Nautilus GT Series Fly Fishing Reel

In 2017 we introduced the GTX. A reel in a class of its own. Designed to be fished beyond IGFA regulations with a maximum drag of 25+ pounds, the GTX was built to put the brakes on the fastest and strongest fish on the planet. The plan was to make the biggest, lightest, strongest reel possible, test it in a tug of war against animals and the elements, tweak it to perfection and use it to design a series of more compact GTX reels that would replace our ever-popular NVG series.

The hallmark performance, aesthetics, and ergonomics of the GTX were seamlessly adapted into the new, smaller GT series reels. Each model incorporates the lessons and breakthroughs developed during the GTX’s evolution.

One standout feature of the GT series is its tailored drag adjustment system. For example, the GTX featured a single-turn drag adjustment, to cover 90% of fishing scenarios. In contrast, the GTS—designed for line classes 5 to 8—offers a dual-turn drag system. The first turn is optimized for 5 and 6 weight setups, while the second turn provides enhanced performance for 7 and 8 weight conditions.

The new for 2025 GTS boasts several innovative features:

• Lightweight construction for effortless handling
• Smooth and simple left-to-right hand conversion
• Expanded drag adjustment range for versatile performance
• Sleek, modern design
• Integrated backing markers machined into the spool for precise line filling
• A standard 24mm or 15/16” socket compatibility for easy removal of a stuck spool cap

  Diameter: 4”

  Weight: 5.3 oz

  Spool Width: 1.05”

  Backing 175y 20#+ WF8, 200y 20# WF 7

About Nautillus Fly Reels 

“Tested on Animals”  

Experience. Tradition. Excellence.  

Nautilus Fly Reels are the finest reels made and are the fruit of 180 years of family tradition, innovation, and excellence.

When you visit the Nautilus Reels factory in Miami, you encounter dedication amplified by passion, diligence fueled by tradition, and generations of experience with machinery. At Nautilus Reels, angler innovators will share with enthusiasm their cutting-edge advancements in fly fishing reel design and manufacturing in light of “Tested on Animals™” research and development with fly-targeted species from steelhead in British Columbia to trout in Montana to tarpon not far from the Nautilus camp.

For years, Nautilus Reels has accelerated advancements in reel technology, and light years ahead of the industry standard, Nautilus’ unique history is an important reason why they are always on the forefront.

Seventh generation metal mechanics manufacturers that have been in the fishing industry for all seven generations, Nautilus Fly Reels emerges from 6x grandchildren of Ole Mustad, founder of O. Mustad & Søn -- a metal mechanics company founded in 1832 in Norway. Family albums are filled with fishing pictures from remote Norwegian rivers as well as photos of engineering and manufacturing contraptions such as fish hooks, horseshoe nails, thumb tacks, screws, railway bolts, and automobiles.

The Mustad family has a history of impassioned dedication to the development of revolutionary technologies for the production of small metal parts and the redesigning of existing products and processes to make them more efficient and effective. A walk through the Nautilus Reels factory reveals that this history is in full effect now, as Nautilus obsessively labors to improve reel parts for increased function, strength, and weight.

The current seventh generation of Nautilus Mustads continue the tradition of delivering reels that are undoubtedly the leading brand in fly fishing reels. Nautilus’ obsession with reel technology has delivered a line-up of reels that have granted them many awards as well as bestowed upon them equally obsessed anglers who are devoted to Nautilus quality. Give the Nautilus X-Series a try, you won't regret it.