OEM Salmon Fly Reel for High-Capacity Salmon and Spey Setups
The AGATBE Series is built around the requirements of larger fly-fishing setups rather than lightweight trout applications. The range extends through 7/8, 9/10, and 11/12 WT, giving buyers heavier configurations suited to salmon, steelhead, long two-handed rods, and larger fly-line systems.
A maximum drag of 8 kg / 17.6 lb provides the braking capacity needed for stronger fish, while the progressively larger spools provide increasing line capacity from approximately 250 m / 273 yd to 650 m / 711 yd of PE #2 line. This combination of drag strength and spool capacity is particularly relevant to salmon and steelhead programs, where long runs and rapid changes in direction place greater demands on the reel.
The frame and spool are precision CNC machined from aluminum alloy and finished with anodizing for improved corrosion resistance. A zero-play anti-reverse system paired with 2+1 stainless steel bearings supports consistent handle engagement and smooth operation under load.
Product Specifications
|
Model |
Line Class |
Weight |
Max Drag |
Bearings |
PE #2 Line Capacity |
|
AGATBE75 |
3/4 WT |
142 g / 5.01 oz |
8 kg / 17.6 lb |
2+1 BB |
250 m / 273 yd |
|
AGATBE83 |
5/6 WT |
158 g / 5.57 oz |
8 kg / 17.6 lb |
2+1 BB |
350 m / 383 yd |
|
AGATBE95 |
7/8 WT |
163 g / 5.75 oz |
8 kg / 17.6 lb |
2+1 BB |
450 m / 492 yd |
|
AGATBE105 |
9/10 WT |
181 g / 6.38 oz |
8 kg / 17.6 lb |
2+1 BB |
550 m / 601 yd |
|
AGATBE110 |
11/12 WT |
183 g / 6.46 oz |
8 kg / 17.6 lb |
2+1 BB |
650 m / 711 yd |
CNC Aluminum Construction for Heavy Fly Reel Programs
The AGATBE Series uses precision CNC-machined aluminum alloy for the reel structure. This provides a rigid platform for maintaining spool and drag alignment under load while avoiding the excessive bulk associated with heavier cast constructions.
The anodized surface treatment improves resistance to corrosion and surface wear, making the platform suitable for freshwater salmon programs as well as environments where reels may be exposed to moisture and occasional brackish or coastal conditions.
Zero-Play Anti-Reverse and Stainless Steel Bearings
A zero-play anti-reverse system reduces unwanted backward handle movement when load is applied. This gives more immediate engagement when pressure transfers from the line to the reel.
The system is paired with a 2+1 stainless steel bearing configuration, supporting smoother rotation and consistent mechanical engagement across the reel family.
For salmon and steelhead reels, where fish can change direction rapidly and repeatedly load the drag system, these structural details provide a stronger technical story than bearing count alone.
High-Capacity Spool for Long Runs
Capacity increases substantially across the AGATBE range:
250 m → 350 m → 450 m → 550 m → 650 m of PE #2 line.
This gives buyers a clear progression from lighter freshwater sizes to full-size salmon and Spey configurations.
High backing capacity is a major consideration for salmon and steelhead because these fish can make extended runs. Large, wide spools are also commonly preferred because they provide space for thicker fly lines and help recover loose line more quickly.
High-Capacity Salmon and Steelhead Applications
For salmon-focused programs, the AGATBE95 7/8 WT, AGATBE105 9/10 WT, and AGATBE110 11/12 WT are the most relevant models. The larger line classes and higher capacities provide the space required for heavier fly-line systems and additional backing or running line.
This is important because salmon and steelhead reels are commonly selected around strong drag performance, generous backing capacity, and fast line recovery rather than minimal reel weight alone. Larger spools can also better accommodate thicker Spey and sinking lines used in heavy river presentations.
Recommended Applications
- Atlantic salmon fly fishing
- Steelhead fly fishing
- Spey fishing
- Two-handed fly fishing
- River salmon fishing
- Swinging wet flies
- Large streamer presentations

Target Species
The larger AGATBE models are intended for strong migratory and freshwater species that can make sustained runs and place higher loads on the reel and drag system.
Recommended Target Species
- Atlantic Salmon
- Chinook Salmon
- Coho Salmon
- Steelhead
- Sea Trout

OEM Customization
The AGATBE Series can be developed for OEM and private-label salmon fly reel programs, with customization focused on both technical configuration and retail positioning.
Available options include:
- Brand logo and product marking
- Custom reel colors
- Size selection from 3/4 to 11/12 WT
- Reel finish and anodized color
- Handle configuration
- Drag-system configuration
- Packaging design
- Model labeling
- Barcode and private-label information
- Multi-size product-family planning
The five-size platform allows brands to build one visual reel family covering lighter freshwater applications through full-size salmon and Spey categories.

Why Choose WH Fishing
For salmon and heavy fly-reel projects, WH Fishing can support buyers with line-class selection, spool-capacity planning, drag configuration, CNC reel development, anodized finishes, branding, packaging, and bulk production.
The AGATBE Series provides an existing performance platform with up to 11/12 WT sizing, 8 kg / 17.6 lb drag, high-capacity spools, CNC aluminum construction, anti-reverse engagement, and stainless steel bearings, giving fishing brands a stronger technical foundation for private-label salmon and steelhead reel programs.

FAQ
1. What size salmon fly reel should be used for larger salmon?
For larger salmon and heavier fly-line systems, 9/10 WT and 11/12 WT are the strongest options in the AGATBE Series. The 7/8 WT model is suitable for lighter salmon and steelhead setups, while the larger sizes provide additional spool capacity and heavier line compatibility. Salmon equipment guidance commonly moves toward 9- and 10-weight systems for larger Chinook and Coho.
2. Why is high line capacity important on a salmon fly reel?
Salmon and steelhead can make long runs, so additional line or backing capacity provides greater margin when a fish moves far downstream. Large-capacity reels also provide more room for thicker Spey, sinking, and salmon-specific fly lines.
3. How much drag does the AGATBE Series provide?
All five sizes are rated for up to 8 kg / 17.6 lb of maximum drag, giving the series significantly more braking capacity than lightweight trout-focused fly reel platforms.
4. What is the benefit of CNC-machined aluminum construction?
Precision-machined aluminum provides a rigid reel frame and spool platform while maintaining a relatively low overall weight. The anodized finish also provides additional surface and corrosion protection.
5. What does the zero-play anti-reverse system do?
The anti-reverse system limits backward handle movement when the reel is loaded, providing more immediate engagement between the handle, spool, and drag system during fish-fighting situations.

