It's Midger's Fault

[briansII]

I know nothing about this reel, other than Mike likes the brand. $75 shipped seemed to be a good price, but I have no idea. Mike? Very interesting drag assembly. Anyway, I think it's cute...... in a aging glam rocker sorta way, so it'll end up on rod one day.





briansII

[castaway]

I own a bronze 5wt and a gold 3wt... Love em! Very light weight reels for modern high end rods.



Caliber drag... I was worried the little "shoes" would wear out, but Midger assured me that his has never had a problem.

After looking at the dirt in my reels - it was time for a good cleaning and oiling..

Not a disc drag in sight



In action... I think he was pushing 30" (Kern River)

[Pete]

The sickness runs deep with you reel junkies, doesn't it ? They have fish *, is this reel * for you junkies? Typical junkie response: Its midger's fault. Always blaming others for your addiction.

If I ever finish building my reel I post pics so you can get your fix. I have to have it complete by the end of the month to get a free copy of the reelsmith book it guy is writing. Simple reel made with hand tools, out of brass sheet stock. Actually uses a wavey washer as the set drag system. Not exactly made for big game.

Reels, they're a sickness and a dark side to fly fishing, like fishing for Carp .

Pete

[briansII]

Since we're showin' off......... A couple of my more prized reel that I keep at my office desk



You will not find a higher tech drag on a Charlton or Hatch



A little axle grease and they should be ready for their next bluewater trip.

briansII

[castaway]

Sweeeet...

Is that a paper clip?

[midger]

I've used my black 7.5 since 1984 on everything from trout to salmon. I like the lightness and the looks of the marryats, and have quite a few of them. If ever you need them serviced, Archuleta's Reel Works is the place. Great work with fast turn around.

Brian, if you decide you don't like it, let me know--I'll give you your $75 back.

The 8.5 is a good larger fish reel and mine have been to Alaska with no problems.

My fault, eh? I don't remember telling you you had to buy one. BTW, they retail for $356, so you got a good deal.

[209er]

Hello briansII,
Yes, you made one heck of a deal! Back when they first came out, they were way out of my budget. As a matter of fact, I made a referance to the Marryat in one of midger's pictures. Do you remember Mike? If not no biggee. 209er

[briansII]

Thanks for the info. I'm a little confused....yes, it's a perpetual state. Mine is a MR model. I do see these listed on websites, but not on the official Marryat site. I'm just assuming I have a discontinued model? I saw the list prices for it, and I'm a bit surprised I got the reel for what I did. I like this type of styling(kidding about the aging rocker comment), so she has a new, permanent home.

briansII

[midger]

Yeah, I remember the comments 209. These marryats come up on ebay, FAOL, and other sites classifieds occasionally, but most folks don't realize the value/quality of the reels so you can sometimes get a good deal--depends on how many are looking at the time they come up (best I've done is a Sage 389 Light line rod, 7.0 reel with spare spool, and new lines on both spools for $200--deals are out there for those that are willing to take the time to look). I like the classical look of the 7.0 to 9.0 Classic models, but their other reels--the LAR (large arbors), the baby marryats (great for ultralights and bamboo rods), and their saltwater models are also very nice.

Brian, the Classic models were just discontinued this year. You can still buy them from the wholesaler (ASG) and there will be quite a few on the market the next couple of years. The reel will outlive you though

[fly addict]

Great reels. I bought two CMR 5/6, 3/4 new on ebay a few years ago for $90 each. Just make sure you get the Swiss made ones. I think they also are made in Korea.

Mark