The Mako 9500B Fly Reel

The Mako 9500B Fly Reel: The Ultimate Buyer’s Guide

Introduction

In the high-stakes world of saltwater fly fishing, equipment isn’t just important—it’s everything. When a 150-pound tarpon cartwheels across the flats, or a giant trevally tears off in a blistering run, the only thing standing between an angler and heartbreak is their tackle. Among reels built for these battles, few names command as much respect as Mako, and within Mako’s lineup, the 9500B Fly Reel stands out as a crown jewel.

The Mako 9500B is designed specifically for 10- to 12-weight fly rods, making it the quintessential reel for tarpon, permit, giant trevally, and a host of bluewater species. With a price tag north of $1,500, it’s not a casual purchase—but for many, it’s an investment in reliability, power, and precision that can define a lifetime of fishing adventures.

This in-depth guide explores the 9500B in detail: its history, engineering, drag system, real-world performance, comparisons to competitors, and whether it’s truly worth its legendary reputation.

1. Origins of the 9500B

The Mako 9500B is the brainchild of Jack Charlton, the renowned reel designer whose earlier work with Charlton Reels set new standards for saltwater fly tackle. After selling Charlton Reels, Charlton turned his focus to building the ultimate saltwater reel—something uncompromising in durability, precision, and drag performance.

The 9500B became the flagship of this vision. Designed for big-game saltwater anglers, it quickly developed a cult following for its ability to land fish that routinely break lesser reels.

Today, even after Charlton’s passing, the 9500B continues to be produced with the same meticulous standards, carrying his legacy forward.

2. First Impressions: Build and Design

The Mako 9500B makes an immediate impression. At nearly 16 ounces (depending on configuration), it feels solid, almost overbuilt—but in a reassuring way. Every angle and curve reflects precision machining.

* Frame and Spool: Machined from aerospace-grade 6061-T6 aluminum bar stock.
* Finish: Type III hard anodizing for maximum corrosion resistance.
* Tolerance: The fit between spool and frame is so exact that anglers often describe it as “vault-like.” There’s no play, no wobble, only precision.

The 9500B is built not just to withstand years of use but to thrive in brutal saltwater environments where corrosion and wear destroy lesser reels.

3. The Drag System: Heart of the Beast

If the 9500B has a defining feature, it’s the sealed carbon-fiber drag system.

* Zero Startup Inertia: The drag engages instantly, protecting light tippets from shock breaks when fish surge unexpectedly.
* Infinite Adjustability: The reel’s oversized drag knob allows precise micro-adjustments, giving anglers total control across a huge range of settings.
* Sealed Protection: Saltwater cannot penetrate the drag housing, ensuring consistent performance and minimal maintenance.
* Stopping Power: The 9500B can generate up to 20+ pounds of drag pressure—more than enough to slow down tarpon, GTs, or tuna.

In practice, the drag is both butter-smooth and relentlessly strong—a rare combination that makes the 9500B a standout.

4. Line Capacity and Versatility

The Mako 9500B is designed for 10–12 weight lines, which covers the sweet spot for most saltwater species.

* Capacity (depending on spool design): Typically accommodates a full 11- or 12-weight line with 300+ yards of backing.
* Arbor Design: The large arbor provides rapid line pickup, critical when a fish turns and charges the boat.

This balance of capacity and retrieve speed makes the 9500B versatile enough for a wide range of saltwater targets.

5. Real-World Performance

On Tarpon

The 9500B is widely regarded as the ultimate tarpon reel. Its smooth drag protects leaders during violent runs and jumps, while its sheer stopping power allows anglers to pressure fish without fear of reel failure.

On Giant Trevally (GTs)

Few fish test tackle like GTs. Known for their brutal runs and power, GTs will find any weakness in your gear. The 9500B’s drag and frame strength make it one of the few reels trusted for these battles.

On Bluewater Species

Sailfish, tuna, and even smaller marlin are all within reach of the 9500B. While Mako’s larger reels (9550 and 9600B) are better suited for the heaviest bluewater work, the 9500B is more than capable for mid-range pelagics.

6. Angler Feedback and Reputation

The 9500B has earned glowing praise from professional guides and hardcore anglers:

* “It’s the smoothest drag I’ve ever felt on a reel this size.”
* “I’ve landed tarpon well over 150 pounds, and the reel never skipped a beat.”
* “Expensive, yes—but when you’re thousands into a trip, it’s worth every penny to know your reel won’t fail.”

Many guides call it the “buy once, cry once” reel —painful at checkout, but worth it every time it’s used.

7. Comparisons: 9500B vs. the Competition

How does the Mako 9500B stack up against other premium saltwater reels?

* Abel SDS 11/12: Beautiful finishes and robust design, but heavier and with less refined drag adjustability.
* Nautilus NV Monster: Excellent drag and lighter weight but lacks the tank-like durability of the Mako.
* Hatch 11 Plus: Great all-around reel with a solid drag system but not built to the same aerospace precision.
* Tibor Gulfstream: Legendary reliability and simplicity, but cork drag feels dated compared to Mako’s sealed carbon system.

In short, while many reels perform admirably in saltwater, the 9500B is often regarded as the benchmark by which others are measured.

8. Price and Value

At around $1,600–$1,800 new, the Mako 9500B is undeniably expensive. But when considering value, several factors come into play:

* Longevity: A properly cared-for 9500B can last decades.
* Performance: Its drag system and build quality reduce the risk of gear failure during critical moments.
* Resale: Used 9500Bs often sell close to new prices, making them an investment rather than a sunk cost.

For anglers who only fish saltwater occasionally, the cost may be prohibitive. But for serious tarpon hunters or traveling anglers, it’s a purchase that pays off over time.

9. Maintenance and Care

Despite its sealed drag system and hard anodizing, the 9500B still requires basic care:

* Rinse after every saltwater use with fresh water.
* Avoid disassembly—the sealed drag should not be opened by the user.
* Send for service every few years, or sooner if heavily used.

With proper care, the reel can provide flawless performance for decades.

10. Who Should Buy the Mako 9500B?

The 9500B is not for everyone. Here’s who it’s best suited for:

* Dedicated Tarpon Anglers – This is arguably the best tarpon reel ever made.
* GT Hunters – When chasing one of the toughest fish on the flats, it’s a top choice.
* Traveling Saltwater Anglers – If you’re spending big on exotic trips, this reel ensures gear failure won’t ruin your adventure.
* Collectors – Like a Swiss watch, the 9500B has as much appeal as an heirloom piece as it does a fishing tool

11. Pros and Cons

Pros

* Industry-leading sealed carbon drag system
* Extreme durability and corrosion resistance
* Precision machining with aerospace tolerances
* Large arbor for fast line pickup
* Strong resale value

Cons

* Very expensive
* Heavier than some competitors
* Overkill for anything smaller than tarpon or GTs

12. Final Verdict

The Mako 9500B Fly Reel is not just a fishing reel—it’s a statement. It says you’re serious about chasing the biggest, toughest fish and that you refuse to compromise on your gear. It is, by nearly every measure, one of the finest saltwater fly reels ever made.

For casual anglers, it’s probably too much reel. But for those who spend their lives (and savings) chasing tarpon, giant trevally, or other apex predators, the 9500B is the ultimate partner. Smooth, powerful, durable, and refined, it is a reel built to last a lifetime—and maybe several generations beyond.