Lamson Saltwater rods and reels are expertly engineered to handle extreme saltwater conditions, delivering unmatched power, precision, durability, and reliability during every big game battle on the water.
Lamson Saltwater Fly Fishing Gear
Designed to flow. Engineered to perform.
At Lamson, we believe that every cast should feel natural, effortless—like the gear disappears into your hand and lets the water be your only focus. Whether you pursue small trout in mountain streams or truly big game species in saltwater. That’s why we combine sleek, fluid design and cutting-edge engineering to build reels and rods that balance lightness, strength, and simplicity.
Our Roots: Innovation born of purpose
Our journey began when Waterworks acquired the original Lamson brand in 1998, uniting two legacies of technical design and a shared ethos of elegance in function. But the story goes deeper: the founders, originally from a bike and design background, brought their experience in lightweight components and precision machining into fly fishing. What began with a better fish-release tool evolved into a full line of reels and rods built from the ground up for performance and durability. In 2023 we dropped the Waterworks part of our name to simplify our name.
Operating out of our homebase in Idaho, we travel and test our product in the rivers and waters that inspire us, iterating designs until they feel as natural as the bend of the rod or the tight loops of the line.
What we build: Gear that is so light you might forget it’s there, but commanding enough to demand attention.
Whether you're dialing in a tight cast on a trout stream or sending wind cutting cats to saltwater targets, our equipment is engineered to match your vision of seamless performance and aesthetics.
Reels: As we’ve said - the performance benchmark for a fly reel is retrieve rate per ounce. There's no downside to high retrieve rate other than the extra weight. Re-imagine what large arbor means, cast out any doubts about swing weight with our design and engineering. With sealed conical drag reliability, large-arbor designs, and a strength-to-weight balance, our reels stand up to big runs while staying nimble.
Rods & outfits: A rod's performance should not be directly tied to its price tag. Built for everything from small water finesse to big-water aggression, our rods complement our reels perfectly and are designed to shine wherever you fish. We make purpose built actions for specific scenarios as well as easy casting do-it-all rods that are a joy to cast and won’t break the bank.
Every product is a distillation of what matters: eliminate variables, minimize weight, and maximize what you feel at a value and price tiers to get every level of angler on the water.
Why choose Lamson?
Fluid design — We believe design is useless if it gets in the way. Our gear is crafted to blend in with your style and accentuate your cast.
Technical heritage — U.S. made metalwork, machining, and precision engineering is at the core of everything we do, pushing rod and reel design in new directions.
Tested where it counts — Being located in Idaho gives us immediate access to rivers and conditions that challenge gear. What doesn’t hold up here doesn’t make the cut. We also value saltwater readiness. This means frequent trips to saltwater locations to stress test all of our big game gear, making sure it's ready for a true battle where the rules are thrown out.
Community & continuity — Our commitment extends beyond gear. We build relationships with anglers, guides, and shop owners — listen to feedback, and invest in longevity — your equipment should be a partner on the water and as reliable as the seasons. Try it out, pick the phone and give us a shout. We're here.
See you out there.
We aren’t just makers. We’re anglers—obsessed with the next morning, the next rise, the next tide, the next cast. When you choose Lamson, you’re choosing a partner in pursuit of flow, precision, and a deep connection with wild water.
When things don't go as planned we offer reel repair and rod warranty that puts an emphasis on the quickest turnaround times in the industry. Including rod sections available on demand and 72 repair time limits. We’ll see you back out there in no time.
Large arbor reels are central to our design philosophy. In fact, the performance benchmark of a fly reel is retrieve rate per ounce—and larger arbors dramatically improve retrieve rate while we minimize added weight through design and machining.
A reel’s arbor size affects three key things:
1. Line Retrieval
Bigger arbor = faster pickup.
On hot fish that sprint and turn, rapid line recovery can be the difference between staying tight or losing the fish. Our Hyperspeed series pushes this concept further, our M10 retrieves 16 inches of line per turn.
2. Line Management
Fly lines (and leaders) develop memory. Tight coils from small arbors lead to tangles, snags, and frustration.
Example: Our Purist II -3+ is sized large for a 3‑weight intentionally—less coiling, and easier handling.
3. Drag Consistency
Small arbors shrink rapidly as line is pulled off, causing drag pressure to spike. Larger arbors maintain a more constant diameter, which keeps drag pressure more consistent throughout the fight.
At Lamson, we build reels around our proprietary conical drag system, which differs from traditional cork or disc drags. Instead of stacked discs, we use a cone and matching cassette. This lets us achieve high surface area (stopping power) in a compact, sealed format that’s easier to protect and maintain.
Sealed Conical Drag
Our standard drag system, found in most Lamson reels, is fully sealed to keep out water and debris. It delivers a broad drag range, zero start‑up inertia, and exceptionally smooth performance.
Cobalt Drag (IPX8 Waterproof)
Still based on a conical design, but engineered for the harshest environments:
- IPX8 waterproof—fully protected even when fully submerged.
- Fixed spindle design prevents accidental drag exposure.
- Larger cones, washers, and clutch components for maximum stopping power.
- Built for saltwater, big fish, and abusive conditions.
Click‑Pawl Drag
A minimalist, classic system using a two‑way clicker for light resistance:
- Ultra‑simple design with very few moving parts.
- Minimal retrieve resistance, more outgoing pressure.
- Additional stopping power comes from palming the spool.
- Not for every application, but incredibly fun and pure to fish.
1. Determine Your Target Species
Flats species: bonefish, permit, small tarpon, jacks
Inshore/nearshore species: redfish, snook, sea trout
Offshore/large game: tarpon, small tuna, dorado
Rod weight guidelines:
Flats: 7–9 weight
Inshore/medium fish: 9–10 weight
Large game/offshore: 10–12 weight or higher
2. Choose the Rod
Length: 8–10 feet is typical for flats and inshore; longer rods (10–12 ft) for bigger fish or longer casts
Action: Fast-action rods load quickly for long casts; helps fight powerful saltwater fish
Material: Saltwater-rated, corrosion-resistant guides and components
3. Pick the Reel
Large-arbor, sealed-drag reels are essential
Smooth drag system with high line capacity for strong runs
Saltwater reels should be fully corrosion-resistant (aluminum or anodized finishes)
4. Select the Fly Line
Floating line: most common for flats and shallow water
Intermediate/sinking line: useful for deeper channels, schools of baitfish, or larger species
Match the line weight to the rod rating (e.g., 8-weight rod → 8-weight line)
5. Leader & Tippet
Flats: 9–12 ft fluorocarbon, 10–16 lb test
Larger species: 12–20 ft, 20–40 lb test, sometimes with wire for toothy fish
Use a long, strong leader to handle saltwater abrasion and maintain stealth
6. Fly Selection
Bonefish & permit: shrimp, crab, or small baitfish patterns (#4–#8)
Jacks & snook: small baitfish patterns like clousers or deceivers
Tarpon/offshore species: larger flies, 2–4 inches, heavy and fast-sinking
Lamson reels are designed to be as close to maintenance‑free as a fly reel can get. Our drag systems rely on carefully engineered friction surfaces, so adding oils or greases only interferes with performance. That said, a few simple tips can keep your reel operating smoothly for years.
Below is a practical, straightforward guide to caring for your Lamson fly reel—what to do, what not to do, and when to call us for backup.
A Lifeline
No matter what happens on the water, Lamson is here to help. Our typical turnaround time is 72 hours or less once the reel arrives at our facility. Repairs are covered by a flat service fee that includes parts, labor, and return shipping. Expedited service is available when needed.
Need help? Reach out anytime:
Phone: 1‑208‑562‑1310 (a real human will answer)
Email: customersupport@lamsonflyfishing.com (send photos, ask questions, or request parts)
Saltwater Maintenance
Saltwater is harder on everything—your reel, rod, line, and backing. A quick freshwater rinse after every outing goes a long way. Here’s how to care for each drag type (click‑pawl models excluded):
Sealed Conical Drag
Our sealed conical drags are designed to keep out water and debris. Still, if the spool is removed or the reel spends extended time submerged or in sand, the drag can be exposed.
After each trip:
- Rinse your reel and rod thoroughly with fresh water.
Periodically:
- Remove the spool and rinse the drag area. Let it dry completely.
Optional deep clean:
- Unscrew the gland cap and remove the clutch.
- Rinse all parts thoroughly.
- Allow everything to dry fully before reassembly.
- Ensure the clutch is oriented correctly and the gland cap is securely tightened (a towel for grip helps).
Cobalt Drag
Cobalt reels are fully sealed and built to be waterproof and debris‑proof.
Maintenance is simple: rinse after each use and you’re done.
Rinsing Agents
Products like Salt‑X won’t harm your Lamson reel. If you like using rinse agents to thoroughly remove salt from your gear, you can safely do so.
Conical Drag Maintenance (General Tips)
Lamson conical drags are engineered to be maintenance‑free. Still, a few small steps can extend longevity and help your reel perform at its best.
Changing Retrieve Direction
If you’re switching retrieve from left‑hand (factory default) to right‑hand, follow our instructional video. A few additional tips:
- Add a small drop of Blue Loctite to the gland cap threads. This keeps the cap secure during battles with fast, powerful fish. This thread locker is breakable meaning we can service your reel down the line if needed.
Oil Is Not Your Friend—Except Here
There’s really only one place a tiny amount of light lubricant can help: the O‑ring in the gland cap.
How to do it:
- Leave the reel fully assembled.
- Rinse the area with fresh water and let it dry.
- Use a Q‑tip with a very small amount of light lubricant.
- Swab the O‑ring and the base of the spindle (metal post on the spool).
- Put the frame and spool back together and spin the reel.
This can help if the O‑ring gets dry or grabby after long use in gritty or salty environments.
Handle Care
If your handle feels gritty:
- Rinse thoroughly.
- Blow it out with compressed air.
- When dry, add a tiny drop of lubricant around the Allen head.
Clicker Care
Clickers can be replaced by sending the reel in. If your reel has gotten quieter over time:
- Gently bend the clicker body away from the spool to increase tension.
And yes—if you prefer a silent reel, you can cut the clicker off.
Pre‑Trip Gear Check
Headed on a big trip? This is the time to check everything—not the night before.
- Inspect rods (and pack extras when possible).
- Look through fly boxes and replace missing patterns.
- Check fly lines for nicks or cracks.
- Test your drag at both high and low settings.
We offer a fast repair turnaround, but shipping time is out of our hands. Give yourself a buffer so gear surprises don’t kill a trip.
Storage Tips
Proper off‑season storage helps extend reel and drag life.
- Use the storage bag your reel came with to protect the reel and finish.
- Never store the reel wet—let it dry fully first.
- Store gear in a dry place.
- Back off your drag completely. Drag systems rely on friction and springs; releasing pressure during storage preserves your high‑end drag.
If you ever have questions or want help diagnosing an issue, we’re here. A quick call or email can prevent bigger problems down the road—and keep you on the water where you belong.
Our lifetime warranty is valid for any defect in material or workmanship for the original owner of a reel or rod. This warranty applies to parts and labor, but doesn’t cover damage due to misuse, improper maintenance, or modification. This warranty is limited to repair or replacement at our discretion, and repair parts or colors might not match the original reel. Put it back in our hands. We’ll get you a quick fix, so that you can get right back on the water.
Please print and fill out the relevant form. To insure proper return of your rod or reel please print clearly.
REPAIRS
Stuff happens on the water. We are here to back you up when things don't go as planned. Send in your Rod or Reel for repair and we will have it done within 2 weeks of arriving at our warehouse. If you have a trip coming up or a tighter deadline please reach out and we will do whatever we can to get your repair done. Reel repairs are a flat $35 and Rods are a flat $50, which covers the cost of parts and return shipping. Some exceptions may apply.