The Best Fly Reels for Bluefin Tuna Fishing: Top Picks for Serious Anglers
The Best Fly Reels for Bluefin Tuna Fishing: Top Picks for Serious Anglers
When it comes to bluefin tuna fishing on a fly rod, not just any reel will do. Bluefin tuna are one of the ocean’s strongest, fastest, and most stubborn game fish. They can peel hundreds of yards of backing in seconds and put any angler’s gear to the ultimate test. A typical trout reel, or even one built for light saltwater use, would be obliterated in minutes.
Choosing the right fly reel for bluefin tuna fishing is critical. You need a reel with a massive drag system, high line capacity, saltwater resistance, and bulletproof construction. In this article, we’ll break down the key features to look for, and highlight some of the best reels currently available for targeting these incredible fish.
What to Look for in a Bluefin Tuna Fly Reel
Before diving into specific models, it’s important to understand the features that matter most:
1. Drag Power and Smoothness
Bluefin tuna can weigh over 100 pounds—and sometimes over 500. You need a drag that starts smoothly to prevent tippet breakage and can apply 20-30 pounds of pressure without overheating. Carbon fiber drags are the standard for serious saltwater reels.
2. Backing Capacity
Bluefin battles can involve blistering runs over 300 yards. Your reel needs to hold a heavy fly line (typically 14–16 weight) and at least 300–500 yards of 80–100 lb braid backing.
3. Durability and Sealing
Saltwater is brutal on gear. The best reels for bluefin have sealed drag systems and corrosion-resistant materials like anodized aluminum or titanium.
4. Weight and Balance
While strength is crucial, an overly heavy reel can unbalance your rod and wear you out over hours of casting and fighting fish.
5. Retrieval Rate
Large arbor designs are essential for fast line pickup when a tuna turns back toward you at high speed.
Top Fly Reels for Bluefin Tuna Fishing
Here are the reels that meet these criteria and are battle-tested by serious saltwater anglers:
1. Mako 9700B Fly Reel
Specs:
- Weight: 15.4 oz
- Max Drag: 30+ lbs
- Backing Capacity: 500 yards of 100 lb braid
- Price: $2400
Why It’s Great:
The Mako 9700B is widely regarded as the gold standard for big-game fly fishing. Designed by Jack Charlton, its drag system is as smooth as it gets, even under extreme pressure. It’s fully sealed, incredibly tough, and the retrieval rate is lightning fast.
Downside: It’s very expensive and can be hard to find, but serious bluefin hunters swear by it.
2. Hatch Iconic 11 Plus
Specs:
- Weight: 10.8 oz
- Max Drag: 20 lbs
- Backing Capacity: 400 yards of 80 lb braid
- Price: $1800
Why It’s Great:
Hatch reels are known for their bombproof construction and stunning machining. The Iconic 11 Plus has a fully sealed drag system and an integrated reel seat for maximum strength. Its performance-to-weight ratio is excellent, making it ideal for long days on the water.
Downside: Might be slightly underpowered for truly giant bluefin (200 lb+), but perfect for school-size fish.
3. Abel SDS 12/13
Specs:
- Weight: 11.7 oz
- Max Drag: 20 lbs+
- Backing Capacity: 450 yards of 80 lb braid
- Price: $1600
Why It’s Great:
The Abel SDS (Sealed Drag Salt) series was specifically designed for the most punishing saltwater environments. The 12/13 size has enough drag and capacity to handle bluefin in the 100–200 pound range. Plus, Abel’s custom anodized finishes mean you can personalize your reel.
Downside: Heavy compared to some other options, but it's a fair tradeoff for strength.
4. Nautilus GTX
Specs:
- Weight: 10.9 oz
- Max Drag: 25+ lbs
- Backing Capacity: 500 yards of 80 lb braid
- Price: $1300
Why It’s Great:
The Nautilus GTX is a beast. It has one of the strongest drags in the fly fishing world and a huge arbor for ridiculous line pickup speeds. Its carbon fiber drag remains cool even during blistering runs, which is vital during a long tuna fight.
Downside: Pricey, and finding one can sometimes be a challenge due to high demand.
5. Tibor Signature 11/12
Specs:
- Weight: 11.5 oz
- Max Drag: 20+ lbs
- Backing Capacity: 450 yards of 80 lb braid
- Price: $1059
Why It’s Great:
Tibor reels have been landing tuna, marlin, and tarpon for decades. The Signature Series offers a fully sealed drag and classic Tibor bulletproof construction. It’s simple, incredibly reliable, and built in the USA.
Downside: Not quite as flashy as some newer models, but the performance is proven.
Honorable Mentions
- Seigler MF (Max Fly) Reel: Designed with input from big-game fly fishermen specifically for tuna and billfish.
- Ross Evolution R Salt 11/12: Very lightweight for its class with a strong sealed drag.
Final Tips for Bluefin Fly Fishing
Line and Leader Setup
You'll need a heavy-duty fly line (14–16 wt) rated for extreme saltwater use, paired with shock tippets of 80–130 lbs. Braided core fly lines handle the shock of tuna better than monofilament core lines.
Rod Selection
You'll want a 14–16 wt rod with a strong fighting butt. Some anglers prefer 2-piece rods for ultimate strength, though travel rods (4-piece) are much more portable.
Fighting Strategy
When battling a bluefin, maximum pressure and proper rod angles are critical. Use a short-pump technique—lifting only slightly and gaining line in small increments. Keep the pressure high and relentless, or the fight can drag on for hours.
Conclusion
Bluefin tuna on the fly represents the pinnacle of saltwater fly fishing. These fish are breathtakingly powerful, and every aspect of your gear needs to be absolutely dialed in—especially your reel. Investing in a top-tier, heavy-duty saltwater reel is non-negotiable if you want a real chance of landing one of these beasts.
The Mako 9700B, Hatch Iconic 11 Plus, Abel SDS 12/13, Nautilus GTX, and Tibor Signature 11/12 are all outstanding choices that have been proven against some of the toughest fish on the planet.
Choose one that fits your style, pair it with a serious rod and line setup, and get ready for the fight of your life. Tight lines!