The Best Tarpon Fly Reels, Tested and Reviewed

Hook the Silver King and you’ll be in your backing faster than you can say the word “tarpon.” These powerful creatures are known for their explosive runs and will put even the best gear to the test. When it comes to staying connected with a tarpon, your reel serves as your lifeline. The right tarpon fly reel can tame hot fish, deliver smooth drag outputs, and withstand the harsh conditions of saltwater flats fishing. 

To understand what sets a great tarpon fly reel apart from another saltwater reel, we set out to test offerings across brands this spring. He headed to the Florida Keys, fishing for oceanside tarpon with the goal of finding out what reels live up to the hype. Below you’ll find our picks for the best tarpon fly reels.

• Best Overall: Hardy Fortuna Regent
• Runner-up: Mako Tournament
• Best Value: Redington Grande

Rest of the Best

• Tibor Gulfstream
• Orvis Mirage
• Abel SDS

Best Overall: Hardy Fortuna Regent

Specs:

• Size: 9-11 wt 
• Line Capacity: WF11+200 yds (30lb Dacron)
• Weight: 9.9 oz
• Price: $850

Pros:

• One drag knob turn equals full drag
• Wide diameter spool increases line pickup
• Lightweight feel

Cons:

• Flat reel handle can take some getting used to

The Fortuna Regent is the newest saltwater reel from Hardy, and it’s clear it was designed with tarpon in mind. Working with legendary anglers like Andy Mill, Hardy accounted for just about every need a saltwater angler may have. For starters, the drag system reaches full drag in a single turn. In testing, this enabled us to identify key stopping points for particular drag settings to adjust through the fight. For instance, we set the drag to a certain setting for the initial run of a tarpon. Then, as the fish tired, we increased the drag tension to the next point, effectively wearing out the fish and boating them in short order. 

We also liked the particular spool design Hardy chose for this reel. It features a large arbor design with a wide diameter spool. When working a fish on the reel, this improved line pickup is especially important if a fish is running towards you. It’s worth noting that the spool is thinner than other reels we tested, but not so much that you sacrifice backing capacity. It also helps lighten this reel.

We fished the Fortuna Regent in the 10,000 size. This reel comes with 15 pounds of drag, more than enough for tarpon fishing, especially if you are fishing 16-pound class tippet. Hardy also makes this reel in a 12,000 size for additional line capacity and drag strength, but for oceanside tarpon fishing, we never felt undergunned with the 10,000.

In the end, this reel took home best overall, due to its angler-focused features and ability to make quick work of a tarpon. The lightweight feel, precision machining, large arbor spool, and crisp drag system cover all the bases for tarpon anglers. It also comes in at $850. While this is expensive, it’s far less than other premium tarpon reels on the market.

Runner-Up: Mako Tournament Edition

Specs:

• Size: 10/11 wt 
• Line Capacity: N/A
• Weight: 15 oz
• Price: $2,265

Pros:

• One drag knob turn equals full drag
• Drag system with markers for specific drag poundages
• Fully sealed drag

Cons:

• Expensive

The Mako 9600 Tournamnet Edition is a behemoth of a reel developed specifically for anglers demanding the most out of their gear. When money’s on the line and every ounce of drag and fish matter, this is the reel you should trust. For starters, it features Makos legendary sealed carbon drag system, the same found in the standard 9600. It maxes out around 15 pounds and is more than enough for tarpon anglers.

What sets this reel apart is the added features that make setting and using the drag easier. Compared to standard Mako reels the drag knob is offset, meaning it protrudes from the side of the reel. When making on-the-fly adjustments it’s much easier to find and manipulate this drag knob.

What really stands out about this reel is the integrated drag knob marking system. The pre-drilled ports accept color-coded drag markers, enabling you to measure the drag and set the marker for quick and repeatable drag tensions time and time again. Every reel comes with three markers so you can properly set drag settings for different stages of the fight. 

If money weren’t an option, this would be the only reel we’d use for tarpon. That said, at $2,265, it’s the most expensive reel we tested. While it offers top-notch performance at a premium price, there are many other great reels that achieve nearly the same results for significantly less. But if money is not an option, then this is the reel you want.

Best Value: Redington Grande

Specs:

• Size: 9-11 wt
• Line Capacity: WF11+275 yds (30lb Dacron)
• Weight: 11 oz
• Price: $380

Pros:

• Impressive backing capacity
• Great performance to price ratio
• Good looking reel

Cons:

• Somewhat clunky

If you’re on a budget and performance matters, seriously consider the Redington Grande. The Grande is Redington’s answer to a big game reel. It’s available from 5-wt to 14-wt sizes and features a fully sealed carbon drag system. We opted for the 9/10/11 size, which pairs well with 11-weight tarpon rods.

Compared to other reels in this size, the Grande has impressive backing capacity, 275 yards of 30lb dacron to be exact. This is due to the unique V-shaped spool that Redington chose. This spool design adds additional line capacity while reducing the amount of line staking, ensuring your backing comes off the reel smoothly.

The Grande is on the heavier side; however, for a reel half the price of any we tested, this is not a big concern. The Grande also comes with an impressive drag system, with one of the highest max drag settings. When you hook a fish, it engages instantly, so startup inertia is not a big concern. For the money, it’s easy to see why the Grande takes home the best value award.

Rest of the Best

While these reels didn’t take home our top categories, they were right there in the running. These are the rest of the best, and reels worthy of tangling with the Silver King.

Tibor Gulfstream

Specs:

• Size: 11-15 wt
• Line Capacity: 300 yds. of 30 lb. Micron WF12F
• Weight: 10.9 oz
• Price: $795-$970

Pros:

• Classic-looking reel
• Reliable and simple drag system
• Great Backing Capacity

Cons:

• Somewhat clunky

If you’re at all familiar with the history of tarpon fishing, you’ve likely heard of Tibor. The brainchild of Ted Juracsik, Tibor was started with the help of Billy Pate with one goal in mind: chasing record tarpon. While you can still buy a redesigned version of the original Billy Pate Anti-Reverse reel, we opted for the Tibor Gulfstream. 

The Gulfstream is a big game-rated reel built to catch anything from tarpon to tuna. It does so with a unique cork drag system. While most big game reels today opt for a carbon drag system, the cork system has its own benefits. The simplicity of the drag system makes it simple for anglers to maintain and fix on the water; all you need is a penny to get to the cork disc drag. It’s also worth noting that this design does not compromise in drag strength or startup inertia whatsoever. 

The Tibor Gulfstream borrows a lot of styling from the original Billy Pate Series reels, with a solid body and ported spool. For that, we give it an A+ in looks, with its simple and classic styling. Compared to other ported reels we tested, that does lend this reel to be slightly more cumbersome. But for those waiting for shots at fish, this is not a dealbreaker. Overall, if you’re looking for a simple, dependable reel that oozes tarpon fishing history, you can’t go wrong with the Gulfstream.

Orvis Mirage VI

Specs:

• Size: 11-13 wt
• Line Capacity: WF12+325yds (30lb Dacron)
• Weight: 12.9 oz
• Price: $898

Pros:

• Impressive backing capacity
• Fully sealed drag is exceptionally smooth
• Well-priced premium reel

Cons:

• Heavier than other reels we tested

The Orvis Mirage has been the flagship reel of the brand for the better part of a decade and has seen multiple iterations. The current version has been on the market for several years now and consists of sizes ranging from trout to tuna. We opted for the Mirage VI, rated for 11 through 13 weight rods, and it was one of the larger reels we tested. While the V would work for the job, the added line capacity and improved drag steered us towards the VI.

For starters, the Mirage VI comes in at $898, and while expensive, it was the second-cheapest premium reel we tested. With that, anglers get a fine-tuned big game fishing machine. The Mirage VI has little to no startup inertia and a smooth drag throughout its drag range. It also features a one-turn drag system, allowing anglers to adjust their drag to the exact poundage quickly.

Being rated one size larger than most reels we tested, the Mirage was slightly heavier. However, it was not so heavy as to impede your casting, especially paired with a light rod. The Mirage VI comes with two spool options, the standard and the deep. For tarpon fishing, the standard maximizes line pickup and is the option we chose. It’s worth noting that for those who target other big game species like bluewater fish, the deep spool is capable of fitting 600 yards of 50-pound gel-spun backing. This can be purchased separately, giving anglers a versatile reel for the flats and the deep blue.

When it came down to it, the Orvis Mirage VI was a strong contender for the best tarpon reel. We’d put its smooth and powerful drag up against any reel we tested. The reason this reel didn’t edge out the Hardy and Mako was the feel in the hand. A larger reel knob would benefit the Mirage, as well as a slightly narrower and wider spool. That said, if it’s in your price point and you’re looking for a reliable, USA-made reel, don’t shy away from the Mirage VI.

Abel SDS

Specs:

• Size: 11/12 wt
• Line Capacity: WF11 + 285yds+ (30lb Dacron)
• Weight: 10 oz
• Price: $1,195 (base)

Pros:

• Great looking reel with plenty of custom options
• Fully sealed drag disc drag
• Lightweight feel

Cons:

• Custom options can get expensive fast

The Abel SDS (Sealed Disc Salt) is Abel’s answer to a premium saltwater reel. It features a fully-sealed disc drag, is available in ported or solid configurations, and is available in three sizes ranging from 7-wt to 12-wt. For targeting tarpon, the largest size (11/12 wt) is what we tested.

As we mentioned, this reel is available in ported or solid face configurations. When it comes down to it, this is personal preference. However, we chose the ported option to shave off a few ounces and make our setup lighter overall. The SDS has respectable backing capacity, rated for 285 yards of 30-pound Dacron. 

The drag system in the SDS delivers an impressive 30 pounds of max drag. While this is impressive, for tarpon fishing, there is no need for this much drag. With that in mind, the SDS does deliver smooth and consistent drag output that, when used correctly, will tire out a tarpon in short order. 

When it comes down to it, the Abel SDS is an excellent modern tarpon reel. The base retails for $1,195, which is expensive. If you want custom finishes, the price only goes up from there. For those in search of a reel that performs and looks the part, the Abel SDS is a phenomenal reel. 

How We Tested the Best Tarpon Fly Reels

You can learn a lot about tarpon fly reels at home—max drag, weight, and backing capacity. But when it comes down to it, the only proper way to test tarpon reels is by fishing for tarpon. On the water, you see how they perform under pressure, pair with rods, and what they are ultimately capable of. A reel that may, in theory, check all the boxes can turn out to be a dud on the water.

To understand where each reel excelled, we headed to Marathon, Florida, in the heart of the Keys. Here we fished for a week straight, targeting strings of migratory oceanside tarpon. Fish in the 80 to 120 pound class are common, with the chances of a fish pushing 140 not unrealistic. We evaluated the reels on the following criteria specific to tarpon:

• Line capacity
• Drag strength
• Drag start-up inertia
• Overall feel
• Weight

What to Consider When Buying a Tarpon Fly Reel

Tarpon reels serve as the backbone between you and the Silver King. They have to be able to withstand the powerful runs and harsh saltwater conditions time and time again. When looking for your first or newest tarpon reel, these are the things to consider.

Budget

Thankfully, modern advancements in fly fishing gear mean there is a tarpon reel for every angler at every budget. When buying a new reel, it’s important to keep in mind how much you’ll be fishing for tarpon when budgeting. If this is a one-and-done trip, then reels like the Redington Grande offer everything you need to land a tarpon. If you plan on taking annual trips, then maybe splurge on a premium reel. And for those outright obsessed anglers that dedicate weeks a year to targeting the Silver King, the best of the best is right for you. 

Drag

When it comes to tarpon reels, two things are important: start-up inertia and repeated drag settings. Start-up inertia comes down to how seamlessly and smoothly your line comes off the reel. You want a reel that instantly engages the drag in a smooth manner so that it does not break off a running tarpon.  

The next measure of a good reel is drag repeatability. Every new tarpon reel will perform out of the box, but you need a reel with a durable and repeatable drag system. This means delivering the same drag output after 10, 20, or even 100 fish are hooked and fought. A drag that weakens over time is not worth the money. 

It’s worth noting that many companies market their reels off of max drag outputs. While this sounds impressive, at the end of the day, anglers will rarely use more than 15 pounds of max drag. So while 30+ pounds of max drag may sound great, there is no need for this when tarpon fishing.

Line Capacity

The last measure of a good tarpon reel is line capacity. In general, a tarpon reel should be able to hold 200 or more yards of 30-pound Dacron backing. If the reel can’t do this, then look for a bigger size or a different option altogether. 

With advancements in backing technology, anglers now have the option of gel-spun backing. This style of backing offers an exceptional strength-to-diameter ratio. Translation: You can add more gel-spun backing with a higher break strength than Dacron.

FAQs

Q: What size reel for tarpon fishing?

Tarpon fly reels vary in size based on the manufacturer. To find the best size reel, look for the size rated for 11-weight fly lines. If reel sizing falls in between two categories, the smaller size can sometimes be the better option and will save some weight. Just make sure the reel you choose is capable of holding at least 200 yards of 30-pound Dacron backing.

Q: What size rod and reel for tarpon?

The most popular rod and reel sizing for tarpon is a 9-foot 11-weight fly rod paired with an 11-weight reel. This is the Swiss Army knife of tarpon fishing and is right at home tackling 80-pound or 150-pound tarpon. If you consistently target fish on the lower end of the spectrum, choose a 10-weight with a matching-sized reel. Conversely, if you are strictly fishing for the largest tarpon, then a 12-weight rod and reel should be your go-to.

Q: What is the best fishing reel for tarpon?

The best reel for tarpon fishing is the one that fits in your budget, delivers smooth and consistent drag, and holds an ample amount of backing. With modern tarpon reels, there are plenty of great options on the market. We dove into some of the more popular options to help cut through marketing jargon and find what is right for you.

Final Thoughts

Tarpon are powerful creatures, and with that comes the need for a good tarpon reel. To see just what reels are up to par, we put these through the wringer in the Florida Keys. After testing, the Hardy Fortuna Regent came out on top as the top contender for its price point and overall attention to the demanding needs of a tarpon angler. The Mako 9600 Tournament Edition was a close runner-up, and the Redington Grande took home best value. All the reels on the list have their own pros and cons, and if made the list, it’s up to the demanding nature of tarpon fly fishing.