Nautilus GTS Fly Reels

This one can do a little bit of everything on the smaller end.  From trout to light bonefish, the GTS gives you plenty of options!

The Nautilus GTS series is a strong fit for anglers who want a reel that feels light in hand but stays composed when a fish turns serious. On the water, the priorities are simple: smooth drag control, quick line pickup, and a build that holds up to real use—boat days, rainy runs, and the occasional dunking that happens to everyone. The GTS lineup lives in that premium “everyday performance” zone, making it a practical choice for trout and streamer fishing, steelhead and salmon work, and light-salt scenarios where you still want dependable, consistent drag. Browse current sizes, match the reel to your line weight, and round out your setup with backing and reel-friendly fly lines to keep your system balanced and ready.

A key advantage of the GTS system is how Nautilus handles sizing. The GTS 5/6 and GTS 7/8 share the exact same 4.0" frame. The difference between models is spool capacity, not the reel body. That means you can buy one GTS reel and add the alternate spool to effectively cover four line weights (5–8wt) with the same reel frame, making an efficient way to expand your setup without purchasing a second reel.

If you like to switch between rods, travel with fewer reels, or keep a spare line system ready to go, the GTS + extra spool approach is one of the most versatile ways to build a two-spool, multi-line reel system.

We are thrilled to announce the arrival of the highly anticipated GTS reels! As you unbox your new shipment, you’ll find that we’ve surpassed the already remarkable NVG series with significant enhancements:

• Lighter Weight
• Effortless LH to RH Conversion
• Expanded Drag Adjustment Range
• Sleeker Design (which was no small feat)

But that’s not all—we’ve introduced groundbreaking features never before seen in a reel. For instance, the spool release cap now boasts a 7/8” (22 mm) hex shape—the same size as your car’s lug nuts—so if it ever gets stuck, you can remove it with a standard socket. We’ve also added external backing markers, with spools featuring two crossbars to indicate the optimal backing fill level for your line weight.

REVOLUTIONARY DRAG ADJUSTMENT

GTS 5/6 and 7/8: The first full turn of the drag knob gives you 90% of the usable drag for light tippet dry fly or nymphing. When using heavier tippets for streamers or targeting species like bonefish or baby tarpon, the second turn will provide 90% of the drag you need. And if you need to break off a fish quickly—just half a turn more, and your tippet will snap.

Specs -

Q: Is the GTS a good “one-reel” option for multiple fisheries?

A: Yes, if you fish a range of waters, the GTS category is typically chosen for balanced performance: smooth drag control and a practical, fishable feel that works across several line-weight setups.

Q: What should I prioritize when picking the right size?

A: Start with your rod and line weight, then confirm the reel has appropriate capacity for your line system (fly line + backing). If you travel or fish bigger water, capacity matters more.

Q: Do I need a spare spool?

A: A spare spool is one of the easiest “upgrades” for versatility. Swap from floating to sink-tip/streamer lines (or fresh to salt) without buying another full reel.

Q: What backing should I use?

A: Most anglers use standard dacron backing for general freshwater and step up to higher-strength options when targeting larger fish or fishing around structure.