Finding fishing reels made in the USA is frustrating nowadays because many of the brands we used to depend on have moved their manufacturing overseas. Thankfully, there are still some great options out there, and we decided to put together a list of all of our favorites to simplify your search so that you can spend less time shopping and more time reeling!
In this guide, we cover many types of reels, including spinning reels and baitcasting reels, and at the bottom of the page, we’ve even included some good fly reels.
List of American-Made Fishing Reels (Spinning, Baitcasting & Fly)
Penn Torque II Spinning Reels (Extremely Trustworthy Brand)
| Estimated Price | $800 |
| Origin of Manufacturing | Philadelphia, Pennsylvania |
| Weight | 1 pound |
| Material | Stainless steel |
Penn’s Origin and Manufacturing Locations:
Penn reels are absolutely legendary in the fishing industry and are known to be some of the highest quality reels ever made. Penn is an American-made company that was founded in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, but they now keep its headquarters in Spirit Lake, Iowa. The company was founded by Otto Henze, who, after leaving Germany at the age of 25, came to the United States and founded Penn in 1932.
The company makes over 220 reel models, but we advise caution when it comes to the brand. Unfortunately, they sent many of their manufacturing jobs overseas. Only a couple of their reel styles remain American, including the International series and the Senator series.
Any time that you want an American-made reel from Penn, you can spot it easily because they will print “Made in USA” right on the packaging out in the open. Most of their manufacturing facilities in the USA closed down, and only their plant in Philadelphia remains. If you’d like to learn more about Penn’s manufacturing processes and which models are made in the USA, you can check out our full article on where Penn Reels are made here.
Why We Like This Reel:
Sleek, elegant, simplicity—three words that you would use to describe the Penn Torque II Spinning reel. These reels are very durable and do well in a variety of situations. Along with being some of the smoothest reels I’ve ever used, they’re also very durable, which is nice in situations where they might take a beating, like when casting from the shore or traveling in a boat on a wavy day. The reel is ambidextrous and has a full metal IPX6 sealed body. IPX6 means that they have sealed it from heavy seas and sprays and adds to its durability.
They designed the Torque II for heavy-duty fishing applications like tarpon, sailfish, striped bass, grouper, Mahi, and tuna. Yellowfish and cobia can’t deal with this reel. You don’t have to worry about the playback from the reel like what you might get with the other reels. When you put the Torque II on a pole, make sure that it has enough drag and that you can adjust the reel properly. This ensures that you will get the most out of the reel.
You don’t have to clean the inside of this reel since it has self-cleaning technology that handles it for you. The only thing that you have to do is wipe down the exterior of the reel.
Who Would We Recommend This Fishing Reel For:
We would recommend this reel for the saltwater angler who wants to put the big-game fish on alert. This reel can compete against some of the biggest fish in the world. The smoothness of the drag also gives people another reason to buy this reel.
Penn Z Series Spinning Reels (Great Value)
| Estimated Price | $190 to $200 |
| Origin of Manufacturing | Philadelphia, Pennsylvania |
| Weight | 2.04 pounds |
| Material | Aluminum and graphite |
Why We Like This Reel:
Another one of the products that Penn makes in the USA, the Penn Z Series, has a heavy-duty appearance, and the Z series can only mean one thing—reliability. They were also made to last. The flawless performance and ease of working with a Penn reel really separate them from most reels. Another good thing about Penn reels is that collectors have taken a liking to them, meaning they retain their value well.
Think of the Penn Z series as a classic that has lasted throughout time, and they only recently saw a new redesign. The vintage ones have been around for decades, and many continue to work flawlessly today.
The original Penn Z series reels had a legendary reputation for surf fishing, and the simplicity of design has appealed to many. In fact, it appealed to so many people that Penn has brought it back.
The simple design means that you can maintain it easily after each session. The reel is gold and black, and you can buy them in two sizes.
Who Would We Recommend This Fishing Reel For:
Anyone who may have owned the Z series in the past will appreciate the new generation models. You can buy either the 704Z or the 706Z. The 706Z has a larger spool and a faster retrieval rate making it ideal for heavy-duty applications. On the other hand, the 704Z costs less. You also can’t manually flip the 704, unlike the 706.
While the 704 is technically heavier, it is also smaller. We would recommend this reel series to someone who prefers simplicity and ease of maintenance. You can clean this reel easily after a saltwater fishing session. As far as spinning reels made in the USA go, this would be one of my top recommendations.
Penn US113 Senator Casting Reel
| Estimated Price | $130 |
| Origin of Manufacturing | Philadelphia, Pennsylvania |
| Weight | 2.2 pounds |
| Material | Stainless steel |
Why We Like This Reel:
We always feel comfortable recommending the Penn US113 Senator Casting Reel because of its American origin and quality. They made this one in America, but they used imported parts to make it. You wouldn’t call this the traditional Penn 113 reel. The drag feels smooth, and the quality of the handle, as you crank it in, tells you everything that you need to know about it. You feel like the materials used were built to create a robust and strong reel.
This solid reel can handle the largest saltwater fish.
Who Would We Recommend This Fishing Reel For:
This American-made fishing reel does particularly well for snapper, stripers, and grouper. Anyone who plans to do Gulf bottom fishing would say that this reel performs exceptionally well. You could also use it to crank in some cod because they built this reel to handle some of the larger saltwater fish.
Learn more about this reel and what it does here:
Penn International VIS 2 Speed Reel
| Estimated Price | $700 |
| Origin of Manufacturing | Philadelphia, Pennsylvania |
| Weight | 6.01 pounds |
| Material | Stainless steel and aluminum |
Why We Like This Reel:
Built with the intent to provide you with an elevated fishing experience, the Penn International comes in a gold color and was made from stainless steel. They redesigned the reel in 2018. We would call the new version an awesome step forward. Anglers have fallen in love with it because of its excellent trolling and chunking capabilities.
Penn International reels have proven themselves reliable over the years, and you will receive an enhanced fishing experience with them. You can use either mono or braided line with it. Mono is best for cost, whereas braided line lasts longer.
Who Would We Recommend This Fishing Reel For:
We would recommend Penn International reels for the fishermen who plan to do trolling or chunking out on the ocean. This reel established a firm reputation as one of the best in this department, and we like it because of how they reduce the weight without sacrificing line capacity or strength. Line capacity is especially important when you go after big-game fish.
Accurate TwinSpin SR-12
| Estimated Price | $820 |
| Origin of Manufacturing | Corona, California |
| Weight | 1.5 pounds |
| Material | Stainless steel |
Product Origin and Manufacturing Locations:
The history of Accurate Fishing Reels goes back to 1990, when they first launched the company. They belong to the parent company Accurate Grinding and Manufacturing Corporation, which started in 1950. The fishing division didn’t begin until 1990, however. In 2002, they moved to Corona, California, to better serve their customers and meet the growing demand for their products.
This American-made company has innovated throughout its history. They have made reels lighter and stronger with thinner walls that still maintain the strength and integrity of the reel.
You might call these reels the perfect harmony between being a lightweight reel and yielding the maximum level of power. This family-owned business delivers excellent and incredible customer service if you ever encounter problems.
Why We Like This Reel:
The twin drag technology on the SR-12 creates a twin spin. Accurate Fishing Reels designed this reel for heavy-duty angling, and they meet impressive performance standards. You would think of it as a great and solid reel that you can pull out for yellowfin, marlin, and poppers. Anyone looking for a big-game reel will appreciate the smooth drag.
Keep in mind that this is a small reel, which means that it may not be the ideal choice if you plan to go after the big fish regularly. You may want a bigger reel for that even though it can handle it. The tight drag on it was done that way because it does go after the bigger saltwater fish.
Who Would We Recommend This Fishing Reel For:
You may choose this American-made reel if you want to go after the big-game saltwater fish. You might look at it, however, as an awesome all-around reel because it can do everything that you want to be done. At the same time, it can hold a lot of fishing line, but we would particularly recommend it for saltwater fishing since it’s a bit heavy-duty for most freshwater fishing. You could go after trout with it, however.
See the SR-12 in action here:
IRT Reels 300 Series Sealed Saltwater/Freshwater Spinning Reel
| Estimated Price | $660 |
| Origin of Manufacturing | Pine Grove, Pennsylvania |
| Weight | 0.93 pound |
| Material | Aluminum |
Product Origin and Manufacturing Locations:
IRT manufactures and handcrafts all of its reels in Pine Grove, Pennsylvania. They use domestic and international parts, but we respect that they at least do some sourcing in the United States. Like many of the other American-made reels on this list, not only are they made in the USA, but they are also a family-owned business. IRT Reels only manufactures spinning reels, which makes them the ideal reel for someone who wants a spinning reel.
What many people like about this brand comes from how the reels remain highly durable. Anywhere from the 300 series to the 500 series hands you reel as good as the high-end reels on the market. The brand makes freshwater and saltwater reels.
Why We Like This Reel:
The drag on the IRT 300 series is part of what makes this reel so attractive. It feels versatile, and you can balance out the power with it. It uses a Class 2 salt-sprayed anodized aluminum body. The salt spray tells you that the anodizing functions as it should against saltwater, but it does this under controlled conditions. At the same time, your reel continues to look fresh out of the box.
The 300 reel offers a wider spool than what you might receive with other reels. For a spinning reel, you will get one of the smoothest and most efficient on the market. You will love this reel if you like to fish for northern pike and salmon because it gives you the equivalent of a 3500 to 4500-sized reel.
One glance at the reel reveals a solid appearance, and you can choose it in three colors depending on your taste.
Who Would We Recommend This Fishing Reel For:
Like we said above, the IRT 300 would work well for someone who fishes for salmon or northern pike. Anyone on the market for a great spinning reel may also appreciate the IRT 300. It balances the size and power incredibly well. Especially if you want the best in the class, this reel outperforms all the others.
You can learn more about IRT Reels here:
ZeeBaaS zx2 Series
| Estimated Price | $859 to $939 |
| Origin of Manufacturing | Stratford, Connecticut |
| Weight | 1.2 pounds |
| Material | Carbon Fiber |
Product Origin and Manufacturing Locations:
ZeeBaaS makes its fishing reels in Stratford, Connecticut. While they make all of their products by hand 100 percent in the United States, they source 80 percent of the parts in the USA and 20 percent globally. We respect this because how you can tell that they try to keep it 100 percent American-made. With the emergence of globalization, American making has become harder and harder.
They do come at a significant cost because of how skilled technicians in the United States made the products. This is a brand that only a specific kind of person will be looking to buy from them, and that’s okay.
Why We Like This Reel:
Many have called this reel the best that they have ever used in terms of smoothness and easy-to-control drag. Your investment in this reel will last a lifetime, however, if you take good care of it. We would recommend yearly maintenance to keep it in good condition. The weight feels picture-perfect on a 12 to 13.5-foot surf rod.
You also don’t have to worry as much if you were to drop it in the sand. Another one of the great things about it being an American-made rod that no one tells you about? You can drop it off for repairs easily if you live near one of the facilities. Let’s say that you live in Stratford and start having problems with the reel. You can drive to the location without having to pay for shipping. You can get it back the next day without it interrupting your fishing sessions.
Who Would We Recommend This Fishing Reel For:
Make no mistake—this reel wasn’t made for the average fisherman. They made it for the people who want to go after fishing in a big way and will see a return on a big investment. This fishing reel can handle the worst conditions. While we wouldn’t do it purposely, you can dunk it, get sand on it or swim with the reel, and it will be fine.
Seigler Reels Small SG Smoke/Red
| Estimated Price | $300 |
| Origin of Manufacturing | Virginia Beach, Virginia |
| Weight | 0.78 pounds |
| Material | Carbon |
Origin and Manufacturing Information:
Made in Virginia Beach, Virginia, Seigler Fishing Reels began in 2009, and the company remains one of the few wholly American-made companies. Wes Seigler, the founder, and president of the company put some of the strongest and lightest reels on the market. He does the designs himself, and the brand manufactures nine reels—three fly fishing reels and six conventional reels.
Since 2009, the company has changed its name multiple times. They began as Truth, and they later changed their name again to Release. Their latest change has been to go with the name Seigler Reels
One thing worth mentioning about this American-made brand—their reels come with a lifetime guarantee. You can rest assured that you will enjoy your fishing reel for years to come thanks to the guarantee on their products
Why We Like This Reel:
In case you’re wondering, SG stands for small game, and this reel marks out the original fishing reel from Seigler. They designed this reel to do everything, meaning that you will have no shortage of what you can do with it. You can target several species with this reel which include cobia, drum, red snapper, and striper.
You could use this reel for vertical fishing, trolling, jigging, or slow-pitch jigging. You have an option to add the long crank, which will add to your torque. In the fishing context, you can turn the handle without having to turn the spool. This makes it much easier on both your reel and your arm. The reel also has a great drag system on it.
The reel uses a gear larger than 130 TI core. It hands you a ton of power from a small package. Truth Reels used to put out the same reel, but the difference in it comes from its all-black color scheme.
Who Would We Recommend This Fishing Reel For:
We would recommend this casting reel to someone who will do a lot of casting, or we would recommend it to someone who wants to try a lot of different types of fishing. The reel feels great in your hands, and most people will love using it out in the boat.
Someone looking for a lower-priced reel will also appreciate the Seigler Reels Small SG because of how it hands you a great reel of true quality at a lower price. In addition, anyone doing saltwater fishing for cobia, drum, red snapper or stripper will like everything that this reel has to offer. You can fish for many different fish species. Overall, it’s one of the most versatile fishing reels made in USA and it’s one that I’ve come to really like.
Seigler Large Game Baitcast Reel
| Estimated Price | $400 |
| Origin of Manufacturing | Virginia Beach, Virginia |
| Weight | 1.31 pounds |
| Material | Aircraft Grade Aluminum |
Why We Like This Reel:
Made to handle the big-game fish, the Seigler Large Game Baitcast Reel comes in a smoke-blue color. They made the reel from aircraft-grade aluminum, which is great due to its high resistance to corrosion. Out on the ocean, that means that it won’t break down as quickly from the saltwater. The fish that it would make sense for include big-game targets like yellowtail, tuna, halibut, and dorado.
Like with the SG, the LG stands for large game. The lever drag has many similarities to the SG. What we find interesting about the lever drag with this fishing reel comes from its lightweight design. This is your conventional reel type.
Who Would We Recommend This Fishing Reel For:
We would recommend this ree; for people who want to fish for the big-game species. You need a reel that can handle big-game fish, and the Seigler LG can take on the biggest species
Avet Lever Drag Conventional Reel (Low-Profile Design)
| Estimated Price | $220 |
| Origin of Manufacturing | Chatsworth, California |
| Weight | 1.014 pounds |
| Material | Stainless Steel/Aluminum |
Why We Like This Reel:
You can buy the Avet Lever Drag Conventional Reel in three colors: purple, black, and silver. The manufacturers call it silver, but it looks more red than silver. Considered extremely powerful and dependable, the Avet Lever Drag does take a little practice before adjusting to the casting.
We would consider the clutch on this reel exceptional. Most of the people who have tried it haven’t had much negative that they could say about it. I would also call this one of the prettier reels to look at. The fish probably don’t care either way. It’d be deadly all the same, but in whatever color you buy, it looks great.
In general, anything from the Avet series is great for big-game fishing since this is what the brand has become known for. You have great cranking power and a good drag system.
Who Would We Recommend This Fishing Reel For:
The purple color isn’t often seen in fishing reels, and if you were looking for a great fishing reel to buy your wife or girlfriend, the Avet Lever Drag would do the job of looking pretty while being extraordinarily competent. If you’re skilled in casting, you can make this reel into awesome gear for surf fishing.
You could use this reel for tuna and other big game sportfish. I’ve also heard of people who used it for fishing salmon. It has a great level of versatility. This quality reel will last a lifetime, so once you buy it, you have it for good. Check out this short review about it to learn more:
Avet G2 SX 5.3 Conventional Reel (Best in Line Capacity)
| Estimated Price | $250 to $260 |
| Origin of Manufacturing | Chatsworth, California |
| Weight | 20 pounds |
| Material | Stainless Steel/Aluminum |
Product Origin and Manufacturing Locations:
All of Avet’s reels were machined, designed, and made in the USA. In particular, they make their reels in Chatsworth, California. The brand has made fishing reels for nearly 20 years, and each new series that they unveil fulfills a real need in the market. Price, performance, and quality all rank well with their reels. You can take in some impressive catches with Avet, which include big tuna and marlin.
The quality materials from Avet Reels help their products to last longer than some of the other choices in the market. Hardcore saltwater anglers have especially come to seek Avet because they were made to take down the big fish. When out fishing, your gear determines how much ease you can catch the fish.
The G2 models will have a greater line capacity than some of their other models. They can generate a higher drag pressure than other reels as well. G2 stands for Generation 2.
Why We Like This Reel:
You can buy the G2 SX 5.3 Conventional Reel either with or without the Glide Plate. The Glide Plate is a stainless steel plate lever that will slide up and down the handle of the reel. Using the ratchet on the plate, you can adjust it either with a click up, or you can adjust it a click down.
SX and the SXJ are the smallest reels in this category. Don’t let this fool you, however. They can perform far above and beyond what you might expect. It has a louder clicker than some of the other reels, and the drag feels smoother than what you might receive elsewhere.
Who Would We Recommend This Fishing Reel For:
You might choose the Avet G2 SX 5.3 Conventional reel if you wanted a greater line capacity when saltwater fishing. This is a smaller reel, so you may not consider it a heavy-duty saltwater fishing reel, but it will help you to get into the sport. Anyone who plans to go after the big fish will have a reel that can help.
You can learn more about this reel here:
Waterworks-Lamson Liquid Fly Reel (Great Value Reel)
| Estimated Price | $200 |
| Origin of Manufacturing | Boise, Idaho |
| Weight | 0.85 pounds |
| Material | Aluminum |
Why We Like This Reel:
You can choose from three sizes with the Lamson Liquid Reel, and you can buy it in two colors: smoke and vapor. The names sound cool, but in all honesty, they’re just different shades of gray. The high quality and lightweight strength of this reel make it an awesome choice. It comes at a lower price than its predecessor.
When you buy this product, you will receive a fly reel and two extra spools. You may need time to adjust to the spool removal. In particular, it will challenge those who used a release mechanism on another reel.
We wouldn’t call this a great reel if you wanted to go after the gigantic fish, but it will do the job for all else on a reasonable level.
Who Would We Recommend This Fishing Reel For:
The reel would work best for freshwater applications. Someone looking for a good reel at a lower price range can appreciate the value of what they receive with the Waterworks-Lamson Liquid Fly Reel. In particular, it makes for a great trout reel. It would be highly compatible with a light fishing rod.
Due to the extra spools, it would make for a great reel for someone who wants to carry multiple fly fishing lines as a way of meeting with the different fishing scenarios. You can convert this reel from right hand to left hand easily, which would make it a great choice for when you have multiple fishermen who will use the reel.
For the price of one reel, you essentially receive three reels for one. Check out this short review if interested in learning more about it:
Waterworks-Lamson Litespeed F-5 Reel (Most Artisanal Reel)
| Estimated Price | $500 |
| Origin of Manufacturing | Boise, Idaho |
| Weight | 1 pound |
| Material | Machined 6061 Aluminum, Stainless Steel |
Product Origin and Manufacturing Locations:
All Waterworks-Lamson reels were made at their facility in Boise, Idaho, making them a 100 percent American-made company. Lamson was acquired in late 1998 by Waterworks, and before that, they were owned by Sage Manufacturing. Throughout the 1980s and 1990s, Lamson earned a reputation as being one of the first fully machined quality reels that you could buy at a lower cost.
In 1999, Waterworks became Waterworks-Lamson when it acquired the new company. Offering some of the best reels on the market, Lamson has a reputation for affordable pricing, performance, and lasting quality. While this review will cover a higher-cost Lamson reel, almost everyone agrees that they offer some of the best reels for under $150 as well.
Lamson has been known for its large arbor fly reels with the highest quality. The high-tech features and lightweight nature of their reels have also made them popular. Waterworks-Lamson has set the goal that they want to create fishing technology that feels so fluid that you forget it’s there.
Waterworks-Lamson offers excellent customer service in the event that you would experience trouble with their products.
Why We Like This Reel:
Color options: Whiskey and Fuego—who doesn’t love color descriptions like that? While we personally found the Whiskey color more attractive, you can’t go wrong with Fuego either. The color makes it one of the more beautiful Lamson reels that you could own. Lamson redesigned its Litespeed product line, and not everyone felt happy about it because it undid some of the iconic appearances that fishermen loved from before. Still, they improved it in all the ways that mattered the most.
This sixth-generation Litespeed reel has set the standards. They have always been one of the more daring and innovative companies when it comes to fly fishing. The brand reduced the weight on the Litespeed F-5 since discontinuing the G5 Litespeed.
You couldn’t think of a better word to describe the drag system than smooth. The setting matters little, and the drag will come in without a loss of startup inertia. Because of the nice size of the drag knob, you can adjust the drag easily.
Who Would We Recommend This Fishing Reel For:
Anyone on the market who wants a premium trout reel will love the Waterworks-Lamson Litespeed F-5 reel. The lightweight design and high-performance level take it to the next stage. People on the market for a great American-made reel will appreciate everything that the F-5 has to offer. It may cost more than what some people want to pay for a reel, but for those willing to pay extra, they will see how it makes a big difference.
You can learn more about the Litespeed F-5 here:
Ross Reels Animas Fly Reels (Lightest Reel)
| Estimated Price | $360 to $380 |
| Origin of Manufacturing | Montrose, California |
| Weight | 0.5 pounds |
| Material | Stainless Steel |
Product Origin and Manufacturing Locations:
All Ross Fly Reels were 100 percent made in the USA. Unlike cheap quality that you receive from other countries, Ross Fly Reels were made to last a lifetime. You may need to pay more upfront, but you often only need to pay once. The brand manufactures its reels in Montrose, Colorado. Granted, they may only have a little over 20 employees, but they keep the work in America.
Get the quality needed to crank in the tougher fish. Ross Fly Reels stands by its motto, “Made on the water.” This commitment to higher standards means that they will continue to excel and push standards as far as possible.
The brand has existed for over 45 years, and during that time, this American-made company has won more awards as a fly reel fishing company than any other company in the industry.
Why We Like This Reel:
Keep in mind, that while they sealed this reel, they did not make it waterproof. That means that you may want to avoid anything that would submerge it in water or would risk submerging it. Also, at 0.5 pounds, we would call this the lightest reel on the list. For someone who might be doing a long trek, you may want this one due to the fact that you won’t tire as quickly.
You can buy the Ross Reels Animas Fly Reel in two colors: matte black or platinum. Personally, I find the platinum color a little nicer looking, and it shows off the design on the reel better as well. Whether right-handed or left-handed, you can use this reel since it is ambidextrous.
Because of the lightweight nature of the reel, it would be best to pair it with a light rod to take full advantage. During use of it, it feels smooth, and the drag on this one feels perfect. The retrieval of your bait feels fast and flawless.
Who Would We Recommend This Fishing Reel For:
We would recommend this reel for those who want to fish with smaller fishing gear. You can use virtually invisible fishing lines with light reels, and you can use small baits and hooks on them. Whether you have a saltwater or freshwater excursion planned, you can use this reel without a problem. This reel also wouldn’t be a bad choice for a beginner since it offers so little trouble in getting started. Granted, it may cost more than what a beginner might want to start out paying, but once you have bought it, you can keep using it without much need for repairs.
If you’d like to learn more about this reel, check it out here:
Ross Reels Evolution LTX (Awesome Drag for Large Freshwater Fish)
| Estimated Price | $440 to $460 |
| Origin of Manufacturing | Montrose, California |
| Weight | 0.75 pounds |
| Material | Aluminum |
Why We Like This Reel:
You can buy the Ross Reels Evolution LTX either in matte black or platinum. The sizes include four different choices. Ross Fly Reels, like many other American companies, has a fantastic reputation for the quality of their customer service. If you experience trouble with the reel, calling them should resolve the issue.
The drag, durability, look, and easy use are what sell this reel. Smooth action from the drag system has made this reel worth the money if you can afford it. The Evolution LTX is a fusion of the Evolution R. Ross and the Classic Evolution LT. They kept the pleasing sound with the LTX that made the LT so satisfying when you went to crank in a fish. However, they changed many of the other things about this reel.
For example, the drag system offers four times the power of the Evolution LT. At the same time, they made the LTX much lighter than its predecessor. We like how Ross Fly Reels understates and lets its products do the selling. Rather than overselling the capabilities, we believe that they may have even undersold them.
Ross describes the reel as a trout reel, but due to the excellent system, you can crank in larger fish than even the biggest 14-inch brown trout.
Who Would We Recommend This Fishing Reel For:
You could use this reel to even take on some of the hard-fighting freshwater fish like the northern pike, crappies, carp, and smallmouth bass. We would recommend this reel for anyone who wants to take on those fish or the brown trout, which they were recommended for.
You can learn more about this American-made reel here:
Sage Trout Reel (Most Sleek and Clean Reel)
| Estimated Price | $400 to $430 |
| Origin of Manufacturing | Bainbridge Island, Washington |
| Weight | 2 pounds |
| Material | Aluminum |
Product Origin and Manufacturing Locations:
Always experimenting and creating quality craftsmanship, Sage has its manufacturing operations in Bainbridge Island, Washington. Since 1980, the brand has manufactured quality fly fishing equipment, and most consider them the best fly fishing company in the USA. You have a broad range of available products.
Why We Like This Reel:
You would want to put this on a high-quality fly fishing rod because it will be wasted anywhere else. It will help you to cast better. The ability to fine-tune your drag system has helped this product to stand out among its competitors. You can choose from three different sizes and two different colors.
Who Would We Recommend This Fishing Reel For:
Anyone who wants a fly fishing brand with a strong reputation for quality can appreciate what they receive with the Sage Trout Reel. We would recommend it to someone who wants to pay more for a great reel but wants to make sure that they buy a good one. This company has operated since 1980.
If you’d like to learn more about the Sage Trout reel, check out a review of it here:
Galvan Brookie Rush Light Reel (Best Overall Drag Systems on the Market)
| Estimated Price | $260 to $490 |
| Origin of Manufacturing | Sonora, California |
| Weight | 1.25 pounds |
| Material | Aluminum |
Why We Like This Reel:
Since we already covered the Product Origin and Manufacturing Locations: with the previous Galvan reel, we will skip that information and go straight to the review. The Galvan Rush Light Reel offers you one of the best overall drag systems. This reel does weigh a little more than some of the other choices, but you might consider it the middle ground in comparison to others.
Whatever this reel loses when it comes to weight, it makes up for in durability. Lighter reels have one disadvantage in that they offer much weaker durability than heavier reels. You can buy this reel in seven sizes depending on your need. You can also choose from five distinct colors.
The drag knob when you go to use this reel is loose at the lowest setting. The one issue with that is that you can unintentionally adjust the drag while stored. With that said, the reel and the drag system feel incredibly smooth when you go to use it. Another thing worth mentioning about Galvan comes from its willingness to stand behind its products. They will straighten out any issues that you might have with your reel.
Who Would We Recommend This Fishing Reel For:
The Galvan Rush Light makes for a quality trout reel, and anyone on the market for a good trout fishing setup may want to consider it. It offers us one of the best overall drag systems on the market today, and if you’re looking for a product like this, you can’t go wrong here. You also don’t have to worry that they made this product in China since they make them in Sonora, California.
To learn more about the growing popularity of this company, check out this review:
Galvan Brookie Fly Reel (Great Reel for Beginners)
| Estimated Price | $260 |
| Origin of Manufacturing | Sonora, California |
| Weight | 1 pound |
| Material | Aluminum |
Product Origin and Manufacturing Locations:
Galvan handcrafts all of its fly fishing reels in Sonora, California. Think of their reels as modern reels that follows old-school principles. You would describe a Galvan reel with the following values: Efficiency, simplicity, and dependability. The outstanding performance of these reels has earned them a reputation as a saltwater reels fully capable in their own right.
We like Galvan because of how they deliver impressive saltwater reels at a fraction of the cost of the competition.
The cutting-edge research and design ensure that all reels deliver a product every bit as powerful as the competition. Galvan added a feature into its reels called low startup inertia. This means that your reel will start performing as soon as the fish bites.
Why We Like This Reel:
Galvan proves with the Brookie Fly Reel that you don’t need all fancy technology to have a perfect fly reel. You won’t see the traditional click-and-pawl reel on this one. Instead, Galvan uses a click ball tension system. The technology simplifies your drag system so that nothing interferes with you and your fish battle.
The new style of the system eliminates much of the excess weight making it easier to cast. Especially with a saltwater fly reel, you will find yourself doing a great deal of casting.
Who Would We Recommend This Fishing Reel For:
Someone low on cash might choose the Galvan Brookie Fly to keep their costs low. You receive a simple but effective reel. The more traditional anglers may also appreciate what they receive with this reel. We might recommend this reel for beginners as well because it offers you a cheaper entry point for getting started. If you’re looking for fly reels made in the USA this is a great option.
If you’d like to see this reel in action, check out this first cast video:
Tibor Gulf Stream Fly Reel (Best Retrieval Rate)
| Estimated Price | $690 |
| Origin of Manufacturing | Delray Beach, Florida |
| Weight | 1.1 pounds |
| Material | Aluminum |
Product Origin and Manufacturing Locations:
We like this company because Tibor stays true to being an American-made company, and all their reels come from the United States. The brand sets the standard when it comes to saltwater fly reels in terms of design, quality, and durability. Outside of the ball bearings, Tibor hand assembles everything at its facility in Delray Beach, Florida.
The company has earned over 950 awards for its fly fishing reels. We first saw the Tibor series enter the market in 1995. The brand turned into the benchmark for custom-crafted fly fishing reels. Most fishermen consider Tibor the best in the world. They can handle a beating like few of the other brands can.
Using high-quality materials to design the drag system guarantees long-term performance.
Why We Like This Reel:
Made of aluminum, the Tibor Gulf Stream Fly Reel has a larger arbor design to improve the retrieval rate of the line. In particular, that comes in handy when you try to control specific species of fish like bonito, bonefish, and wahoo. The lower weight of the reel allows you to cast with less fatigue to keep going with it.
With all saltwater reels, you should wash them thoroughly after each fishing session to keep them in good standing. Saltwater has the potential to corrode your reel. Wipe it down with a wet cloth and remove the salt.
Who Would We Recommend This Fishing Reel For:
Rather than say who we recommend it for, let’s have a look at the type of fish that it would be helpful for. Examples of fish that would come in handy with the Tibor include marlin, tuna, shark, roosterfish, and sailfish. You have the option for a speed handle reel with this one as well, which would make it the perfect choice when you want to retrieve the fish much faster. This reel increases the rate of retrieval by up to one-third.
This video will tell you a little more about Tibor Reels:
Teton Classic Reel (Great for Kayaking or Surf Fishing)
| Estimated Price | $150 to $165 |
| Origin of Manufacturing | Monson, Massachusetts |
| Weight | 20 pounds |
| Material | n/a |
Product Origin and Manufacturing Locations:
Made in Monson, Massachusetts, all Teton fly fishing reels were 100 percent made in the USA. This American-made company filed for bankruptcy in 2009, but Teton USA bought the rights to the reel beforehand. The brand experienced its share of turmoil and inner struggles over the years, including lawsuits that never got fully resolved.
Teton has gone out of business a couple of times, which can make finding information on them more difficult. In the first Teton company, they made a premier Teton reel model, and they made a more basic Tioga model.
When they bought the company and renamed it Teton USA, they didn’t include the Tioga models from before. All Teton USA reels were made so that you can fish in either saltwater or freshwater. That difference matters because you can’t go fishing in saltwater with a solely freshwater reel—or you can, but your reel won’t last as long due to corrosion damage. Saltwater corrodes metal up to five times faster than fresh water.
Why We Like This Reel:
You will rarely hear anyone say anything bad about Teton reels. You would call them a highly functional reel. The black color and the white logo look attractive as a design. Especially for the price, we would say that this is one of the highest quality reels that you can buy. Keeping in mind that you can use it for either freshwater or saltwater, you have an even bigger advantage if you like to fish in both.
When Teton made the Teton Classic Reel, they took all of the best features from past reel lineups and combined them into a single reel. This action created a reel that had all the best features rolled into one. The anodizing on this reel is also great.
Along with that, if you were to use it on the surf or in a kayak, it will still do a great job. If you’ve never experienced customer service from Teton, you will love it. You hope that you’d never have to use them, but they’re incredibly helpful when needed.
Who Would We Recommend This Fishing Reel For:
Anyone in the market for a low-cost reel can appreciate the Teton Classic Reel. You would be hard-pressed to find anything negative to say about it. Especially when it comes to the price, you can’t go wrong. The Teton Classic Reel performs incredibly well, especially when you use it for saltwater fishing.
Conclusion:
By the way, if you’re out in the boat and looking for a cold beverage, you may need a great cooler to keep your drinks and food cool. Check out our list of the best coolers made in the USA here.
Hopefully, this list of American-made fishing reels proves helpful so that you can find real American fishing products. We were careful to list as many different companies so that you can see the full span of fishing reels made in the USA.
Important to note that you will want to check ahead of time with some of these companies to make sure that they were truly American-made since we did find how Penn does some of its manufacturing abroad. On the whole, however, most of these companies are entirely American-made fishing reel brands.
If you have come across an awesome American-made fishing reel that didn’t make the list, let us know about it in the comments, and we’ll do our best to check it out!
Hi, my name is Kevin and I’m from Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. Choosing products made in America is important to me because it supports local economies, creates jobs, helps the environment, and ensures ethical labor practices. I also find that American made products are usually of higher quality so although they’re a little more expensive, you save money in the long run. Before starting this website I was in the USMC infantry and nowadays I work on this website as a hobby.
Good to know some Penn Reels are still made here. To what degree would you say they are made here. Are they actually made here or just assembled?
Hey Frank, I recently talked to a customer service representative at Penn Reels. Their reels are more than just assembled in the USA and a good portion of the machining and such is done in Philadelphia.