Classic Fly Reels

[Mike Barrio]

More stuff found in the depths of the cupboard 

These were good little fly reels and a popular choice back in the day 

[Robert MacDonald-Lewis]

My first reel was a 395, it's still going strong. Landed my first Salmon on the fly using it

[Alex Russell]

My first feel was an automatic Mitchell, if you caught a half punner it would water ski across the surface to you😊

[Mike Barrio]

And here's another one that was a popular choice.

It was a bit rough when I got it, but there again, it has stood the test of time and still works absolutely fine 

[Terry Coging]

Still got my Magnum bought new when they were introduced and that works fine too. Must try it on the 15' wafter - may balance it nicely. Which makes me think - what is the best way to pack a small arbor reel to make it like a large arbor? Need to replace the existing 10 weight line for a 3 weight.

[Mike Barrio]

I would put the line on first Terry - fit your line to the spool and then fill the spool to your desired height with backing line.

Once you are happy with it, you can then remove everything and reverse it for a good fit.

If you like a lot of backing you can use a fine braid, but although standard backing takes up more space on your spool, in my experience it is easier to fit and maintain.

[Terry Coging]

Thanks for the suggestion Mike. I added a further 100m of backing to the existing backing and the 3 wt line is still 12mm from the spool rim!
Not sure that 400m of backing is a good idea so I'm going to turn a wooden spacer which will be sawn in half and lightly glued together on the arbor.
The reel must be filled to capacity because the drag, even on lowest, is a bit strong for trout leaders and the added diameter will lessen the resistance.

[Mike Barrio]

Maybe it would be easier to try a chunky salmon backing line Terry?

[Terry Coging]

The Magnum is now a large arbor  . Just need to waterproof the wooden spacer with wax before fitting.

[Mike Barrio]

The Magnum is now a large arbor  . Just need to waterproof the wooden spacer with wax before fitting.

That kept you out of mischief for a while 

[Terry Coging]

Only 30 min to make. Hoping to use the Magnum tomorrow when a good wind is forecast.
It will help to balance the wafter when the 2' extension is added (which has another reel seat). This makes the rod 17' long and I want to try dapping with a line I've concocted.
It has a 25' head at 6 grams and very thin running line. It should sail in a decent wind especially with the help of a waft now and again.

[Mike Barrio]

So what other classic reels has everybody kept, or maybe recently added to their stash of gear?

I have fished with the DragonFly and Magnum quite a few times over the last couple of years and they performed as well as any of my more recent reels. I note from his posts that Kevin seems to be enjoying some classics too.

This old Ari T is missing the counterweight, but it doesn't seem to mind 

[Duncan McRae]

I started collecting Youngs reels about 15 years ago and have amassed a fair old collection.
Had many of them displayed in my old house ,but boxed them all up when i moved house a couple of years back and there they still are.
I have recently started to get a few out of the boxes with the intention of using as many of them as i can.

Here's one of my favourites.
A 3.75" Young's pattern 10B made for Sharpes of Aberdeen in the 1930's

It sounds fantastic with a fish on!








Duncan

[Mike Barrio]

Nice one Duncan, that looks grand, I bet it could tell a story or two!

[Grant Gammie]

I picked up a Hardy Hydra 3 3/4" reel as I wanted something a little older to go with my B&W Powerlite. It makes a very fun noise too...

[Kevin McPherson]

One for the Trout Spey rod 🎣🎣 They Just Sound Great

[Mike Barrio]

Grant/Kevin ...... Nice reels 

Enjoying the sound of a classic reel seems to be a recurring theme.

[Kevin McPherson]

Well when the wife buys you a line for your birthday it deserves a new reel, brand new old stock nice find 🎣🎣

[Mike Barrio]

Nice one Kevin ..... enjoy 

[Duncan McRae]

Lovely reel Kevin.A very nice find indeed

I too enjoy fishing the Young's 1500 series of reels especially for the Salmon.

Here's a trio of Young's 1540 reels and also a Daiwa which was my first Salmon reel and was made by Young's.It is basically a 1540.
 



Duncan

[Kevin McPherson]

Lovely reel Kevin.A very nice find indeed

I too enjoy fishing the Young's 1500 series of reels especially for the Salmon.

Here's a trio of Young's 1540 reels and also a Daiwa which was my first Salmon reel and was made by Young's.It is basically a 1540.
 



Duncan

[David Thursz]

I do like the Leeda Magnums and I never really felt the need for anything else. Yes I lusted after the System 2s but when I worked out how many reels and spools I needed they were really unattainable. However I recently bought an odd job lot of tackle included in which were 2 1213s and several smaller versions.

I was using both 1213 reels yesterday on 2 30odd year old Sages and while they always say you should never meet your hero's, I am very happy to say they are brilliant! The added advantage of today's shooting heads of course means that with a single spool and running lines you don't need the plethora of spools loaded with massive double tapered lines.

[Duncan McRae]

Came across this old reel of mine when trying to sort out some boxes of fishing clutter.
A cracking reel in it's day and still working well despite being well used.

Think this would have been a progression from my old Rimfly back in the eighties.





Duncan

[Ross Higgins]

Not sure if these are any good, worth anything etc! Any insights would be awesome 

[Kevin McPherson]

Some nice old reels there, great in there time, of very little value nowadays ,although the St George may be worth something, The trout reels you have would look great on an old vintage rod, I do love an old click and pawl , even better the ones with the slight tension adjustment