Nautilus CCF-X2
In Stock • Bozeman, MT
- Fully Machined
- “Giga” Large Arbor Design
- Sealed Cork Carbon Fiber Drag
- Hard Anodized
- USA Made
- Custom Options Available
Description
The multiple award winning dual action CCF-X2 drag system features twice the drag strength (20lbs+), twice the smoothness and half the startup inertia as the former CCF.
The CCF-X2 is featured in 4 sizes – the 6/8, 8/10, 10/12. All reels feature the made-for-fish fighting, big game handle and are fully sealed using our proprietary Activseal technology. Other components included in the CCF-X2 line are hybrid ceramic bearings, TPX bushings and an oversized drag knob to adjust the smoothest drag from zero to max in 6 full turns with our Infinajust system.
The 6/8 is a 4-inch large arbor 6-8 weight reel. For more line pick up, the 8/10 is a great 8 weight with almost 12 inches of line pick up with a WF8 line per turn of the handle. The 4.5-inch 8/10 and 10/12 reels share the same frame and the spools can be interchanged for a set up that covers 8 to 12 weight lines with just an extra spool.
In addition, this reel is fully sealed and loaded with hybrid ceramic bearings, TPX bushings and an oversized drag knob with Infinadjust range settings.
Specs
| Model | Line | Capacity |
Weight |
| No. 6/8 | WF-8 | +175 yds #20 | 7.6oz |
| No. 8/10 | WF-10 | +200 yds #30 | 8.6oz |
| No. 10/12 | WF-12 | +250 yds #30 | 8.9oz |
| Silver King | WF-12 | +250 yds #30 | 9.1oz |
Technology
ActivSeal: The Nautilus ActivSealTM is a precision machined proprietary seal that’s featured in all our CCF-X2 and NV series reels. The ActivSeal actively repels water, sand, salt and any other contaminant to keep the braking system intact and consistent. Whether great lakes steelheading in 20-degree weather or on a Seychelles flat in 100-degree tropical torture, ActivSeal technology keeps your reel functioning at the highest level, despite the elements. Dunk it and batter it with sand, then go back to fishing. Only Nautilus Reels!
Laser-ID: A favorite technology to come out of the Nautilus think-tank, we laser etch a white spot to the inside of the spool, leaving a textured surface that can be written on. Anglers can then use a thin permanent marker to write the line weight or any other information you need. No more washed out or peeled of line stickers! If you ever need to change it, wipe it off with alcohol for a blank slate.
The CCF-X2 Disc Braking System is an upgraded, stronger, lighter version of the Cork and Carbon Fiber brake of its predecessor. It features twice the drag surface in a dual-action brake configuration. Coupled with hybrid ceramic bearings, the reel delivers less than 1% startup inertia at all drag settings. This brake unit is feather light and can be easily switched from RH to LH retrieve. The Brembo® brakes of fly fishing.
Our precision engineered thermoplastic TPX bushings are feather light, self-lubricating, inert (no corrosion) and have zero wear. This means that you have the smoothness of a bearing without the weight and with a longer lifespan.
The over sized CCF-X2 drag knob features the InfinAdjust drag control system. With six turns of the drag knob, you can go from zero to 20+lbs, allowing you to precisely adjust your drag tension without fear of over adjusting.
Giga: The Über arbors of fly fishing reels that allow anglers to reel in more than a foot per turn. In addition, a unique design feature of these spools comes in grooves that let the bottom of the backing breathe to promote faster drying. The Giga arbors have redefined large arbor reel design.
Warranty
All Nautilus reels carry a limited lifetime warranty for the original owner covering any defect in materials and workmanship. This warranty provides that defective Nautilus fly reels will be repaired or replaced at our option at no charge for parts and labor. This warranty does not cover damage caused by accident, misuse, improper maintenance or modification.
Size Chart
| Species | Recommended CCF-X2 Size |
|---|---|
| Bass | 6/8 |
| Bonefish | 6/8 |
| Redfish | 6/8, 8/10 |
| Tarpon | 8/10 (Juvenile), 10/12, Silver King |
| Permit | 8/10 |
| Peacock Bass | 8/10 |
| Golden Dorado | 8/10 |
| Giant Trevally | 10/12, Silver King |
| Triggerfish | 6/8, 8/10 |
| Tigerfish | 8/10 |
| Other Trevally Species | 8/10, 10/12 |
| Striped Bass | 6/8, 8/10 |
| Salmon | 8/10 |
| Steelhead | 6/8, 8/10 |
| Snook | 6/8, 8/10 |
| Roosterfish | 8/10, 10/12 |
| Pike | 8/10, 10/12 |
| Arapaima | Silver King |
FAQ
Who Is the Nautilus CCF-X2 For?
The Nautilus CCF-X2 is built for anglers who place a premium on drag performance, fast line retrieval, and lightweight design. It has earned a loyal following among guides and destination anglers because it combines exceptional stopping power with one of the fastest spool retrieval rates in fly fishing.
This is one of the top-selling saltwater reels in our entire lineup because it is reliable, durable, and has been proving itself for many years across all walks of fisheries.
Is the Nautilus CCF-X2 a Good Saltwater Fly Reel?
The CCF-X2 was purpose-built for saltwater fishing and is widely regarded as one of the premier saltwater fly reels available today. Its sealed drag system, lightweight construction, and oversized arbor design make it a favorite among anglers targeting bonefish, permit, tarpon, giant trevally, roosterfish, and other powerful gamefish.
One of the reel's defining characteristics is how quickly it picks up line, helping anglers stay connected to fast-moving fish and recover slack line during critical moments.
What Makes the Nautilus CCF-X2 Drag System Different?
The drag system is the defining feature of the CCF-X2. Nautilus's Disc Braking System utilizes a dual-action cork and carbon fiber design with roughly twice the drag surface area of the previous generation reel. The result is exceptional stopping power, smooth performance, and remarkably low startup inertia.
Paired with hybrid ceramic bearings, the CCF-X2 delivers less than 1% startup inertia across all drag settings. In practical terms, that means the drag starts smoothly when a fish takes off, helping protect light tippets while maintaining consistent pressure throughout the fight.
Another standout feature is Nautilus's InfinAdjust drag system. The oversized drag knob provides six full turns of adjustment, allowing anglers to move from nearly zero resistance to more than 20 pounds of drag pressure with precise control. Unlike reels that make large drag changes with a small turn of the knob, the CCF-X2 allows anglers to fine-tune settings without fear of over-adjusting at a critical moment.
How Smooth Is the Nautilus CCF-X2?
The CCF-X2 was engineered to minimize weight while maximizing performance. Nautilus utilizes proprietary TPX thermoplastic bushings that are self-lubricating, corrosion-proof, and designed for virtually zero wear. These bushings provide the smooth feel anglers expect from traditional bearing systems while reducing weight and increasing long-term durability.
Combined with hybrid ceramic bearings and the reel's sealed drag system, the result is a reel that feels exceptionally smooth under load while maintaining the rugged reliability required for saltwater fishing.
How Does the CCF-X2 Retrieve Line So Quickly?
One of the most recognizable features of the CCF-X2 is its oversized Giga Arbor design. The large spool diameter allows anglers to recover more than a foot of line with every turn of the handle, helping eliminate slack quickly when fish charge the boat or suddenly change direction.
This fast retrieval rate has made the reel especially popular among permit, tarpon, roosterfish, and giant trevally anglers, where staying connected to a fast-moving fish can often determine whether it is landed or lost.
The Giga Arbor design also incorporates ventilation grooves that allow backing to dry more quickly after use, helping reduce moisture retention during travel and long-term storage.
What Are the Downsides of the Nautilus CCF-X2?
The CCF-X2 was designed around performance, and some anglers may find that its appearance and engineering are more modern than traditional. The oversized Giga Arbor spool, lightweight construction, and aggressive porting are a departure from the classic look of many fly reels. It is still very much a "handsome" looking reel, but is more purpose-built than flair.
The reel is also firmly positioned in the premium category, making it a significant investment. Anglers who primarily fish freshwater trout and/or only plan on using this on a single saltwater trip might opt for another reel that offers good quality at a lower price.
