Ross Reels

Ross Reels was founded in 1973 in Etna, California, with the goal of building innovative, high-quality fly reels for both freshwater and saltwater anglers. From the beginning, Ross became known for precision machining, durability, and the introduction of large-arbor spool designs that improved line retrieval and reduced line memory. In the 1980s and 1990s the company grew rapidly and gained a reputation for making reels that combined strength with smooth drag systems at an accessible price. Ross was eventually acquired by 3M in 2010, but in 2013 the company was purchased by Mayfly Outdoors, a Colorado-based parent company also owning Abel and Airflo.

Today Ross Reels continues to design and manufacture all of its products in Montrose, Colorado, where it remains one of the longest-running and most trusted reel manufacturers in the United States.

Ross Reels offer two primary drag systems depending on the model. The Colorado reel uses a traditional click-and-pawl drag, which is lightweight, simple, and ideal for trout and dry-fly fishing. Their higher-end models, such as the Evolution R and Evolution FS, use fully sealed carbon-fiber disc drags that provide smooth power and reliability in both freshwater and saltwater environments.

Ross Reels are covered by a limited lifetime warranty for the original owner, valid as long as the reel model remains on the market. The warranty covers defects in materials and workmanship but does not apply to normal wear and tear, misuse, loss, theft, or discontinued products.