Sorry about not responding sooner. Finally got some rain and we did a smaller stocking than we normally did. Only rainbows. Brookies, browns and tigers I was told are still recovering from either spawning or something else. But I was not really paying attention. Been really busy at work and just excited to be out fishing again for trout despite the raw rain this weekend. This is a later modern reel. Very light weight and definitely modern plastic. Loud clicker, no obvious adjustment. But also audibly and measurably set up for a right hand wind. Being a lefty it is perfect. But still can’t figure out how to remove spool or if it is even possible.
Got some time on the water with my No 5 magnetic this weekend on my B Series Ff85 with a Cortland Camo 7 intermediate tip. Some interesting observations that I will go into detail this week. Actually a great idea with some limitations. For silent reel enthusiasts, it is probably the Holy Grail. Absolutely no wobble or end play.
Photos of the Shakespeare.
And both of the recent MG-3s were in better condition than the one I already have which is still very functional. Almost flawless finish and stronger drags and less end float.
Both are going into service so papers and boxes do not really matter to me in this case. Price was also fair.
Might have to dismantle my first one and adjust. It’s biggest issue is that someone thought removing a fly line sticker with a strong solvent was a good idea.
Going to have to reduce the image size on some of the close ups before I can post. Downside of the newest camera technology and older database software. But the No 5 proved to be quite enjoyable with the mono core sink tip line. I am glad it came preloaded with I don’t know how many yards of Dacron but I figure at least 200 yards. The Cortland Camo 7 is a lot thinner diameter than their regular ribbed braid core floating lines. Feels a little weird with no clicker. But after much contemplation, it makes sense that the magnetic drag will eventually increase as the line goes out and the spool diameter decreases. Doesn’t address the dynamic issues of angular momentum as the line acceleration overcomes the magnetic force. But I am not fishing big fish that I normally wouldn’t hand line anyway. If I expect big fish, I will always go with one of my sealed drag Lamson Liquids. Best economy reel for the money that I am aware of.
Got some photos.
The No 3 is a really nice reel. Chrome plating looks great but has some downsides. Luckily they are not visible. The uniqueness of these reels is the quietness. Haven’t been able to find my internal diameter gauges but the tolerances of the bushings is quite close. One of the spools is noticeably a little tighter. Maybe due to less use. And they are identified by a number 1 and 2. Not sure why. What I haven’t figured out yet is what is the wear point on the magnet to the obviously ferrous end plate. And how they intended to deal with this. The major advantage of the No 5 despite the cool graphics is the stainless steel. But strangely the spool has no identification markings.
And even cooler is that someone was willing to pay to have their name engraved on the reel.
Anyone ever hear of Bob Dahle?