The Best Click-and-Pawl Reels of 2026
Click-and-pawl fly reels still rule trout water — here are the best of 2026, from the $110 Redington Zero to the made-in-Montrose Ross Colorado.
Tagged
fly reels
10 posts tagged "fly reels".
What Is Reel Startup Inertia (and Why It Matters on Light Tippet)?
Startup inertia is the fly-reel spec nobody explains — and the one that actually protects light tippet when a trout runs. What it is, the physics, and why it beats max drag.
Click-and-Pawl vs Disc Drag (for Trout): Which Do You Actually Need?
Click-and-pawl or sealed disc drag for trout? How each works, when each wins, and the honest truth about how little drag a trout reel really needs.
Hardy Built a Reel Just for Streamer Fishing — the Averon
Hardy built the first fly reel made just for streamer fishing: the Averon Streamer, designed with Kelly Galloup. A first look at what a streamer reel needs.
Diamondback Ideal Nymph Reel Review — Built for the Rod It Ships With
The Diamondback Ideal Nymph Reel is designed specifically for the Gen IV nymph rod. Here's what it does, how it balances the outfit, and why pairing works.
Lamson Liquid S Reel Review — The Workhorse That Handles October Browns
The Lamson Liquid S is the reel on my 7wt streamer rod — reliable sealed drag, large arbor, and built to handle October fishing. Here's why it earns its spot.
Ross Colorado Reel Review — Click-Pawl for Small Water
The Ross Colorado is the reel on my Scott F Series glass rod. Click-pawl, beautiful build, Colorado-made — it matches small-creek fishing perfectly.
Best Fly Reels Under $500: Five Worth Buying in 2026
Verified specs and honest takes on the best fly reels under $500. From the $150 Lamson Liquid S to the $249 Orvis Hydros — what each is actually good for.
Ross San Miguel Reel Review — Sealed Drag, Old-School Character
The Ross San Miguel is the reel on my Winston Pure 2 — sealed carbon drag, beautiful machining, Colorado-made. Here's why it pairs with the Winston.
Ross LTX Reel Review — Made in Colorado, Built to Last
The Ross LTX is the reel on my Scott Centric — fast drag, precise, built in Montrose, Colorado. Same town as the rod it pairs with. Here's why this combo works.