Orvis' Battenkill Disc

[Ernest]

Some of my reels are 20 or 30 years old. They run to Orvis, Hardy Marquis knockoffs built by Hardy for Scientific Anglers, and a few old Medalists for my heavier rods. This year I wanted another reel for my 4wt rods, and a small volume tackle merchant/friend sold me a new click reel for $100 that is well made and meets my needs. I don't know who made the reel; it has the word "Fishon" on the back plate, along with an etching of a bear with a fish in its mouth. Unfortunately my friend said the company made a line of reels for just a short time before going out of business. When I want a reel, I'll ask around, and usually like Doctor buy a sound pre-used reel. I've gotten some good reels for not too much money.


p.s.: After writing the above, I found on the internet the Fishon Black Bear No. 1 Classic Fly Reel, the one I have, for $110. This is a small, well made click reel. I hook a number of fish every month that I play off the reel, and a click reel works for me. I've never felt I lost a trout in a stream or a pond because I didn't have a drag on my reel.