Original: $189.00
-65%$189.00
$66.15The Story
The Orvis CFO III Spare Spool is an essential accessory for the dedicated trout angler, offering the versatility needed to adapt to changing river conditions without the burden of carrying a second rod. Designed to pair perfectly with the legendary CFO III reel, this spool allows for rapid line changes—switching from a floating line to a sink tip—ensuring you are always prepared for the specific depth and feeding behavior of the fish. It maintains the same exacting standards and classic aesthetic as the main reel, making it a reliable investment for those who view fly fishing as both a sport and a tradition.
Design
The design of this spool reflects the timeless architecture of the CFO family, featuring the iconic porting pattern that has defined the series for decades. It is fully machined to precise tolerances, ensuring a snug, wobble-free fit on the reel chassis. The spool features an exposed rim, allowing anglers to apply manual palm pressure for subtle drag adjustments during a fight, a critical feature for protecting light tippets against surging trout.
Finish
To ensure longevity and resistance to wear, the spool is treated with a Type III hard-coat anodized finish. This surface treatment provides significant protection against scratches, dents, and corrosion, preserving the reel's sleek appearance even after seasons of hard use. The finish is applied to withstand the elements found in freshwater environments, maintaining a consistent look that matches the reel body perfectly.
Materials
Constructed from machined 6061-T6 bar-stock aluminum, the spool achieves a superior strength-to-weight ratio compared to die-cast alternatives. This material choice ensures structural integrity and rigidity, preventing the spool from warping under the pressure of tightly wound backing or heavy lines, while keeping the overall package exceptionally lightweight.
Drag
Type: While the spool itself acts as the housing for the line, it is engineered to engage seamlessly with the CFO III’s classic click-and-pawl check system. This traditional drag design is not sealed but is celebrated for its audible feedback and smooth startup inertia, which protects fine tippets.
Materials: The internal gear interface on the spool is machined from durable aluminum to interact with the reel's stainless steel and composite pawls. This metal-on-metal and composite interaction ensures consistent resistance and the distinctive sound that traditionalists desire.
Arbor Size
This unit features a standard arbor design. Unlike modern large arbor reels, the standard arbor maximizes backing capacity, allowing anglers to load a significant amount of line for insurance against long runs. This traditional profile also contributes to the compact, low-profile aesthetic that balances perfectly on bamboo, glass, and lightweight graphite rods.
Warranty
The Orvis CFO III Spare Spool is covered by the Orvis 100% Satisfaction Guarantee. This ensures that the product is free from defects in materials and workmanship. If the product does not meet expectations or fails due to manufacturing issues, Orvis will repair or replace it. Users should contact Orvis customer service directly for specific claims and current processing fees.
More Info
- Best for: Freshwater Trout
- Arbor Size: Standard
- Material: Machined Aluminum
- Retrieve: Convertible Left/Right
Description
The Orvis CFO III Spare Spool is an essential accessory for the dedicated trout angler, offering the versatility needed to adapt to changing river conditions without the burden of carrying a second rod. Designed to pair perfectly with the legendary CFO III reel, this spool allows for rapid line changes—switching from a floating line to a sink tip—ensuring you are always prepared for the specific depth and feeding behavior of the fish. It maintains the same exacting standards and classic aesthetic as the main reel, making it a reliable investment for those who view fly fishing as both a sport and a tradition.
Design
The design of this spool reflects the timeless architecture of the CFO family, featuring the iconic porting pattern that has defined the series for decades. It is fully machined to precise tolerances, ensuring a snug, wobble-free fit on the reel chassis. The spool features an exposed rim, allowing anglers to apply manual palm pressure for subtle drag adjustments during a fight, a critical feature for protecting light tippets against surging trout.
Finish
To ensure longevity and resistance to wear, the spool is treated with a Type III hard-coat anodized finish. This surface treatment provides significant protection against scratches, dents, and corrosion, preserving the reel's sleek appearance even after seasons of hard use. The finish is applied to withstand the elements found in freshwater environments, maintaining a consistent look that matches the reel body perfectly.
Materials
Constructed from machined 6061-T6 bar-stock aluminum, the spool achieves a superior strength-to-weight ratio compared to die-cast alternatives. This material choice ensures structural integrity and rigidity, preventing the spool from warping under the pressure of tightly wound backing or heavy lines, while keeping the overall package exceptionally lightweight.
Drag
Type: While the spool itself acts as the housing for the line, it is engineered to engage seamlessly with the CFO III’s classic click-and-pawl check system. This traditional drag design is not sealed but is celebrated for its audible feedback and smooth startup inertia, which protects fine tippets.
Materials: The internal gear interface on the spool is machined from durable aluminum to interact with the reel's stainless steel and composite pawls. This metal-on-metal and composite interaction ensures consistent resistance and the distinctive sound that traditionalists desire.
Arbor Size
This unit features a standard arbor design. Unlike modern large arbor reels, the standard arbor maximizes backing capacity, allowing anglers to load a significant amount of line for insurance against long runs. This traditional profile also contributes to the compact, low-profile aesthetic that balances perfectly on bamboo, glass, and lightweight graphite rods.
Warranty
The Orvis CFO III Spare Spool is covered by the Orvis 100% Satisfaction Guarantee. This ensures that the product is free from defects in materials and workmanship. If the product does not meet expectations or fails due to manufacturing issues, Orvis will repair or replace it. Users should contact Orvis customer service directly for specific claims and current processing fees.
More Info
- Best for: Freshwater Trout
- Arbor Size: Standard
- Material: Machined Aluminum
- Retrieve: Convertible Left/Right



















