Most Recommended Sage Fly Reels under $500

Updated

Sage makes a lot of great fly reels, but how do you know which one is the best one for you? Here at Curated, our independent experts recommend reels to customers just like you every day. Check out this list of our experts' top-recommended Sage fly reels under $500, then chat with a Fly Fishing expert to make sure you find the perfect reel for you.

Craig Dorsey, Fly Fishing Expert
Auggie Lange, Fly Fishing Expert
Samuel Zink, Fishing Expert
By Fishing ExpertsCraig, Auggie, Samuel and others
The Sage Spectrum C Fly Reel is a top-notch choice for anglers seeking high performance without breaking the bank. It's praised for its die-cast spool, sealed carbon drag system, and lightweight design. Ideal for everything freshwater, from small streams to large rivers, this reel boasts a flawless line-to-reel transition and fast line pickup. However, it's not the best fit for smaller creek rods or heavier streamer and saltwater rods.
Ideal for
  • Anglers seeking high performance at a great value
  • Fishing in freshwater environments, from small streams to large rivers
  • Those who appreciate a reliable, easily adjustable drag system
  • Anglers who need a reel that can handle any fish with ease
  • Those who value durability and longevity in their fishing gear
Not ideal for
  • Fishing with smaller creek rods
  • Fishing with heavier streamer and saltwater rods
Jake A, Fly Fishing Expert
Kendrick Wilson, Fly Fishing Expert
Bob P., Fly Fishing Expert
by Curated experts Jake A, Kendrick Wilson, Bob P.

Sage Spectrum Fly Reel

$150.00
$300.00
50% off
The Sage Spectrum Fly Reel is a top-notch choice for those seeking a high-performing, durable, and reliable fly reel without breaking the bank. Its large arbor design offers impressive line capacity and a powerful drag system, making it perfect for chasing large, line-hogging fish. The CNC machine aluminum construction ensures it will balance well with any quality fly rod. Despite its affordability, this reel is known for its longevity and smooth operation. However, it may not be the best choice for oversized line or for catching Tarpon.
Ideal for
  • Those seeking a high-performing fly reel at a reasonable price
  • Anglers chasing large, brutish fish
  • Those who value durability and longevity in their fishing gear
  • Anglers who prefer a smooth, balanced reel
  • Bass fishing and most inshore salt species
Not ideal for
  • Oversized line
  • Catching Tarpon
Bob P., Fly Fishing Expert
Franklin Jones, Fly Fishing Expert
David W., Fly Fishing Expert
by Curated experts Bob P., Franklin Jones, David W.
The Sage Click Fly Reel is a reliable and durable reel that's perfect for those who need a reel that can handle anything that comes their way. Its clean, streamlined design minimizes weight, making it ideal for a 5 weight rod. The reel is ultra-lightweight, making it perfect for trips to the lake. Its large arbor protects your line, and the adjustable click-pawl drag prevents the line from overspooling. However, some may prefer the bronze color over the champagne one.
Ideal for
  • Those needing a reliable and durable reel
  • Those using a 5 weight rod
  • Those who frequently go on lake trips
  • Those who want to protect their line
  • Those who want to prevent their line from overspooling
Not ideal for
  • Those who prefer the bronze color
Jordan Tatro, Fly Fishing Expert
Auggie Lange, Fly Fishing Expert
Skyler B, Fly Fishing Expert
by Curated experts Jordan Tatro, Auggie Lange, Skyler B

What is your level of fly fishing experience?

Sage Spectrum LT Fly Reel

See Price and Details
The Sage Spectrum LT Fly Reel is a top-notch choice for those seeking a lightweight yet powerful reel. Its high-performance drag system on an ultra-light rigid frame and One Revolution drag knob offer quick and precise drag settings. Its large arbor design aids in faster line pick-up. Made from 6061-t6 aerospace grade aluminum, it's durable and perfect for saltwater applications and larger freshwater species. It's a workhorse inshore saltwater reel with a sealed drag system, making it ideal for all-purpose inshore salt from Seatrout to Stripers to Permit.
Ideal for
  • Users seeking a lightweight yet powerful reel
  • Saltwater applications
  • Larger freshwater species
  • All-purpose inshore salt fishing
  • Users who prefer quick and precise drag settings
Not ideal for
  • Lighter freshwater applications
  • Line sizes outside of 7/8 wt
  • Heavier Lines
Jesi Scott, Fly Fishing Expert
Kendrick Wilson, Fly Fishing Expert
Kevin C, Fly Fishing Expert
by Curated experts Jesi Scott, Kendrick Wilson, Kevin C

Sage Trout Fly Reel

$200.00
$400.00
50% off
The Sage Trout Fly Reel is a modern yet traditionally styled reel that is perfect for the trout specialist. Its large arbor allows for quick line retrieval, and its machined aluminum full-frame construction ensures durability. The reel's smooth drag and fully sealed design make it versatile for any type of fly fishing, including salt. It's ideal for small stream and creek fishing up to medium-sized rivers, and can handle small to medium freshwater and saltwater species. Its high quality and long-lasting performance make it a top pick for fly reels under $500.
Ideal for
  • Trout specialists
  • Small to medium freshwater and saltwater species
  • Small stream and creek fishing
  • Medium-sized river fishing
  • Fly fishing
Not ideal for
  • Larger freshwater and saltwater species
Jesi Scott, Fly Fishing Expert
Baily Dent, Fly Fishing Expert
Mark Brown, Fly Fishing Expert
by Curated experts Jesi Scott, Baily Dent, Mark Brown

Sage Spey Fly Reel

$250.00
$500.00
50% off
The Sage Spey Fly Reel is a top pick for those who value performance, durability, and aesthetics in their fishing gear. Specifically designed for spey, it offers a good weight balance for longer rods and a smooth, sealed drag. It's also a great match for a Winston in the 6/7/8 size, with enough capacity for a good amount of backing, running line, head & tip for your swinging setup. While it's a bit on the pricier side, its premium look and feel, along with its efficiency and reliability, make it a worthy investment.
Ideal for
  • Spey fishing
  • Balancing longer rods
  • Swinging setups
  • Those valuing performance and aesthetics
  • Those needing a good drag
Not ideal for
  • Budget-conscious consumers
Jeff Henderson, Fly Fishing Expert
Steve B., Fly Fishing Expert
Craig Dorsey, Fly Fishing Expert
by Curated experts Jeff Henderson, Steve B., Craig Dorsey
The Sage Spectrum Spare Spool is a top choice for fly fishing enthusiasts, particularly those targeting trout in high alpine streams. It's lightweight yet durable, with a large, concave arbor designed for quick line retrieval. The reel also features a number system for accurate drag setting, ensuring you never lose a catch due to loose drag. However, it's not recommended for larger rods or saltwater fishing.
Ideal for
  • Fly fishing enthusiasts
  • Fishing in high alpine streams
  • Fishing for trout
  • Anglers who prefer lightweight gear
  • Anglers who value quick line retrieval
Not ideal for
  • Use with larger rods
  • Saltwater fishing
Blake Thomas, Fly Fishing Expert
Haley Miller, Fly Fishing Expert
Kai Stendel, Fly Fishing Expert
by Curated experts Blake Thomas, Haley Miller, Kai Stendel
The Sage ESN Fly Reel is a top-notch choice for those who are into Euro Nymphing (EN). This reel is praised for its full cage design, which is perfect for EN. It comes in a stealthy dark color, adding to its appeal. However, it's not the best choice for those looking for a budget-friendly option as it's a bit on the pricey side, but its smooth performance makes it worth every penny.
Ideal for
  • Euro Nymphing enthusiasts
  • Customers who prefer full cage design
  • Customers who prefer stealthy dark colored reels
Not ideal for
  • Budget-conscious customers
Josh H., Fly Fishing Expert
by Curated expert Josh H.

Sage Arbor XL Fly Reels

$300.00
$450.00
33% off
The Sage Arbor XL Fly Reel is the perfect companion for those venturing into the world of ultra-large arbor. Its high-performance sealed drag reel is designed to tackle the toughest saltwater challenges, from redfish to seatrout. The reel's robust construction, featuring hard anodized cold forged aerospace grade aluminum, ensures solid, lightweight performance that lasts. Its SCS sealed drag provides worry-free performance in rigorous saltwater environments, while its ultra-large diameter frame offers up to 15% greater line retrieve.
Ideal for
  • Saltwater fishing enthusiasts
  • Anglers seeking high-performance gear
  • Those needing a robust and durable reel
  • Anglers looking for a reel with greater line retrieve
  • Those venturing into ultra-large arbor fishing
Stefan E., Fly Fishing Expert
by Curated expert Stefan E.
The Sage Trout Spey Fly Reel is a top-notch choice for those seeking quality and performance without breaking the bank. Its smooth drag and compact design make it perfect for balance with smaller rods. It's particularly great for smooth retrieval and easily adjustable drag system. However, it might not be the best fit for heavy, thick lines.
Ideal for
  • Customers seeking high-quality reels
  • Smooth retrieval
  • Easily adjustable drag system
  • Balance with smaller rods
  • Great casting performance
Not ideal for
  • Heavy, thick lines
Jake Vellinga, Fly Fishing Expert
Zachary Symm, Fly Fishing Expert
by Curated experts Jake Vellinga, Zachary Symm

Curated experts can help

Have a question about the article you just read or want personal recommendations? Connect with a Curated expert to find exactly what you are looking for!
Result Summary
  1. Sage Spectrum C Fly Reel
  2. Sage Spectrum Fly Reel
  3. Sage Click Fly Reel
  4. Sage Spectrum LT Fly Reel
  5. Sage Trout Fly Reel
  6. Sage Spey Fly Reel
  7. Sage Spectrum Spare Spool
  8. Sage ESN Fly Reels
  9. Sage Arbor XL Fly Reels
  10. Sage Trout Spey Fly Reels
Which Fishing product is right for you?
Get personalized recommendations from a certified gear expert. Take a short quiz to get started!