Shilton SL Spey Reel Large Arbor black

Shilton products have been on the market for over two decades now! In that time, these thoughtfully designed reels have not only enhanced the experience of countless anglers at the water and earned their trust during adventures, but they have also been continuously improved over the years. The origin of these reels: South Africa. A diverse country where fine trout fishing is just a stone’s throw from action-packed saltwater angling. In between: bass, yellowfish, tigerfish and more. And just as diverse as the country of origin is the range of use for these reels. Whether trout or GT, one thing is especially important to the manufacturer: reliable performance, no matter what. The company’s motto: “We Stop Fish” – and it’s exactly this goal that Shilton pursues with the robust SL Spey – a reel specifically developed for powerful fish in big rivers. It’s no coincidence that some of the world’s most renowned salmon and steelhead lodges rely on the uncompromising performance of the SL Spey.

Shilton SL Spey Fly Reel:
The SL Spey is the workhorse among two-handed reels – developed for heavy double-handed rods, large rivers, and uncompromising control during the fight with strong opponents like Atlantic salmon, sea trout, or steelhead. Its virtually indestructible design has proven itself for over 20 years in guiding operations worldwide – from Norway’s glacial rivers to the legendary waters of Canada and Alaska. Especially in the rental programs of major lodges, the SL Spey has proven to be absolutely “bulletproof” – even after years of intensive use in cold, wet, and often harsh conditions.

The robust cork drag system with one-way plungers delivers smooth yet powerful braking – essential when fishing with thin leaders in strong current. The large cork drag starts reliably, even when a salmon or steelhead takes off downstream at full speed.

Why Cork?
Following the KISS principle – keep it simple & stupid. The cork drag provides an open, controllable system that’s easy to maintain and highly reliable. Braking force is generated by the surface pressure of a cork disc against the inner side of the spool, with the pressure regulated via the large, grippy drag knob. A brilliantly simple system that has proven itself countless times over the years. Thanks to the natural properties of cork, the large disc also guarantees an incredibly smooth drag start, so even when fishing with thin tippets, you won’t have to worry if the fish runs off at full speed.

Additional Features of the Shilton SL Spey:
The reel and spool are CNC-machined from a single block of high-quality 6082 T6 aluminum – strong, corrosion-resistant, and lightweight. Type II anodization offers excellent protection from external influences like moisture, impacts, or abrasion. The generous line capacity is designed for thick shooting heads (Skagit, Scandi) and plenty of backing – perfect for big rivers with powerful fish. The mid-arbor spool ensures a great balance between retrieval speed and capacity. The clicking drag knob helps with precise drag adjustment, while the exposed palming rim allows additional manual control when needed. The simple, ultra-durable construction with few moving parts makes the reel extremely low-maintenance and reliable. All parts are CNC-machined and corrosion-resistant. Whether you're chasing GT, tarpon, peacock bass, arapaima – or the largest sea-run salmonids on the planet – the uncompromising performance of the Shilton SL gives you the confidence you need when facing the toughest fish.

In short: If you're heading out on extended two-handed adventures for salmon, sea trout, or steelhead – or if you prefer a more traditional reel design for saltwater use – the Shilton SL Spey is the perfect choice. It combines maximum durability with intuitive usability and clean design – a true workhorse for the big moments on the water.

Details:

• Heavy-duty two-handed reel for salmon, steelhead & sea trout
• 100% saltwater-resistant – also ideal for GT, tarpon and more
• Designed for heavy shooting head systems and lots of backing
• Open, durable cork drag system with smooth startup
• Machined from high-quality 6082 T6 aluminum
• Type II anodizing for optimal protection
• Mid-arbor spool: balance of retrieval speed & capacity
• Palming rim for additional manual control
• Clicking drag knob for precise adjustment
• Quiet clicker in both directions
• Low-maintenance and extremely durable
• Easy switch between left-hand and right-hand retrieve (RHW / LHW)
• Comes with reel case & maintenance oil
• Limited lifetime Shilton warranty
• Color: Black