Great Gift Idea!

Posted By on December 14, 2010

Eclectic Angler Reel kit

I just got a text from a buddy in Colorado who received an early Christmas gift . . . an Eclectic Angler reel kit.

This is an neat idea and, really, the logical progression of fly fishing.  We evolve as fly-fishers through tying our own flies, crafting leaders,  and building our own rods.  What’s left? Making our own reels!  Easy enough if you’re into machining and have a decked out shop (and the time to massage billets of aluminum).

There seems to be a quicker way (and, why not, since you can get rod making kits and fly set-ups ready-to-go).  The Eclectic Angler reel kits allow you to build a brass or aluminum single action reel in a few hours.  It weighs about 4 oz. and matches a light trout (or bluegill) rod perfectly.

I’ve got one on order to build with my son over the Christmas break.  Should be a great experience!

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About the author

Joel Hays has been a professional guide since 1990, and has guided professionally in Colorado and Texas.

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North Texas Fly Fishing Adventures with Joel Hays

Imagine wading through ten inches of clear water,trying to be as quiet as possible. Fifty feet ahead is a pod of large fish "tailing" on the flat. You strip out fly line, make the cast, and pull your fly in front of the lead fish. After agonizing seconds the fish spots the fly, rushes forward for a quick grab, and feels the hook. The silence is broken as the fish accelerates across the flat, quickly exposing backing on your screaming reel. Sounds like a great day on the coast, or even an exotic bonefish flat, right? Actually it's a great description of the usual day my clients have fishing for Carp on the flats of Lake Ray Roberts where many clients are blown away by the water clarity and the actual ability to sight cast along miles of flats. Big spooky fish in shallow water. They fight and tail like Redfish and can sometimes rival Bonefish in nervousness. This is an EXCELLENT WAY to hone your flats fishing skills and test your "eyes" where it's more about stalking the fish than simply stumbling upon them. You will be a better flats angler!