Product Review – Hatch Fly Reels
By Chris Beech
There’s a lot to be said in this industry about quiet achievers, going about their business
based on outstanding product instead of outstanding marketing… One such company is
Californian based Hatch Outdoors, Inc., who have a reputation for fly reels of the highestquality.
The basic design parameters were Drag, Durability and Design. The drag is a sealed multi-disc drag system made up of stainless steel and Rulon discs in a stacked configuration.Braking pressure is applied evenly on both sides of the discs, which increases the totaleffective braking surface area and allows heat distribution over multiple surfaces, ratherthan the one to one contact found in most reels of the day. The drag is designed toprovide a lifetime of outstanding performance and eliminate stick/slippage problemscaused by extreme heat. It also requires virtually no maintenance other than rinsing withfresh water, is self lubricating and completely sealed from the elements.
I must say the proportions on all reel models are ideal for their intended line weights.
They aren’t ultra-light and they aren’t heavy by any means – but are strong, solidlymachined and described by Hatch as ‘Right-Weight’. This is a description that I agreewith – you won’t find flimsy frame flex or spools wobbling on the spindle here. The reelfoot and frame are machined from a solid piece which eliminates corrosion between twomating surfaces and screws – a major selling point for those looking for a new saltwaterreel. The handle and counterbalance are equal in weight – again no wobbles, and aresensibly proportioned. I found the size of the handles on the larger models particularlypleasing. The spool fixes to the spindle solidly, and the wind direction is easily changedby flipping over a one way bearing within the sealed drag system. The reels are nicelymachined with every attention to detail (no sharp edges) and are Type II anodized so allmodels can withstand use in fresh and salt water.
Individual reels are identified by a number (the minimum line weight the reel wasdesigned for) followed by a “Plus”, meaning “Plus two line weights”. For example, the 3-
Plus has been purpose built as a trout reel to cover line weights #3 to #5, and the 5-Plushas been designed as a heavy fresh water/light salt water reel for line weights #5 to #7.
The 7-Plus was my pick (line weights #7 to #9), being the ideal proportions for a #8outfit. The 9-Plus, for #9 to #12 weight rigs, is for the serious salt water fly fisher lookingfor a bruising. For 2009 Hatch will be releasing a 12 Plus model for blue water and speyapplications.
All models except the 9-Plus and 12 Plus are available in the five spoke ‘Monsoon’frame. The 9-Plus and 12 Plus are available in ‘Pulse’ only, an eight spoke version of the‘Monsoon’ (for increased strength). You then have the choice of clear or black anodizingfor the reel and silver, ocean blue, forest green or red anodizing for the drag hub. The 5,
7, 9 and 12 models also have the choice of Large Arbor or Mid Arbor spool – the Mid
Arbor spool obviously offering greater backing capacity which, I might add, is ample andthe company lists Dacron and GSP capacities in their specifications. As a special build for Australia, Hatch reels are stocked in black frame with red hub, handle and counterbalance – a hot looking combination.
Hatch Outdoors, Inc. fly reels are manufactured in California, USA, and are guaranteedagainst manufacturers defects in materials and craftsmanship for the life of the product byits original owner. Retail prices in Australia are $650 for the 5-Plus, $750 for the 7-Plusand $890 for the 9-Plus, which I am pleased to say is globally competitive pricing.
For more information and to request a catalog, contact the sole Australian Dealer
Compleat Flyfisher on (03) 96211246, or visit