How should I care for my fly reel?

Rinse with fresh water after each trip, especially in saltwater. Let it dry fully, keep ferrules clean, and store it in a reel case to protect it.

What is Ross Reels known for?

Precision-machined American fly reels with smooth, powerful drag systems.

Are Ross Reels made in the USA?

Yes. All reels are designed, machined, and assembled in Colorado.

Which Ross reel suits trout fishing?

The Evolution and Colorado series are ideal for light freshwater use.

Are Ross Reels saltwater-ready?

Yes. Sealed-drag models like the Evolution R Salt are built for corrosion resistance.

Does Ross offer a warranty?

Yes. Ross provides a lifetime warranty and repair service for all reels.

Ross Reels - Evolution R Salt Fly Reel

Q: What types of fly fishing reels do you sell?

Drift Outfitters carries fly reels for trout, bass, steelhead, salmon, and saltwater. From lightweight trout reels to heavy-duty large arbor models, we’ve got you covered.

Q: How do I choose the right fly reel size?

Fly reels are sized to match your fly rod weight. For example, a 5/6 reel is ideal for trout rods in that weight range, while an 8/9 reel pairs well with steelhead or saltwater rods. The right reel balances your setup and provides enough backing capacity for the species you’re targeting.

Q: Which fly reel brands do you carry?

We stock top brands like Abel, Sage, Ross, Redington, Guidline, Echo and more. These reels are trusted for durability, smooth drags, and lasting performance.

Q: Do I need a large arbor reel?

Large arbor reels retrieve line faster, reduce line memory, and provide more backing capacity. They’re especially useful when fighting big, hard-running fish.

Q: What materials are fly reels made from?

Most modern fly reels are built from machined aluminum or die-cast alloys, offering strength and durability. Entry-level reels may use composites, while premium models feature lightweight, corrosion-resistant metals ideal for saltwater.

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Ross Reels - Evolution R Salt Fly Reel | Maximum drag, zero compromise.

Engineered for the unforgiving world of saltwater fly fishing, the Ross Evolution R Salt Fly Reel delivers class-leading power in a sleek, rugged package. Designed with a 16-disc stainless steel and carbon fluoropolymer drag system, the Evolution R Salt produces nearly 30 lbs of drag pressure—more than enough to stop hard-running tarpon, GTs, or permit in their tracks.
The R Salt’s unique design features dual counterbalances for perfect spool balance during blistering runs, while its large, integrated drag knob allows quick, palm-friendly adjustments mid-fight. Built on the elegant and ultra-strong Evolution R frame, this reel achieves a power-to-weight ratio unmatched in its class. Whether you're chasing giants on the flats or in blue water, the Ross Evolution R Salt Fly Reel is built to thrive in the harshest conditions.

ULTRALIGHT WEIGHT

Fully machined in the USA from our proprietary 6061-T6 aluminum alloy, models start at just 7.5 ounces | Innovative dual mini counterbalances reduce mass

SEALED DRAG

Industry leading power-to-weight ratio in a fully sealed system | Proprietary carbon fiber and stainless steel disc stack

STAINLESS STEEL INTERNALS

All internal components are machined stainless steel, finished with a special coating for saltwater durability

REINFORCED FRAME & SPOOL

Bolstered structural rigidity as well as increased backing capacity

CUSTOM HANDLE MATERIAL

Fully machined canvas phenolic rod, resting on a 7075-T6 chromated aluminum post yields reduced weight and increased grip when wet

FINISH

Type II anodized for the perfect balance of hardness and color

CONNECTION AND CONVERSION

Quick release spool and easy left-hand to right-hand retrieve conversion

FLY LINE COVERAGE

7wt. - 12wt.

FISHING APPLICATION

Designed for use in all freshwater, warmwater, and saltwater fishing environments

AVAILABLE COLORS

Matte Black and Platinum

LIMITED LIFETIME WARRANTY

Product Description

Ross Reels - Evolution R Salt Fly Reel | Maximum drag, zero compromise.

Engineered for the unforgiving world of saltwater fly fishing, the Ross Evolution R Salt Fly Reel delivers class-leading power in a sleek, rugged package. Designed with a 16-disc stainless steel and carbon fluoropolymer drag system, the Evolution R Salt produces nearly 30 lbs of drag pressure—more than enough to stop hard-running tarpon, GTs, or permit in their tracks.
The R Salt’s unique design features dual counterbalances for perfect spool balance during blistering runs, while its large, integrated drag knob allows quick, palm-friendly adjustments mid-fight. Built on the elegant and ultra-strong Evolution R frame, this reel achieves a power-to-weight ratio unmatched in its class. Whether you're chasing giants on the flats or in blue water, the Ross Evolution R Salt Fly Reel is built to thrive in the harshest conditions.

ULTRALIGHT WEIGHT

Fully machined in the USA from our proprietary 6061-T6 aluminum alloy, models start at just 7.5 ounces | Innovative dual mini counterbalances reduce mass

SEALED DRAG

Industry leading power-to-weight ratio in a fully sealed system | Proprietary carbon fiber and stainless steel disc stack

STAINLESS STEEL INTERNALS

All internal components are machined stainless steel, finished with a special coating for saltwater durability

REINFORCED FRAME & SPOOL

Bolstered structural rigidity as well as increased backing capacity

CUSTOM HANDLE MATERIAL

Fully machined canvas phenolic rod, resting on a 7075-T6 chromated aluminum post yields reduced weight and increased grip when wet

FINISH

Type II anodized for the perfect balance of hardness and color

CONNECTION AND CONVERSION

Quick release spool and easy left-hand to right-hand retrieve conversion

FLY LINE COVERAGE

7wt. - 12wt.

FISHING APPLICATION

Designed for use in all freshwater, warmwater, and saltwater fishing environments

AVAILABLE COLORS

Matte Black and Platinum

LIMITED LIFETIME WARRANTY

Q: What types of fly fishing reels do you sell? 
A: At Drift Outfitters, we carry fly reels for every style of angling, from small-stream trout fishing to heavy-duty saltwater battles. Our lineup includes lightweight trout reels, mid-range options for bass and steelhead, and large-arbor reels built to handle salmon and powerful saltwater species. No matter your target, we have a reel to match.

Q: How do I choose the right fly reel size? 
A: Reel size should always be matched to your fly rod weight for balance and performance. A 4/5 or 5/6 reel is ideal for trout rods, while 7/8 or 8/9 reels are better suited for steelhead, salmon, and bass. Larger 10–12wt reels are designed for tarpon, permit, and other saltwater game fish.

Q: What materials are fly reels made from?
 A: Most modern reels are crafted from anodized aluminum, providing both strength and corrosion resistance. Entry-level models may use die-cast alloys or composites, while premium reels are often fully machined for precision and durability. For saltwater fishing, corrosion-resistant metals are especially important.

Q: Which fly reel brands do you carry? 
A: We stock top-quality brands like Abel, Sage, Ross, Loop, Redington, Echo and more. Each is known for durable construction, smooth drag systems, and designs that perform reliably in both fresh and saltwater environments.

Q: Do I need a large arbor reel?
 A: Large arbor reels are popular because they pick up line quickly, reduce line memory, and offer greater backing capacity. This makes them ideal when fighting strong fish like salmon, steelhead, or tarpon that can take long, fast runs. For smaller trout fishing situations, a mid-arbor reel may be sufficient.

Q: How should I care for my fly fishing reel?
 A: After each outing, especially in saltwater, rinse your reel with fresh water and allow it to dry completely. Regularly check and clean the drag system, and apply light lubrication when needed. Storing your reel in a protective case or pouch will extend its lifespan and keep it performing smoothly season after season.

Fly Fishing Reels FAQ

Q: What types of fly fishing reels do you sell? 
A: At Drift Outfitters, we carry fly reels for every style of angling, from small-stream trout fishing to heavy-duty saltwater battles. Our lineup includes lightweight trout reels, mid-range options for bass and steelhead, and large-arbor reels built to handle salmon and powerful saltwater species. No matter your target, we have a reel to match.

Q: How do I choose the right fly reel size? 
A: Reel size should always be matched to your fly rod weight for balance and performance. A 4/5 or 5/6 reel is ideal for trout rods, while 7/8 or 8/9 reels are better suited for steelhead, salmon, and bass. Larger 10–12wt reels are designed for tarpon, permit, and other saltwater game fish.

Q: What materials are fly reels made from?
 A: Most modern reels are crafted from anodized aluminum, providing both strength and corrosion resistance. Entry-level models may use die-cast alloys or composites, while premium reels are often fully machined for precision and durability. For saltwater fishing, corrosion-resistant metals are especially important.

Q: Which fly reel brands do you carry? 
A: We stock top-quality brands like Abel, Sage, Ross, Loop, Redington, Echo and more. Each is known for durable construction, smooth drag systems, and designs that perform reliably in both fresh and saltwater environments.

Q: Do I need a large arbor reel?
 A: Large arbor reels are popular because they pick up line quickly, reduce line memory, and offer greater backing capacity. This makes them ideal when fighting strong fish like salmon, steelhead, or tarpon that can take long, fast runs. For smaller trout fishing situations, a mid-arbor reel may be sufficient.

Q: How should I care for my fly fishing reel?
 A: After each outing, especially in saltwater, rinse your reel with fresh water and allow it to dry completely. Regularly check and clean the drag system, and apply light lubrication when needed. Storing your reel in a protective case or pouch will extend its lifespan and keep it performing smoothly season after season.