The Mako 9700B Fly Reel: The Ultimate Big-Game Fly Reel for Bluefin Tuna and Beyond

When it comes to big-game fly fishing, few reels have achieved the legendary status of the Mako 9700B. Designed by the late Jack Charlton, a pioneer in reel innovation, the Mako is often hailed as the pinnacle of saltwater fly reel engineering. Built to withstand the blistering runs of species like bluefin tuna, marlin, giant trevally, and tarpon, the 9700B offers power, precision, and durability that few other reels can match.

In this in-depth article, we’ll explore the Mako 9700B’s design, performance, history, and why it continues to dominate the elite world of bluewater fly fishing.

A Brief History of Mako Reels

Before diving into the technical aspects, it’s important to understand the heritage behind Mako reels.

Jack Charlton was a revolutionary reel designer who also created the groundbreaking Charlton Signature Series reels. After selling Charlton Outdoor Technologies, he founded Mako Reels with the mission of producing the finest fly reels the world had ever seen. Unlike many other companies focused on mass production, Mako prioritizes precision, using aerospace-grade materials and obsessively refined machining processes.

The 9700B is the flagship model for extreme saltwater environments, specifically crafted for anglers who target the world’s toughest fish on a fly.

Mako 9700B Specifications

- Weight: 15.4 ounces
- Spool Diameter: 5.25 inches
- Arbor Size: Extra-large arbor
- Backing Capacity: 500+ yards of 100 lb braid (depending on line)
- Max Drag: 30+ pounds
- Drag Material: Proprietary carbon fiber
- Frame Material: Hard anodized 6061-T6 aerospace-grade aluminum
- Drag Sealing: Fully sealed drag system
- Retrieval Rate: Extremely high due to oversized arbor
- Price Range: ~$1500–$2000 USD (market fluctuates due to limited supply)

Design and Construction: A Masterpiece of Precision

Every detail of the Mako 9700B reflects obsessive attention to engineering excellence.

Frame and Spool
The reel is fully machined from solid bar-stock 6061-T6 aluminum, known for its extreme strength-to-weight ratio. It's hard anodized to resist corrosion, an essential feature for constant saltwater exposure. The machining tolerances are so tight that there is virtually zero play between the spool and frame.

The oversized arbor is designed not just for fast line pickup but also to minimize line memory and improve backing storage, which is crucial when fighting a fish that can take you deep into your backing multiple times.

Drag System
The heart of the 9700B is its drag system. Mako uses a proprietary carbon fiber drag, fully enclosed in a sealed housing. The result is a drag that starts up buttery-smooth with virtually no startup inertia—a critical factor in preventing break-offs during sudden, explosive runs.

Even more impressively, the drag remains consistent under extreme load and heat. Many reels start to fade or pulse when the drag heats up during long fights, but the Mako 9700B maintains steady, unyielding pressure.

The drag knob is large, easy to adjust even with wet or gloved hands, and offers incredibly fine-tuned settings. From light pressure for delicate presentation to locked-down settings for 300 lb bluefin tuna, it covers the full spectrum.

Sealing and Maintenance
The fully sealed drag system means you don’t have to worry about sand, salt, or water intruding into the delicate internal components. Maintenance is minimal: rinse after use in freshwater, occasionally check for wear, and you’re ready for the next adventure.

Performance on the Water

When battling monsters like bluefin tuna, performance isn’t just important—it’s everything. The Mako 9700B delivers in every critical area:

1. Smooth Startup and High Drag Power
When a bluefin strikes and takes off like a freight train, you need a drag system that protects your tippet while quickly applying pressure. The Mako’s silky startup inertia and monstrous drag pressure allow you to turn big fish without fear of gear failure.

2. Massive Backing Capacity
With the ability to spool over 500 yards of heavy braid, you can chase tuna, marlin, and sharks without worrying about getting spooled.

3. Fast Line Retrieval
When a tuna turns and runs toward the boat, rapid line pickup is critical to avoid slack. The 9700B’s huge arbor recovers line with stunning speed, giving you a better chance of keeping tight to the fish.

4. Reliability Under Extreme Pressure
The more you fish offshore, the more you realize how tough the environment is on gear. The Mako 9700B was built to survive trips where reels are dunked, dropped, and cranked against monsters that would destroy ordinary equipment.

Why Serious Anglers Choose the Mako 9700B

Several key factors make the Mako 9700B stand out among elite reels:

- Unrivaled Engineering: No detail is overlooked. Everything feels refined, precise, and intentional.
- Battle-Tested: Many professional bluewater fly anglers trust Mako above all else for the biggest species.
- Longevity: Mako reels, when cared for properly, can last a lifetime—and hold their value.
- Confidence: In big-game fly fishing, confidence in your gear lets you focus entirely on fighting the fish.

Drawbacks to Consider

While the Mako 9700B is almost perfect, there are a few downsides:

- Cost: With a retail price upwards of $1500, it’s one of the most expensive fly reels on the market. However, many anglers see it as a lifetime investment.
- Availability: Mako Reels are produced in limited quantities, and demand often exceeds supply. You may need to join a waiting list or hunt for a second-hand model.
- Weight: At over 15 ounces, it’s heavier than some newer designs. On long days of casting, this can cause fatigue if not balanced properly with a heavy rod.

Who Should Buy the Mako 9700B?

The Mako 9700B is not a reel for casual fly anglers. It’s designed for serious, hardcore adventurers chasing the most powerful saltwater species on Earth. If you're targeting bluefin tuna, giant trevally, tarpon, marlin, or massive sharks on fly, this reel is worth every penny.

For anglers who demand absolute perfection in their equipment—and are willing to invest in the best—the Mako 9700B delivers unparalleled performance, reliability, and pride of ownership.

Final Thoughts: The Mako 9700B Legacy

Few products in any field achieve the status that the Mako 9700B has in fly fishing. It represents more than just excellent gear—it’s a statement about passion, craftsmanship, and the relentless pursuit of the best.

When you fish with a Mako 9700B, you’re not just carrying a reel—you’re carrying a legacy of innovation and excellence forged by one of the greatest minds in fly fishing history. It’s a reel built for battles, built for legends, and built to outlast even the toughest challenges the ocean can throw at you.

If you're ready to pursue the biggest, baddest fish in the sea—and win—the Mako 9700B should be at the top of your list.