teamed up with a Zane rod. If you can't afford a Zane reel we suggest you opt for one of our top quality imports from Vision or Waterworks Lamson  

Hardy ZANE No. 1
Size: 3¾" diameter
Weight: 9oz
Capacity: WF8F + 250yds 20lb Rio Dacron or WF9F + 200yds 20lb Rio Dacron
Colour: silver

Reel: £469.00

Spare Spool: £189.00

Hardy ZANE No. 2
Size: 4" diameter
Weight: 9½oz
Capacity: WF10F + 300yds 30lb Rio Dacron
Colour: silver

Reel: £499.00

Spare Spool: £199.00

Hardy ZANE No. 3
Size: 4¼" diameter
Weight: 10oz
Capacity: WF12 + 400yds 30lb Rio Dacron
Colour: silver

Reel: £529.00

Spare Spool: £209.00

ORVIS FLY REELS

Orvis Mach Large Arbor

Designed and built in conjunction with British Fly Reels, Mach reels combine light weight, large arbor design, high backing capacity and smooth drag power with excellent build quality and a choice of black or platinum finish...

• Machined design is 35% lighter than the Orvis Vortex for all-day casting comfort and rod/reel system balance.
• Large arbor design provides twice the backing capacity as Orvis Battenkill Large Arbor V with nearly the same line retrieval rate, 11" per revolution. Standard arbor reels on average retrieve only 6" of line per revolution.
• Eight separate stainless steel to Broflon® drag surfaces provide smooth, tippet-protecting start-up, tremendous stopping power.
• Large drag knob features 630° indexed adjustment range that is numbered for reference so switching from fighting drag to stripping drag and back again is quick and easy.
• No tools needed to easily swap spools to load a different line for changing angling conditions.
• Hard anodized finish is embedded into the 6262-T6 aerospace-grade aluminum for durability.
• 100% corrosion-proof reel is easy to disassemble and clean.
• Easily switched from right- to left-hand retrieve.
  
• Guaranteed against defects in materials and workmanship.
• Supplied in unique clam shell style protective case that can be used while reel on rod

Our verdict: A great design in a good range of sizes at reasonable prices, backed up by excellent service.

Orvis Mach IV (ideal size for bonefish, permit etc.)
Size: 4" diameter
Weight: 7,5/8oz [218g]
Capacity: WF8F + 200yds 30lb Rio Dacron or WF9F + 200yds 20lb Rio Dacron or WF10F + 200yds 30lb Gel Spun

Orvis Mach V (ideal size for general saltwater use combined with salmon)
Size: 4¼" diameter
Weight: 8¼oz [236g]
Capacity: WF9F + 250yds 30lb Rio Dacron or WF10F + 225yds 30lb Rio Dacron or DT11F + 100yds 30lb Rio Dacron,

Redington Crosswater Large Arbor

Features include saltwater friendly graphite construction, strong one-way Rulon disc drag system with 2-way clicker, unique quick-release spool with large paddle handle knob and easy conversion from left-to-right hand retrieve.

Our verdict: Exceptional value - ideal for that 1st bonefish trip if you're on a budget, or as a reliable back-up reel.

Redington Crosswater CW789
Size: 3,7/8" diameter
Weight: 6oz
Capacity: WF7F + 225yds 20lb Rio Dacron  or  WF8F + 200yds 20lb Rio Dacron  or  WF9F + 175yds 20lb Rio Dacron
Colour: graphite grey

Reel: £29.99

Spare Spool: £11.99

Snowbee XS LA

Made exclusively for Snowbee by British Fly Reels. No expense has been spared in producing this superb saltwater reel. Launched in 2002, the XS Large Arbor fly reels have been tried and tested around the world from the Arctic to the Tropics. It's silky smooth drag system is unbelievable...

• CNC machined from 6262-T6 grade Aerospace Aluminium bar stock, to tolerances down to 0.01mm
• Large arbor diameter for faster retrieve, more consistent drag and less line memory
• Powerful, silky smooth drag system with large drag surface area
• Heat resistant "Broflon" drag discs, bearing on polished Stainless Steel drag washers
• Fully ventilated frame and spool, for fast heat dissipation and reduced weight
• Knurled grip drag control on back of reel
• Hard anodised Black or Titanium finish for total Saltwater and chip resistance
• Easy left to right hand conversion
• Generous backing capacity
• Built for both fresh and saltwater use
• All stainless steel internal parts
• Available in a hard anodised Titanium or Black finish
• Reels and Spare Spools supplied in a deluxe sheepskin lined zippered reel cases
  
• 5 year guarantee
  

Our verdict: Very good value and a great design with fantastic drag system, backed up by good after-sales service.

Snowbee XS LA 780 (suitable size for bonefish, sea-trout etc.)
Size: 3¾" diameter
Weight: 6½oz [185g]
Capacity: WF7F + 200yds 20lb Rio Dacron or WF8F + 200yds 30lb Gel Spun

Vision is a Scandinavian company designing & manufacturing high quality fly fishing equipment at competitive prices...

Vision KOMA

Top value-for-money large-arbor reels, semi-machined from aluminium with one-piece machined shaft, Japanese sealed bearings, tried & tested extra smooth sealed disc drag, soft touch PU handle & brake knob for maximum grip, anti-corrosion anodised finish for saltwater use, 5-year warranty... 

Our verdict: Most reliable saltwater reels on the market at under £100 - exceptional value, backed up by good after-sales service.

Vision KOMA 78 (suitable for bonefish, sea bass, sea-trout etc.) Now in a choice of colours!
Size: 3.85" diameter
Weight: 6¾oz [195g]
Capacity: WF7F + 250yds 20lb Rio Dacron or WF8F + 225yds 20lb Rio Dacron or WF9F + 200yds 20lb Rio Dacron.
Colour: "titanium" or satin black "stealth" finish.

Vision GT

Designed to compliment the modern high tech, lightweight rods, the GT achieves the highest weight to strength ratio of any Vision reel. Each reel is crafted from high grade aluminium bar stock and structured to maximise backing capacity for the hardest fighting fish. Silky smooth, roller bearing action complimented by an impressive disc brake.

Our verdict: Top quality and a great design, backed up by excellent after-sales service.

Vision GT 78 (aka VG79)  ideal size for bonefish, sea bass, sea-trout etc.
Size: 3.85" diameter
Weight: 6,5/8oz [190g]
Capacity: WF7F + 250yds 20lb Rio Dacron or WF8F + 225yds 20lb Rio Dacron or WF9F + 200yds 20lb Rio Dacron.
Colour: bronze

Reel: £139.99 (order #VG79)

Vision GT 11 ideal size for tarpon, bill-fish & salmon.
Size: 4.1" diameter
Weight: 9¼oz [260g]
Capacity: WF10F + 300yds 30lb Rio Dacron or WF11F + 250yds 30lb Rio Dacron or WF12F + 200yds 30lb Rio Dacron.
Colour: bronze

Reel: £149.99 (order #VG11)

Vision XLA

The XLA state-of-the-art large-arbor reel is precision machined from high-grade aerospace bar-stock aluminium with hand finished triple high gloss anodising. Fully waterproof and sealed extra smooth Teflon/stainless steel "non-grab" concentric disc drag with spool running on sealed German-made custom bearings. Silent retrieve with silky smooth line-out click. Soft ergonomically designed polyurethane handle for maximum grip in wet or dry. The unique design allows the frame to carry two spool sizes so you can have one spool loaded with a bonefish line and another loaded with a tarpon or salmon line. Supplied in practical neoprene case that can be used while reel attached to rod. Lifetime workmanship warranty.

Our verdict: Best saltwater reel on the market at under £200 - top quality, versatile reels backed up by excellent after-sales service. Used & loved by BfG!

Vision XLA 910 fitted with shallow (large arbor) spool, ideal size for bonefish, permit, small tarpon etc.
Size: 4¼" diameter
Weight: just under 8¼oz (232g)
Capacity: WF8F + 200yds 30lb Rio Dacron or WF9F + 200yds 20lb Rio Dacron or WF10F + 200yds 30lb Gel Spun
Colour: titanium
RRP: £249.99 special offer nett price: £199.95 (order #VLA910)

Vision XLA 11 fitted with deeper (medium large arbor) spool, ideal for tarpon, salmon etc.
Size: 4¼" diameter
Weight: just over 8¼oz (236g)
Capacity: WF10F + 300yds 30lb Rio Dacron or WF11F + 200yds 30lb Rio Dacron or #10/11/12 Spey salmon line + 100yds 30lb Rio Dacron
Colour: titanium
RRP: £249.99 special offer nett price: £199.95 (order #VLA11)

Top quality saltwater reels from the USA, all with zero-maintenance drag systems. Five models to choose from...

Each model and size listed here is suitable for salwater use. All other models and sizes are available to order.

New Lamson KONIC

New for 2008...

Our verdict: Superb quality, lightweight & attractive, yet strong & practical at affordable prices. Excellent after-sales service.

Lamson KONIC 3.5 (suitable for bonefish, permit, sea-trout etc.)
Size: 3¾" (9.5cm) diameter
Weight: 6oz  (172g)
Capacity: WF8F + 200yds 20lb Rio Dacron or WF9F + 200yds 30lb Gel Spun.
Colour: metalic grey.

Reel: £120.00 (order #KONIC3.5) available now

Spare Spool: £50.00 (order #KONIC3.5S) available now

Lamson KONIC 4.0 (ideal for big bones, permit, tarpon etc.)
Size: 3.9" diameter
Weight: 7oz
Capacity: WF9F + 300yds 30lb Rio Dacron or WF10F + 250yds 30lb Rio Dacron.
Colour: metalic grey.

Reel: £130.00 (order #KONIC4.0) expected end of April 2008

Spare Spool: £55.00 (order #KONIC4S) expected end of April 2008

Lamson RADIUS

Fully-machined mid-arbor reels equipped with their zero-maintenance conical drag, Waterworks-Lamson are able to bring the core technology and craftmanship of their more expensive reels to the fly fisher on a budget... 

Our verdict: Top value USA made saltwater reel, a pleasing combination of traditional style with modern technology & excellent after-sales.

Lamson RADIUS 3.5 (suitable for bonefish, permit, sea bass, sea-trout etc.)
Size: 3½" diameter
Weight: 5¾oz
Capacity: WF7F + 250yds 20lb Rio Dacron or WF8F + 225yds 20lb Rio Dacron or WF9F + 200yds 20lb Rio Dacron.
Colour: black satin.

Reel: £170.00 (order #RADIUS3.5)

Spare Spool: £75.00 (order #RADIUS3.5S)

Lamson RADIUS 4.0 (ideal size for tarpon, salmon etc.)
Size: 3¾" diameter
Weight: 6¾oz
Capacity: WF9F + 300yds 30lb Rio Dacron or WF10F + 250yds 30lb Rio Dacron.
Colour: black satin.

Reel: £180.00 (order #RADIUS4.0)

Spare Spool: £90.00 (order #RADIUS4.0S)

Lamson VELOCITY

Up-graded in 2007
Equipped with a fully machined one-piece spool and the same fully-sealed conical drag system and Hard Alox™ finish as used in the Litespeed and ULA (below), the Velocity is a high-performance large-arbor reel with a conventional frame. Porting of the spool has also been improved to increase ventilation and reduce weight.

Our verdict: A lot of reel for your money - top quality, lightweight, well balanced, simple design, high tech yet simple design with super finish & excellent after-sales.

Lamson VELOCITY 3.5 (ideal size for bonefish, permit, sea bass, sea-trout etc.)
Size: 3¾" diameter
Weight: 6¼oz
Capacity: WF7F + 250yds 20lb Rio Dacron or WF8F + 225yds 20lb Rio Dacron or WF9F + 200yds 20lb Rio Dacron.
Colour: grey Hard Alox™ satin finish.

Reel: £230.00 (order #VEL3.5)

Spare Spool: £100.00 (order #VEL3.5S)

Lamson VELOCITY 4.0 (ideal size for tarpon, salmon etc.)
Size: 4" diameter
Weight: 7¼oz
Capacity: WF9F + 300yds 30lb Rio Dacron or WF10F + 250yds 30lb Rio Dacron.
Colour: grey Hard Alox™ satin finish.

Reel: £250.00 (order #VEL4.0)

Spare Spool: £110.00 (order #VEL4.0S)

Lamson LITESPEED

The new Lamson Litespeed is a true large arbor reel with the same fully-sealed conical drag system and Hard Alox™ finish as used in the Waterworks ULA. Like the ULA, the Litespeed Alox is machined in the U.S. from barstock aluminium. By utilizing a more traditional structural design and foregoing the use of titanium, a very fine, high performance large arbor reel can be offered at a value you would expect from Lamson. Lighter without sacrificing strength, the new Lightspeed Hard Alox will come in a close second to a corresponding ULA Force reel (below) in terms of retrieve rate and weight.

Our verdict: Full high tech large arbor design with high tech features, superb finish & excellent after-sales.

Lamson LITESPEED 3.5 (most versatile size: suitable for bonefish, permit, sea bass, sea-trout, tarpon  etc.)
Size: 4" diameter
Weight: 6¾oz
Capacity: WF8F + 225yds 20lb Rio Dacron or WF9F + 200yds 20lb Rio Dacron or WF10F + 200yds 30lb Gel Spun.
Colour: grey Hard Alox™ satin finish.

Reel: £300.00 (order #LITE3.5)

Spare Spool: £130.00 (order #LITE3.5S)

Lamson LITESPEED 4.0 (ideal size for tarpon, salmon etc.)
Size: 4½" diameter
Weight: 10oz
Capacity: WF9F + 300yds 30lb Rio Dacron or WF10F + 250yds 30lb Rio Dacron or WF10/11/12 Spey + 100yds 30lb Rio Dacron.
Colour: grey Hard Alox™ satin finish.

Reel: £330.00 (order #LITE4.0)

Spare Spool: £140.00 (order #LITE4.0S)

Waterworks ULA FORCE Saltwater/Spey

Strength, grace, speed - just as tarpon, bonefish and steelhead have been shaped by the need to thrive in their environments, so have the ULA Force Saltwater/Spey series reels evolved to live comfortably amid salt, sun, sand, or silt; boat decks and river rocks; powerful fish and blistering runs.

The result is the spectacular retrieve rate of a large-but-light "open" frame and ultra large arbor spool, the use of an oversized high-torque version of Waterworks-Lamson's fully sealed conical drag and Hard Alox™ super-hard ceramic finish. Each ULA reel is fully CNC machined in the U.S., with the highest standards of precision and craftsmanship.

Our verdict: Ultmate combination of superb simplicity, form and function. Zero maintenace drag system. Superb finish & excellent after-sales service (in the unlikely event that you'll need it!).

Waterworks ULA FORCE 3.3 (ideal size for bonefish, sea-trout etc.)
Size: 3¾" diameter
Weight: 7¼oz
Capacity: WF8F + 200yds 20lb Rio Dacron or WF9F + 200yds Gel Spun.
Colour: black/grey Hard Alox™ satin finish.

Reel: £430.00 (order #ULA3.3)

Spare Spool: £170.00 (order #ULA3.3S)

Waterworks ULA FORCE 3.4 (perfect size for bonefish, permit, sea bass etc.)
Size: 4" diameter
Weight: 8oz
Capacity: WF8F + 250yds 20lb Rio Dacron or WF9F + 220yds 20lb Rio Dacron.
Colour: black/grey Hard Alox™ satin finish.

Reel: £440.00 (order #ULA3.4)

Spare Spool: £180.00 (order #ULA3.4S)