A close up image of the silver and blue Orvis Ration Reel on an angler's rod.

Stopping Power, Meet Precision

Own the fight with unmatched control and the strength to stop anything in its tracks.


Ratio reels are built for anglers who target powerful fish in demanding conditions. They have the strength and durability for bluewater battles with tuna and billfish, and bring the stopping power needed to keep flats fish from reaching the coral heads and mangroves. They are equally adept at moving big trout in heavy water, steelhead in fast flows, or carp hell-bent on leaving town.


They’re also ideal for situations where reels face the elements—being dunked in rough seas, laid in the shallows during a release, or exposed to sand and debris. In any environment where long runs, heavy pressure, and total reliability are required, Ratio reels deliver. 

Three Ratio reels lined up iside by side n gold, black, and silver with blue.

  • Fully sealed drag with redundant O-ring protection keeps water and debris out. 
  • Lighter than Mirage® USA with improved handle ergonomics for reduced fatigue.
  • Oversized shaft (5/16") and line guard for strength and reliability. 
  • Large-diameter drag knob for quick, easy adjustments. 
  • Size VI includes deep and shallow spools; deep spool holds a 14-weight line with 600 yards of backing for any big-game species. 
SIZE LINE WTS. DIAMETER DACRON BACKING REEL ITEM # SPOOL ITEM #
RATIO III 5-7 3.88" 20-lb. & WF6: 125 yds. 3GBH 3GCG
RATIO IV 7-9 4.25" 20-lb. & WF8: 200 yds. 3GB6 3GCH
RATIO V 9-11 4.5" 30-lb. & WF10: 225 yds. 3GB7 3GCJ
RATIO VI Shallow 11-12 5" 50-lb. gel-spun backing & WF12: 325 yds. 3GB8 3GCK
RATIO VI Deep 11-12, 14 5" 50-lb gel-spun backing (not Dacron) & WF14: 600 yds. 3NE3 3NE4
*Spools only available in blackout & silver/deep sea.
A CAD drawing of the insides of a Ration fly reel.

V-ring seal on drag housing prevents water/debris intrusion & maintains low friction, unlike conventional O-rings


Fully sealed carbon-stainless drag with 16 surfaces (vs. 8 on Hydros®) for smoother, more precise performance & higher drag pressure


Additional O-rings on drag knob & frame cap ensure long-term, flawless seal

A close view of the hands of an angler as they work a gold Ratio fly reel on their fly rod.

Low-profile counterweight balances spool without interfering with line or fingers


Type II anodization protects against scratches & corrosion

The saltwater Recon fly rod with the gold Ratio reel floats just below a striper held by an angler in the water.
An angler standing on the bow of a small boat reaches back with their fly rod to make a cast.
A silver Ratio fly reel with blue highlights sits cock-eyed on a wooden table next to a fly rod while an angler attaches a fly to a line.