Orvis Mirage Fly Reel

The Orvis Mirage Fly Reel offers superb performance for a mid-high priced fly reel putting it in a class by itself. I've had the opportunity to use this reel in numerous sizes and circumstances; from Christmas Island for giant trevally to Michigan for chrome to Montana for big river trout. The environments were quite different during each occasion; varying from an 85 degree Central Pacific salt air to an 18 degree Great Lakes ice box to dry Montana summer tundra. No doubt, the reels were put to the test and under no circumstance did I feel under gunned or concerned about performance.

The drag system is completely sealed making it impervious to grit and grime, and saltwater and other corrosive elements. It uses the same principles utilized for brakes on fighter jets; the carbon to stainless disc drag (8 surfaces in the Mirage I and II, and 16 surfaces in the III thru VII) allows for a smooth and  consistent, infinitely adjustable drag that ranges from free spooling to a dead stop (and I mean dead stop). True large arbor performance for any condition and any fish that swims in fresh and saltwater.

Check out what Conway Bowman, the Mako Master, has to say about this workhorse of a reel. Honest words from a gentleman and steward who fishes all over the world for anything that swims.

Here are the benefits and features:

A completely sealed and maintenance-free drag surface, impervious to saltwater, dirt, grit and other corrosive elements to last longer and hold up to real world abuse.

A positive-click drag knob for accurate and repeatable drag settings.

True large arbor performance picks up line fast to give you the edge over all fresh and saltwater fish: from trout and panfish to bonefish, stripers, tarpon, tuna, marlin, and sails.

Crafted of strong yet lightweight anodized 6061 T6 aluminum with a heavily-ventilated spool to shed weight yet keep its strength.

Special handle shape reduces line from catching.

Aggressive diamond knurling on knob for easier grasp and adjustment mid-battle.

Quick release spool and easy conversion from left- to right-hand retrieve.

Here are the specs: 

Mirage LA I for line weights 1-3; 3.8 oz., 3" diameter.

Mirage LA II for line weights 3-5; 4.3 oz., 3¼" diameter.

Mirage LA III for line weights 5-7; 4.8 oz., 3½" diameter.

Mirage LA IV for line weights 7-9; 7.2 oz., 4" diameter.

Mirage LA V for line weights 9-11; 7.7 oz., 4¼" diameter.

Mirage LA VI for line weights 11-13; 10 oz., 4½" diameter.

Mirage LA VII Shallow for line weights 11-13; 11.7 oz., 5" diameter.

Mirage LA VII Deep for line weights 13-15; 11.5 oz., 5" diameter.