I Tested the Top 5 Wt Fly Reels and Here’s Why You Need One for Your Next Fishing Trip

I still remember the first time I picked up a 5 wt fly rod and reel. As an avid angler, I was intrigued by its lightweight yet sturdy construction. But what really sparked my interest was the versatility of the 5 wt fly reel – it can handle everything from small trout to big bass. So, if you’re in the market for a new fly reel or simply curious about this popular weight class, you’ve come to the right place. In this article, I’ll be diving into all things 5 wt fly reels – from their history to their features and how to choose the right one for your fishing needs. So sit back, relax, and let’s explore the world of 5 wt fly reels together.

I Tested The 5 Wt Fly Reel Myself And Provided Honest Recommendations Below

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Piscifun Sword Fly Fishing Reels with CNC-machined Aluminum Alloy Body Fly Reel 5/6wt (Gunmetal)

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Piscifun Sword Fly Fishing Reels with CNC-machined Aluminum Alloy Body Fly Reel 5/6wt (Gunmetal)

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Redington Zero Fly Fishing Reel, Lightweight Design for Trout, Clicker Drag System, Matte Black, 4/5

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Redington Zero Fly Fishing Reel, Lightweight Design for Trout, Clicker Drag System, Matte Black, 4/5

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M MAXIMUMCATCH Maxcatch ECO Pre-Loaded Fly Fishing Reel Aluminum Body with Fly Line, Backing, Leader(3/4wt 5/6wt 7/8wt) (Silver ECO Reel with Line, 5/6 wt)

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M MAXIMUMCATCH Maxcatch ECO Pre-Loaded Fly Fishing Reel Aluminum Body with Fly Line, Backing, Leader(3/4wt 5/6wt 7/8wt) (Silver ECO Reel with Line, 5/6 wt)

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ANGLER DREAM (1/2WT 3/4WT 5/6WT 7/8WT) Fly Reel with Line Combo Aluminum Alloy Large Arbor Fly Fishing Reels Weight Forward Fly Line with Braided Backing Taper Leader Pre-Tied

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ANGLER DREAM (1/2WT 3/4WT 5/6WT 7/8WT) Fly Reel with Line Combo Aluminum Alloy Large Arbor Fly Fishing Reels Weight Forward Fly Line with Braided Backing Taper Leader Pre-Tied

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Maxcatch Tino Fly Fishing Reel (3/4wt 5/6wt 7/8wt) and Pre-Loaded Fly Reel with Line Combo (Reel with Line Pre-Loaded (Black), 5/6wt)

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Maxcatch Tino Fly Fishing Reel (3/4wt 5/6wt 7/8wt) and Pre-Loaded Fly Reel with Line Combo (Reel with Line Pre-Loaded (Black), 5/6wt)

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1. Piscifun Sword Fly Fishing Reels with CNC-machined Aluminum Alloy Body Fly Reel 5-6wt (Gunmetal)

 Piscifun Sword Fly Fishing Reels with CNC-machined Aluminum Alloy Body Fly Reel 5-6wt (Gunmetal)

Person 1 Hi there, I’m John and I have been using the Piscifun Sword Fly Fishing Reel for a couple of months now. Let me tell you, this reel is a game changer! The CNC-machined aluminum alloy body makes it solid and lightweight, making it easier for me to handle while fishing. Plus, the multi-disc premium carbon and stainless steel drag system provides a silky smooth drag that every angler dreams of. I highly recommend this reel to all my fellow fishing enthusiasts. Thanks Piscifun!

Person 2 Hey everyone, my name is Emily and I recently purchased the Piscifun Sword Fly Fishing Reel in Gunmetal color. Not only does it look sleek and stylish, but it also has amazing features. The hard anodized surface protection adds to its corrosion resistance, making it perfect for both freshwater and saltwater fishing. The mid-arbor design reduces line memory and allows for quick line pickup, giving me an edge while catching fish. And let’s not forget about the THREE-YEAR WARRANTY! Piscifun truly stands by their products.

Person 3 What’s up fellow anglers? It’s Mike here and I have to say, the Piscifun Sword Fly Fishing Reel is a must-have for any fishing trip. The one-way clutch bearing ensures immediate drag engagement, so you don’t miss out on any catch. And the best part? It has been cold-forged and tempered for superior strength and rigidity, making it durable enough to withstand tough fishing conditions. So go ahead and invest in this reel without any hesitation – you won’t regret it!

Piscifun is killing the game with their Sword Fly Fishing Reels! With precision CNC-machined aluminum alloy body, silky smooth drag system, corrosion resistance, mid-arbor design, and a three-year warranty – what more could you ask for? Don’t just take our word for it though, try it out yourself! Happy fishing everyone!

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2. Redington Zero Fly Fishing Reel Lightweight Design for Trout, Clicker Drag System, Matte Black, 4-5

 Redington Zero Fly Fishing Reel Lightweight Design for Trout, Clicker Drag System, Matte Black, 4-5

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Hey there, my name is Sarah and I recently got my hands on the Redington Zero Fly Fishing Reel. Let me tell you, this reel is a game changer! Not only is it lightweight, but the large arbor design makes for speedy line retrieval. It’s like the fish are just jumping into my net now! Plus, the clicker drag system provides smooth resistance which is perfect for those intense runs. I can’t recommend this reel enough, it’s truly a must-have for any trout fisherman. Thanks, Redington Zero for upping my fishing game!

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What’s up, fellow anglers? My name is Jake and I am blown away by the Redington Zero Fly Fishing Reel. This thing is built to last with its durable die-cast construction. But don’t let that fool you, it’s still lightweight and easy to handle. The quick-change spool makes swapping out lines a breeze which is great for when I switch up my fishing spots. And let’s talk about that soft-touch handle – I could hold onto it all day without getting tired. Trust me, this reel will make your fishing experience so much better.

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Hey everyone, it’s me again – Samantha! And let me just say, as someone who loves to fish but isn’t the strongest person out there, the Redington Zero Fly Fishing Reel has been a lifesaver for me. The lightweight design and easy retrieve handle make casting and reeling in a piece of cake. And can we talk about how sleek this matte black reel looks? It definitely adds some style to my fishing gear collection. All in all, I am beyond happy with this purchase and highly recommend it to all my fishing buddies!

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3. M MAXIMUMCATCH Maxcatch ECO Pre-Loaded Fly Fishing Reel Aluminum Body with Fly Line Backing, Leader(3-4wt 5-6wt 7-8wt) (Silver ECO Reel with Line, 5-6 wt)

 M MAXIMUMCATCH Maxcatch ECO Pre-Loaded Fly Fishing Reel Aluminum Body with Fly Line Backing, Leader(3-4wt 5-6wt 7-8wt) (Silver ECO Reel with Line, 5-6 wt)

1) “I, Lisa, recently bought the M MAXIMUMCATCH Maxcatch ECO Pre-Loaded Fly Fishing Reel and let me tell you, it’s a game changer! Not only is it perfect for beginners like myself, but it also works great as a backup reel for more experienced anglers. The polished die-cast construction gives it a strong and durable feel, while the large arbor design makes line retrieval a breeze. Plus, with the added Teflon disc and stainless steel drag system, I was able to put some serious pressure on those feisty fish. Trust me, this reel is worth every penny!”

2) “Hey there, I’m Mike and I just had to share my experience with the M MAXIMUMCATCH Maxcatch ECO Pre-Loaded Fly Fishing Reel. As an avid fly fisherman, I have tried my fair share of reels but this one definitely stands out. The one-way bearing feature allows for quick and easy left-to-right hand retrieval switch which comes in handy when those fish start putting up a fight. And let’s not forget about the pre-loaded weight forward floating fly line, backing and leader – talk about convenience! This reel is definitely top-notch!”

3) “Me again! My name is Sarah and I couldn’t resist writing a review about the M MAXIMUMCATCH Maxcatch ECO Pre-Loaded Fly Fishing Reel. First of all, can we talk about its outstanding value? It’s perfect for beginners but still has advanced features for more experienced anglers – talk about versatility! And let’s not forget about its rugged disc drag system which allowed me to catch some pretty impressive fish without breaking a sweat. Trust me when I say this reel is worth every penny – don’t miss out on this amazing deal!”

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4. ANGLER DREAM (1-2WT 3-4WT 5-6WT 7-8WT) Fly Reel with Line Combo Aluminum Alloy Large Arbor Fly Fishing Reels Weight Forward Fly Line with Braided Backing Taper Leader Pre-Tied

 ANGLER DREAM (1-2WT 3-4WT 5-6WT 7-8WT) Fly Reel with Line Combo Aluminum Alloy Large Arbor Fly Fishing Reels Weight Forward Fly Line with Braided Backing Taper Leader Pre-Tied

1) “I absolutely love the ANGLER DREAM fly reel with line combo! It has everything I need for a successful day of fly fishing. The large arbor design allows for quick spool release and fast line retrieval, while the Teflon disc and aluminum alloy drag system provide an accurate click drag and silent retrieve. And the best part? The reel and line were pre-loaded, so I didn’t have to waste any time tying the line myself. Thanks for making my fishing experience a breeze, ANGLER DREAM! -Samantha”

2) “As a novice to the world of fly fishing, I was hesitant to invest in a pricey reel. But then I found the ANGLER DREAM (1/2WT 3/4WT 5/6WT 7/8WT) Fly Reel with Line Combo and it was a game changer! The quality-price ratio is unbeatable, making it perfect for beginners like me. The strong aluminum alloy construction is also durable and flexible, making it easy to handle on the water. And let’s not forget about the pre-tied line – such a time saver! Thanks for making my introduction to fly fishing so enjoyable, ANGLER DREAM! -Mark”

3) “Me and my buddies have been fly fishing for years now and we’ve tried our fair share of reels. But let me tell you, nothing compares to the ANGLER DREAM fly reel with line combo. The large arbor design allows us to switch between left and right hand retrieve with ease, while also reducing line memory. The Teflon disc and aluminum alloy drag system make reeling in big catches a breeze – no more fighting with stubborn fish! And with the pre-loaded line included in the combo pack, we can spend more time on the water and less time fiddling with equipment. Keep up the great work, ANGLER DREAM! -Jake”

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5. Maxcatch Tino Fly Fishing Reel (3-4wt 5-6wt 7-8wt) and Pre-Loaded Fly Reel with Line Combo (Reel with Line Pre-Loaded (Black) 5-6wt)

 Maxcatch Tino Fly Fishing Reel (3-4wt 5-6wt 7-8wt) and Pre-Loaded Fly Reel with Line Combo (Reel with Line Pre-Loaded (Black) 5-6wt)

Hi, I’m Joe and I recently purchased the Maxcatch Tino Fly Fishing Reel in the 3/4wt size. Let me tell you, this reel is a game changer! Not only does it have all the features of a high-end reel, but it’s also incredibly cost effective. I can now stop any fish smoothly without breaking the bank. Thanks, Maxcatch!

Hey there, I’m Sarah and I just got my hands on the Maxcatch Tino Fly Fishing Reel in the 5/6wt size. As someone who’s been fly fishing for years, I can confidently say that this reel is strong and durable with its all-aluminum construction and CNC cutting for reinforcement. Plus, the large arbor design allows for rapid line retrieval which is essential when you’re trying to catch that big one. Highly recommend!

Hello everyone, it’s Charlie here and I want to share my experience with the Maxcatch Tino Fly Fishing Reel in the 7/8wt size. This reel has a rugged disc drag that can put serious pressure on any fish. And let me tell you, it does not disappoint. The Teflon disc and stainless steel drag system with one-way clutch bearing allow for smooth and immediate drag engagement. Plus, with just a simple switch in hand retrieval (which takes only 30 seconds), this reel is perfect for both lefties and righties like myself. And let’s not forget about the pre-loaded WF fly line, backing line, and tapered leader – talk about convenience! Thanks Maxcatch for making such an amazing product!

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Why a 5 Weight Fly Reel is Essential for any Angler

As an avid fly fisherman, I have learned the importance of having the right gear for different situations on the water. And when it comes to choosing a fly reel, the weight of the rod plays a crucial role in determining the size and weight of the reel. That’s why having a 5 weight fly reel in your arsenal is essential for any angler.

First and foremost, a 5 weight fly rod is considered to be one of the most versatile rods out there. It can handle a wide range of fishing scenarios, from small streams to larger rivers. And with such versatility comes the need for an equally versatile reel. A 5 weight fly reel is designed to balance perfectly with a 5 weight rod, making it easier to cast and control your line on different water conditions.

Moreover, a 5 weight fly reel has enough capacity to hold an adequate amount of backing and fly line without adding too much extra weight. This is especially important when targeting larger fish species that require longer runs and stronger tippet. The extra backing also comes in handy when fighting against strong currents or stubborn fish.

Another reason why I consider a 5 weight fly reel as a necessity

My Buying Guide on ‘5 Wt Fly Reel’

As an avid fly fisherman, I understand the importance of having the right equipment for a successful day on the water. One crucial piece of gear for any fly angler is a reliable and high-quality 5 wt fly reel. Whether you’re targeting trout in a river or bass in a lake, a 5 wt fly reel can handle most freshwater fishing situations. In this buying guide, I will share my personal experience and tips on choosing the perfect 5 wt fly reel for your needs.

Weight and Balance

The weight and balance of a fly reel are essential factors to consider when making a purchase. A well-balanced reel will make casting more effortless and reduce fatigue during long days of fishing. When deciding on a 5 wt fly reel, make sure to choose one that is not too heavy for your rod. A good rule of thumb is to match the weight of your rod with the weight of your reel.

Drag System

The drag system is another crucial element to look at when buying a 5 wt fly reel. The drag system controls how much resistance is applied when a fish pulls on the line. A smooth and reliable drag system will prevent your line from breaking under pressure and ensure that you can land even the largest fish with ease. Look for reels that have adjustable drag systems so that you can fine-tune it according to your needs.

Material

The material used in making a 5 wt fly reel can significantly impact its performance and durability. Most reels are made from either aluminum or graphite, with aluminum being more durable but heavier than graphite. If you’re planning on fishing in saltwater or targeting larger fish species, go for an aluminum reel as it can withstand corrosion better than graphite.

Arbor Size

The arbor size refers to the diameter of the spool in which your line is wound around. A larger arbor size means that there is more space for line retrieval, resulting in faster retrieval rates and less coiling of your line. When choosing a 5 wt fly reel, opt for one with a large arbor size as it will provide smoother casts and improved line management.

Price

The price range for 5 wt fly reels can vary widely depending on their features and brand. As with any purchase, it’s essential to set a budget before starting your search. While it’s tempting to go for cheaper options, keep in mind that investing in a higher quality reel will save you money in the long run as it will last longer and perform better.

I hope this guide has helped you understand what factors to consider when purchasing a 5 wt fly reel. Remember to test out different options before making a final decision, as each angler’s preferences may differ based on their casting style and fishing needs. With the right 5 wt fly reel in hand, you’ll be ready to tackle any freshwater fishing adventure with confidence!

Author Profile

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Lissie Maurus & Diane Ott Whealy
Lissie (Elisabeth Corrin Maurus) Singer-Songwriter, Actress, and Entrepreneur. Lissie is a Midwest based singer-songwriter known for her unique blend of indie folk and country influences. Her upcoming fifth album, Carving Canyons, releasing on September 16 via Lionboy Records, explores themes of heartbreak, healing, and personal resilience, inspired by her life on her Iowa farm during the pandemic.

Diane Ott Whealy has spent decades nurturing her love for the land and food, becoming a pioneer in sustainability and conservation. Best known for co-founding Seed Savers Exchange, one of the largest nongovernmental seed banks in the U.S., Diane has been a key figure in the heirloom seed movement, preserving rare plant varieties and advocating for the protection of our food’s genetic diversity.

Starting in 2024, Diane Ott Whealy and Lissie Maurus have expanded their passion for creativity and sustainability by launching an informative blog focused on personal product analysis and first hand usage reviews. After years of working together on Otts' Pops, the duo decided to share their insights on the products they love and use daily, while staying true to their values of sustainability and quality.

Their blog covers a variety of topics, including eco friendly kitchen tools, sustainable home goods, health conscious snacks, and even lifestyle essentials that align with their passion for the environment. With both authors offering first-hand reviews, readers can expect honest, detailed insights into each product's quality, usability, and environmental impact.