Mako Fly Reels: The Ultimate Buyer’s Guide
The Ultimate Buyer’s Guide to Mako Fly Reels
When it comes to saltwater fly fishing, very few names carry the same level of prestige, mystique, and hard-earned reputation as Mako Fly Reels. For serious anglers who chase tarpon, giant trevally, billfish, tuna, and other apex predators, Mako represents the absolute pinnacle of engineering and reliability. These reels are not just tools—they are precision-crafted instruments built to withstand the harshest environments and the most punishing fish on the planet.
But with price tags that can easily exceed $1,500 to $2,000, many anglers wonder: Is a Mako Fly Reel really worth it? This guide takes an in-depth look at the brand, the technology, and the real-world performance of Mako reels to help you decide if one belongs in your arsenal.
1. A Brief History of Mako Fly Reels
Mako Fly Reels were born from the vision of Jack Charlton, a master reel designer widely regarded as one of the greatest innovators in modern fly reel history. Before Mako, Charlton was already a legend for creating Charlton Reels, which became highly sought-after collector’s pieces.
After selling Charlton Reels, he turned his focus to a new challenge: creating the ultimate saltwater fly reel—one that would be practically indestructible, feature the most advanced drag system in existence, and deliver absolute confidence to anglers chasing the world’s most powerful fish.
The result was Mako Fly Reels. Today, even after Charlton’s passing in 2012, his designs live on, and the reels continue to be produced in limited quantities, maintaining the same uncompromising standards.
2. Why Mako Reels Stand Out
There are dozens of premium reel brands—Abel, Nautilus, Hatch, Tibor, Hardy, and Ross all make exceptional products. But Mako occupies a unique position in the market. Here’s why:
* Unmatched Drag System – Mako reels use a proprietary sealed carbon-fiber drag system that is both incredibly smooth and extremely powerful. With virtually zero startup inertia, it protects light tippets while still stopping 200-pound tuna in their tracks.
* Sealed for Saltwater – Every critical component is sealed against salt intrusion, making it ideal for brutal marine environments.
* Built to Aerospace Standards – Each reel is machined from aerospace-grade aluminum and stainless steel, with tolerances so precise that many owners compare them to fine watches.
* Longevity and Serviceability – Mako reels are designed to last decades. They can be sent in for service, but many anglers report flawless performance after years of heavy use.
* Exclusivity – They are made in small numbers, which means owning a Mako has an almost “heirloom” quality.
3. The Drag System: Heart of a Mako
The drag system is the single most important part of a saltwater fly reel. When you hook into a 150-pound tarpon or a blistering-fast bonefish, you need absolute control. This is where Mako truly shines.
* Carbon Fiber Sealed Drag – Mako’s drag system uses multiple carbon-fiber discs, fully sealed to prevent saltwater intrusion.
* Infinite Adjustability – Unlike some reels that “jump” from light to heavy, Mako offers gradual, precise drag adjustment, giving you total control throughout the fight.
* Zero Startup Inertia – This means the drag engages instantly, protecting your tippet from shock breaks when a fish suddenly surges.
* Massive Stopping Power – Depending on the model, Makos can generate up to 20+ pounds of drag pressure, more than enough to slow down even the largest pelagics.
For many anglers, this drag system alone justifies the price tag.
4. Build Quality & Materials
Mako reels are built in the USA with aerospace-grade 6061-T6 aluminum. Each frame and spool is fully machined from solid bar stock, not cast.
* Anodizing: Type III hard anodizing ensures maximum corrosion resistance.
* Bearings: They use ABEC-5 stainless steel bearings, among the highest quality in the reel industry.
* Tolerance & Fit: Anglers often describe the fit as “vault-like,” with absolutely no play between spool and frame.
The result is a reel that feels overbuilt—in the best possible way.
5. Mako Fly Reel Models
Mako doesn’t flood the market with dozens of models. Instead, they focus on a handful of reels designed to cover the full range of saltwater fly fishing scenarios:
* Mako 9500B – The flagship tarpon reel. Designed for 10–12 weight rods, it’s perfect for big tarpon, giant trevally, and offshore species.
* Mako 9550 – A step up in capacity, ideal for bluewater fishing with 12–14 weight rods.
* Mako 9600B – The heavy artillery. Designed for blue marlin, giant tuna, and sailfish with 14–16 weight rods.
* Mako 9700B – The largest model, built for anglers targeting the biggest fish on the planet.
Each of these reels is built with the same drag system and materials but scaled for line capacity and drag strength.
6. Price and Value
There’s no denying it: Mako reels are expensive. Prices typically start around $1,500–$2,000, with some models costing more depending on finish and options.
But here’s the thing—Mako reels are not priced like typical consumer products. They’re more like luxury precision instruments. Many anglers view them the same way collectors view Swiss watches: part tool, part art.
That said, they hold their value extremely well. Used Makos often sell for nearly the same as new, and older models are sometimes even more desirable.
7. Who Needs a Mako Fly Reel?
Not every angler needs a Mako. If you’re fishing small trout streams, it’s overkill. But if you fall into any of these categories, it could be the perfect investment:
* Dedicated Tarpon Anglers – The 9500B is considered by many to be the tarpon reel.
* Bluewater Fly Anglers – For sailfish, tuna, and marlin, few reels compare.
* Traveling Anglers – If you spend tens of thousands traveling to exotic destinations, your reel should never be the weak link.
* Collectors – Some anglers buy Mako reels as much for their craftsmanship and exclusivity as for fishing.
8. Comparing Mako to Competitors
How does Mako stack up against other premium brands?
* Abel Reels – Abel is known for beautiful, anodized finishes and bulletproof build quality. However, their drag systems aren’t as advanced as Mako’s.
* Nautilus Reels – Lightweight, great drags, and excellent saltwater performance, but not as overbuilt as Mako.
* Hatch Outdoors – Innovative sealed drags and strong performance, often seen as the best balance of price and performance.
* Tibor Reels – Classic, reliable, and simple. Many guides love Tibor, but their cork drags are more old-school compared to Mako’s carbon-fiber technology.
In short, Mako sits at the very top of the pyramid: the most advanced, most expensive, and most exclusive.
9. Real-World Angler Feedback
Talk to any angler who owns a Mako, and you’ll hear similar stories:
* “It’s the smoothest drag I’ve ever felt.”
* “I’ve hooked tarpon over 150 pounds, and the reel didn’t even flinch.”
* “It feels like a tank but runs like a Ferrari.”
Guides and professional anglers often point out that while the price is steep, a failed reel on a dream trip can be far more costly. That’s why many consider Mako a “buy once, cry once” investment.
10. Things to Consider Before Buying
Before you pull the trigger on a Mako reel, ask yourself:
* How often do you fish saltwater? – If it’s only once a year, you may not need this level of investment.
* What species do you target? – For tarpon and bluewater, it makes sense. For redfish and snook, a mid-range reel may suffice.
* Budget vs. Priorities – If you’re already spending big on rods, lines, and travel, a Mako ensures your reel is never the weak link.
* Resale Value – Even if you decide to upgrade or quit the sport, a Mako will likely retain most of its value.
11. Where to Buy Mako Reels
Mako reels are not mass-market products. They’re sold through select dealers and sometimes directly from the manufacturer. Because of limited availability, wait times can be long, and used reels sell quickly when they hit the market.
12. Final Verdict: Is a Mako Fly Reel Worth It?
For the casual angler, probably not. There are excellent reels from Nautilus, Hatch, and others at half the cost that will handle 90% of saltwater scenarios.
But for the serious saltwater fly fisher chasing tarpon, billfish, or giant trevally—especially those traveling to remote destinations where failure is not an option—the answer is clear: Yes, a Mako Fly Reel is worth every penny.
It’s not just a fishing reel. It’s a lifetime investment in reliability, precision, and performance. For those who demand the very best, Mako stands alone.