Bauer SLT
In Stock • Bozeman, MT
- Fully Water-and-Debris Sealed Carbon Drag
- Zero Backlash Clutch
- Large Arbor
- Premium Aluminum & Stainless Steel
Description
The Bauer SLT is Bauer's flagship saltwater fly reel, engineered for anglers targeting the toughest gamefish on the planet. Designed around an all-new fully sealed carbon drag system, the SLT delivers exceptionally smooth engagement, consistent drag pressure, and the durability needed to withstand years of exposure to salt, sand, mud, and heat.
At the heart of the reel is a redesigned drag stack featuring alternating carbon and stainless steel discs, creating a remarkably linear drag curve with every click of the oversized drag knob. Combined with Bauer's Zero Backlash Clutch, oversized internal components, and generous large arbor design, the SLT offers the precision and confidence needed when targeting everything from bonefish and permit to giant trevally, tarpon, tuna, and marlin.
Features
The newly designed drag system is powered by a cutting-edge, alternating stainless steel and carbon discs stack, that effectively disperses heat and facilitates ultra-smooth engagement when fighting the world’s most powerful fish. An oversized low-durometer rubber O-ring provides consistency throughout the drag adjustment range, allowing for even resistance with every click of the drag knob. Many competitors’ drag systems inconsistently increase pressure—either too quickly or too slowly. The SLT’s drag is linear with every click, allowing anglers to dial in their settings for the perfect amount of resistance. Additionally, the new drag stack features a high and low-end hard stop, preventing over-tightening and free spooling.
Zero Backlash Clutch
The SLT features a re-imagined and incredibly smooth clutch mechanism. Inspired by the tried-and-true clutch that revolutionized the fly reel industry for two decades, the re-imagined clutch seamlessly transitions from the highest drag settings and provides ultimate smoothness when fighting unforgiving fish. All internal componentry has been made larger for easy handling, tighter tolerances, and is made to take higher heat and torque that come with fishing for tarpon, giant trevally, and arapaima among others.
Fully Sealed Carbon Drag
Featuring a fully water- and debris-sealed system, hardcore anglers can rest easy knowing the SLT can withstand days of saltwater, mud, sand, and dirt without fail.
Specifications
| Model | Line Weight | Weight | Diameter | Spool Width | Arbor Diameter | Backing Capacity | Line Pickup* |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| SLT 7/8/9 | 7–9 wt | 10.37 oz | 4.25" | 1.15" | 2.45" | WF9 + 200 yds 30 lb Dacron | 7" arbor / 10" loaded |
| SLT 9/10/11 | 9–11 wt | 10.77 oz | 4.65" | 1.15" | 2.70" | WF11 + 200 yds 30 lb Dacron | 8" arbor / 12" loaded |
| SLT 11/12+ | 11–12+ wt | 11.13 oz | 5.00" | 1.15" | 3.00" | WF12 + 200 yds 30 lb Dacron | 9" arbor / 14" loaded |
*Line pickup shown as inches per handle rotation at arbor diameter and with a fully loaded spool.
SLT 7/8/9 - The SLT 7/8/9 reel is the ultimate flats companion, purpose-built for pursuing bonefish, redfish, striper and Large Bass. Designed to excel in saltwater environments, this reel features a re-engineered, fully sealed Bauer drag system that stands up to the toughest runs. Its smooth, powerful drag and generous capacity make it ideal for 7, 8, and 9 weight rods.
SLT 9/10/11 - The SLT 9/10/11 is your all-around workhorse. This reel is built to stop anything and everything from GT’s and Tarpon to Arapaima and Roosters. Whether you're traveling deep into the Jungle or to a remote Atol this reel is built to meet the demands of the extreme big game angler.
SLT 11/12+ - The SLT 11/12+ is a high-performance fly reel engineered for the demands of blue water fishing, targeting powerful species like tuna and marlin. Featuring a cutting-edge drag system capable of delivering up to 15 pounds of smooth, reliable resistance, this reel provides anglers with the stopping power needed to control large pelagic fish.
Size Chart
| Target Species | Recommended Model | Line Weight |
|---|---|---|
| Bonefish | 7/8/9 | 7–9 wt |
| Redfish | 7/8/9 | 7–9 wt |
| Permit | 7/8/9, 9/10/11 | 8–10 wt |
| Striped Bass | 7/8/9, 9/10/11 | 8–10 wt |
| Golden Dorado | 9/10/11 | 9–10 wt |
| Tarpon | 9/10/11, 11/12+ | 10–12 wt |
| Roosterfish | 9/10/11 | 10–11 wt |
| Arapaima | 11/12+ | 12 wt |
| Giant Trevally | 11/12+ | 11–12 wt |
| Tuna | 11/12+ | 12 wt+ |
| Marlin | 11/12+ | 12 wt+ |
| Sailfish | 11/12+ | 12 wt+ |
FAQ
Who Is the Bauer SLT For?
The Bauer SLT is built for serious saltwater anglers who demand smooth, consistent drag performance on powerful fish.
Its greatest strength is not simply maximum drag, but the ability to apply precise, repeatable drag pressure throughout the fight, giving anglers greater control over hard-running fish.
What Makes the Bauer SLT Different from Other Bauer Reels?
Unlike the RVR, which is purpose-built for freshwater applications, the SLT was designed from the ground up for saltwater. Every aspect of the reel—from the fully sealed drag to the oversized internal components and Zero Backlash Clutch—was engineered to withstand the heat, torque, and harsh conditions associated with big-game fly fishing.
How Good Is the Bauer SLT Drag System?
The SLT features Bauer's most advanced drag system to date.
Its fully sealed stack combines alternating stainless steel and carbon discs to create exceptionally smooth engagement while efficiently dissipating heat during long runs. Unlike many drag systems that increase pressure unevenly, the SLT applies drag in a remarkably linear fashion with every click of the drag knob.
The result is a drag that is predictable, repeatable, and easy to fine-tune for different tippet strengths and species.
What Are the Downsides of the Bauer SLT?
The Bauer SLT is built with durability and reliability as the priority, and that comes with a slight weight penalty compared to some competing premium saltwater reels. If you're spending an entire day blind casting from the bow of a skiff or making hundreds of casts on expansive flats, there are lighter reels on the market that may reduce fatigue over the course of the day.
That said, the extra weight is also part of what makes the SLT such a dependable reel. Its robust construction, oversized internal components, and fully sealed drag system are designed to withstand years of abuse in harsh saltwater environments.
For anglers who value a lightweight outfit above all else, another reel may be a better fit. But for those looking for a smooth, reliable reel that inspires confidence when a fish of a lifetime takes off, the SLT's added weight is a tradeoff many anglers are happy to make.
Warranty
BAUER FLY REEL warrants against any defects in material or workmanship for the lifetime of the original purchaser when the reel is purchased from an authorized Bauer dealer. This warranty is limited to repair or replacement of the reel at our option and does not cover consequential or incidental damages.
If you need to send your reel back to Bauer for service or repair, please pack your reel well in a sturdy box and return to the address listed below. All reels must be shipped with the correct Service and Repair form below, completely filled out, printed, and packed in the box with your reel. We also recommend insuring for the value of the reel. The normal turn around time is ten to twenty shop days. If needed sooner, call or email prior to shipment arrival.
Click here to download Repair Form
SHIP TO:
(UPS/Fedex)
Bauer Fly Reels
500 S. Main St.
Twin Bridges, MT 59754
If using US Postal Service, please send to:
Bauer Fly Reels
PO Box 411
Twin Bridges, MT 59754
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