Reels
You will find classic fly reels, spools and reel-related items on this page that are available for purchase (unless noted otherwise in the description). You can click on the item photo to enlarge it. A sale pending tag denotes that an agreement to purchase the item has been reached, but the sale may not yet have been completed.
I update the website frequently so bookmark it and check back often. Make sure to hit your browser's refresh/reload button if you are a frequent visitor to get the most up-to-date information. If you are looking for a particular item and don't see it, drop me a note and I will check around for you. Also, please don't hesitate to call (616) 884-5626 or email coldwatercollectibles@gmail.com with any questions. Trades are always considered.
Current Reel Inventory
Ballan Baby Heirloom Classic ~ 2 5/8" ~ LHW ~ EXC ~ This vintage-look reel from Bill Ballan is features an attractive black and silver finish, ventilated spool, solid back plate, ported 2-screw silver foot, silver counter-balanced serpentine S-handle with black knob, and smooth working mechanics. There are some light surface scratches from what appears to be very light use. It comes loaded with a new Orvis Hydros Superfine pale green WF-2 line and backing and stored in a black neoprene case. These contemporary classic-look reels are a perfect compliment to any fly rod, but look especially sweet on bamboo. $250
Fin Nor No. 1 ~ 2 7/8” ~ LHW ~ EXC- ~ This quality made anti-reverse classic with conical back plate is the perfect reel for bonefish, permit or salmon. It features an attractive gold finish, black dual handle crank with positive grip drag centrally located on the crank assembly and 2-screw smooth silver foot. The reel has a few dings and surface scratches. It comes loaded with optic yellow backing and stored in a soft pull-string satchel. These silky smooth reels are highly regarded world-wide. $250 $190
Fin Nor No. 1 ~ 2 7/8” ~ LHW ~ EXC- (exception noted) ~ This quality made anti-reverse classic with conical back plate is the perfect reel for bonefish, permit or salmon. It features an attractive gold finish, black dual handle crank with positive grip drag centrally located on the crank assembly and 2-screw smooth silver foot. The reel has a few dings and surface scratches. It comes with a labeled neo case. A light knock can be heard on retrieve. These silky smooth reels are highly regarded world-wide. Priced to allow for reel maintenance, if desired. $195
SOLD
Able No.1 ~ 3 1/8” ~ LHW/RHW ~ Serial No. 3406 ~ EXC ~ This high quality standard-arbor reel from the famous Camarillo, CA maker features the popular deep black finish, solid frame and back with ventilated spool, 2-screw black foot, rosewood handle with silver counterbalance pin, and silky smooth mechanics with a wide range drag adjuster centrally located on the back plate. There are a few small marks and scuffs from what appears to have been light use. It is presently set up for RHW and comes loaded with new-ish optic green WF-6 line and backing and is stored in its original black case with ID card (blank). This is a finely-tuned high-performance reel is ready for your immediate enjoyment. $295
Hardy LRH Lightweight ~ 3 1/8" ~ LHW/RHW ~ EXC ~ This light line English-made classic from Hardy is a gem of simplicity. The Lightweight series of reels have been on the market for about half a century and during that time they have sold huge numbers worldwide. It features a gray frame with solid back plate, silver ventilated easy-to-change spool with 2-screw latch plate cap and single-screw line guard that can easily be converted from LHW to RHW, black winding knob, rim-mounted silver drag tension adjuster screw, smooth silver riveted foot, and a silky smooth dual pawl and spring drag system. There is some minor rim wear. The reel is presently set up for LHW and most certainly will compliment your favorite bamboo or glass rod. $250 $225
Seamaster Mark II Dual Mode ~ 3 1/4” ~ RHW ~ As New ~ The inspiration for these phenomenal reels was born in the 1950s in Bob McChristian’s Capt. Mack's Tackle Shack in Miami, Florida. By the 1960s, Seamaster fly reels were (and still are) considered to be among the finest salt water fly reels ever produced. The remain highly sought by salt water fly fishing aficionados world-wide. This classic reel features an attractive gold anodized frame with conical back purposefully designed for use in the salt, solid black perfectly balanced spool, powerful and silky smooth industry best drag with strategically placed positive grip coin-edged drag adjustment, dual exotic wood knobs and 2 screw smooth gold foot. The original owner’s name is engraved on the face of the drag adjustment. Seamaster reels are renowned for their dual mode system (patented in 1987) which enables the crank to stay in place and not go backwards upon line pay and would engage upon line retrieve. The reel comes with its original leather satchel, operation and reel care paperwork. This apparently unused reel, proudly made in the USA, is superb in every way. $1,295 $895
SOLD
Hardy “The Perfect” ~ 3 3/8” ~ RHW ~ EXC ~ The first Perfect reel was introduced c. 1889 and well over a century later, it is still regarded as one of the finest reel designs in the world. This model has stood the test of time and has long been cherished by anglers and collectors looking for a reel that offers traditional craftsmanship, simplicity, and performance. This early turn of the 20th Century English-made classic may date back as early as 1897 and features an attractive leaded gray finish, ventilated spool, contracted drum, rim-mounted brass caged adjustable drag tensioner, smooth brass foot, light brown knob on an alloy post, and silky-smooth regulated C-spring mechanics. Straight line writing and the rarely seen fly rod in hand Trademark are stamped into the back. The reel is internally stamped 10. It comes loaded with backing and stored in a brown suede zippered case. Although designed for RHW, the reel can certainly be used for LHW with the drag set at its lightest position. This rarely seen classic is a collector’s and fly fisher’s dream. $795
Hardy “The Perfect” ~ 3 3/8” ~ LHW/RHW ~ EXC- ~ The first Perfect reel was introduced c. 1889 and well over a century later, it is still regarded as one of the finest reel designs in the world. This model has stood the test of time and has long been cherished by anglers and collectors looking for a reel that offers traditional craftsmanship, simplicity, and performance. This English-made classic features an attractive gray finish, coin edged rims, ventilated spool, rim-mounted silver adjustable drag tensioner, brown knob, dual riveted ribbed foot and strong silky-smooth mechanics that simply purr. Straight line writing is present on the back. The reel is internally stamped 31. There is some light finish loss centrally located on the spool and a few marks, dings and rim wear from past use. It is presently set up for LHW and comes in its original Hardy labeled blue and cream zippered case. This reel is a fly fishers dream and would compliment for your favorite fly rod, especially if it is made from bamboo. $395 $295
Hardy Bros. “The Uniqua” ~ 3 1/2” ~ RHW ~ EXC ~ This early English-built classic from Hardy Bros. LTD comes in the desirable 3 1/2” size and features attractive gray finish with straight line writing on the back, 2-screw silver “telephone” quick release latch, brown ebonite handle, dual rivetted ribbed brass foot, smooth and tight dual spring and pawl mechanics that purr like a kitten, and a wonderful leaded patina. The reel is internally stamped TW and comes loaded with a silk line (type/wt unknown) and stored in a pull string satchel. This classic reel will compliment your favorite bamboo (or any vintage rod for that matter) nicely! $295
RHW ~ EXC ~ This sweet and rarely-seen reel is branded H. Monk ~ Gun Maker ~ Chester and is believed to have been built by Dingley. It features a wonderful patina, solid stock spool and frame, round red agate line guard, and smooth 2-screw brass foot. It comes in a Crown Royal pull string satchel and is loaded with vintage silk line. The silky smooth drag system gives a sweet purr on retrieve. Another quality English-made reel that be a nice match for your 8,’ 8.5’, and 9’ bamboo rods. $475 $325
Orvis WYE ~ 3 1/2” ~ RHW/LHW ~ EXC- ~ This economy reel was most likely made by BFR in the 1960s is not oft seen and is basically the same as Cortland Crown, and is also branded by Leeda and Rimfly. It features a matte gray finish, ventilated spool, black knob, black 2-screw latch plate cover, and a spring/pawl drag system. There is some finish loss and rim wear. It is presently set up for RHW and comes loaded with green Cortland 444 SL WF-6F line. A cool English-made reel that would go well with bamboo, glass or graphite. $75
J.W. Young “Pridex” ~ 3 1/2” ~ RHW ~ EXC- ~ This early classic from Redditch England with black finish (normal amount of scratches and paint loss) features the highly desirable solid pebble finish spool face, smooth finish back plate, 2-screw black latch plate cover that carries the company name, beveled black knob with regd. patent number, and smooth spring and pawl drag. The reel comes loaded with a silk line (line wt. unknown) and sored in a velvet Crown Royal satchel. This is a super example of this model in a not often seen format that that will complement your bamboo or glass rod nicely. $95
Pflueger GEM No. 2095 ~ 3 5/8" ~ RHW ~ EXC- ~ This Akron, OH classic features a black gunmetal finish, ventilated back plate and spool, “screwdriver” type spool release plate, 2-screw foot, square silver line guard, marbleized ivory and brown knob and a sweet sounding spring and pawl drag. The reel comes in a velvet Crown Royal satchel and would add a touch of classic class to any rod. Proudly made in the USA. $75
Streamline SL4 & Ex Spool ~ 3 15/16" ~ RHW ~ EXC+ Serial No. 608 ~ This finely-tuned reel from Bainbridge Island, WA features a solid and attractive matte black finish, ventilated spool, 3-screw latch plate cover, positive grip drag adjuster knob centrally located on the back, positive grip black knob with silver counterbalance pin, and silky smooth mechanics with silver clicker engagement pin on the back for those who prefer a silent drag. The reel is set up for RHW and comes loaded with backing, as does the extra spool, and is stored in its original labeled neo case. There is nary a mark or ding on it! $225 $175
Orvis Mach IV Large Arbor ~ 4” ~ LHW/RHW ~ #7 to #10 lines ~ EXC ~ This big water/big game English-made large arbor is machined from bar-stock, aircraft-grade 6262-T6 aluminum. It features an attractive and durable titanium hard anodized finish, an adjustable true center drag with 8 broflon and stainless steel plate interfaces and an easy to use drag adjustment knob with detents for maintaining drag settings. The knob has 630 degrees or 1 ¾ turns providing controllable and repeatable settings for most any type of fishing…..trout to salt. There are a few small marks and scuffs from what appears to have been light use. The reel is convertible from LHW to RHW (presently set up for LHW) and comes loaded with a new-ish clear line (size type not known) and stored in its original Orvis labeled ballistic cordura clam-shell case. If you look hard enough, you might be able to find a tiny spool nick. The reel was obviously well-cared for and shows virtually no use. This high-performance Orvis reel is ready for your immediate enjoyment. $150
J.W. Young & Sons Beaudex ~ 4” ~ RHW/LHW ~ EXC ~ This workhorse classic from Redditch England features the hallmark pebble finish spool face, solid back plate, 3-screw black latch plate cover, 3-screw foot, reversible 2 -screw silver line guard, beveled black knob, and silky smooth dual spring and pawl drag. You’ll have to look close to find the few tiny dings and with virtually no paint loss, this is a “reel” sweetheart! A former owners name is present on the back plate and reel foot. It comes loaded with backing and stored in a brown suede zip case. This is really nice example of this popular model that will complement any fly rod nicely. $75
Redington AL 11/12 ~ 4 1/8” ~ LHW/RHW ~ As New ~ This large arbor saltwater reel is made from 6061 aluminum and features an attractive gold finish, sealed Koyo one way clutch bearing, strong machined synthetic drag system. 2 screw quick release cover, 2-screw foot, walnut handle with silver counterbalance. It is presently set up for LHW and is reversible to RHW and is loaded with new 30# backing and Cortland 444 Tropic Plus WF10F/I line. The reel comes in its original labeled box with specification paperwork that includes drag changing direction from LHW to RHW and handle tool. This reel retailed for $215 and comes with another $100 worth of brand new line and backing. Yours, unfished for…$150
Alvey Saltwater Model 425B ~ 4 3/8” ~ LHW ~ EXC ~ This strong, graphite constructed reel with a line capacity of 500 yards of 30 lb. test braided dacron line backing plus 120 feet of 10 wt. fly line features a matte black finish, vented back plate, a 2-screw metal foot, stainless steel line guides, a silky smooth adjustable multi-plate clutch and a finely tuned 9 washer non-reverse disc drag system with anti-reverse On-Off switch and ratchet alert On-Off switch. This model has the handle attached to a handle plate working through a clutch and non-reverse system which does not let the handle move backwards when a fish runs. These reels were designed for heavy duty fresh water or ocean saltwater fly fishing. Retail on this discontinued model was $275. Yours, loaded with dacron backing for… $195 $75