I'm building flyrods for my 3 grandkids as Christmas gifts. I've been trying to find some inexpensive reels (less than $20.00) for 4 or 5 wt flyline, without success. I've checked some of the companies listed on this site, but economics keeps getting in the way. Am I having delusional dreams? Appreciate your help.

Thanks,

Not a sponsor, but Cabela's has them in graphite.

Try California Tackle, sponsor at left.

After a web-order discount, Pflueger medalists from Hook and Hackle will come close. The Scientific Angler's Concept 1 and 11 graphite reels are also a good option. Even though I am passionate about fly fishing, I remain a major fan of inexpensive reels. To me, they provide all the performance I need on my state-of-the-art rod and I don't cry when I fall and bash them against a rock. It's the rod man, it's the rod!

Well said Steve. I was re-lining my Payne mini-reel the other day and the click and pawl broke. I removed the broken parts, put it back together, and noticed that the spool showed no tendency to overrun, I had just lost the clicky noise. I have decided I like it even better now, and would like it even better if it had been cheaper when I bought it.

Type " fly reels " in that little address window and you should come up with a lot of reels

You will be very had pressed to find a reel that will out perform the Pfleuger Medlaist for anywhere near the money. IMO.
Alex

The Pfluger 1492 , or 1494 , are the best reels for the $ in my oppinion . The last one I bought cost me 28$ I believe . I have since purchased some other fine and expensive reels , with state of the art drag systems on them . But I still use my old Pflugers on some rods I've built in small streams , and they still do the job just fine . JD

I second the Scientific Anglers Concept 1 and 2. Cabelas has these in the bargain cave in your price range.

Lou

Out of my 10 or 12 fly reels all but four are Pfleuger Medalist. Two of those four are Pfleuger Progress. I just wish the Medalist came a couple of sizes smaller. Ralph