OLD FLORIDA REELS
Chris Beech checks out a classy line-up of affordable fly reels

FW234 & FW456
Old Florida Fresh Water reels are ideal for those seeking an affordable, machined aluminium large arbor reel with a minimalist drag system. I bought the 456 model to match my #5 and I must say the beauty of this reel is in its simplicity.

As you’d expect, there is ample backing capacity for a reel of this size, machining tolerances are tight and there is a subtle clicker. Drag (tension) adjustment is via a knurled knob on the spool face, and the handle is large and comfortable to use. The spool and frame are ported to reduce weight. A nice, simple, long lasting fly reel for under $180.

Large Arbor No.66
For those seeking a traditional large arbor design with rugged dependability look no further. For line weights #6 to #10 these reels are lightweight and offer good backing capacity and handsome features. The reels feature a silent outgoing drag with an incoming clicker, counterbalanced spool, comfortable handle and a smooth drag system adjustable from the back plate. The No.66 I tested is rated for a WF10F line plus 225 yards of 30 lb Dacron backing. Models vary in price—the largest and most expensive (No.77, WF12F + 275 yds 30 lb) retails for $520.

Nautilus FW
Combine good looks, good proportions and feather weight (FW) with a smooth, fully sealed drag system and you have one hot reel. I test ran the Nautilus Seven (#6–#8 lines, depending on backing) and just fell in love with it. Super smooth performance from a ceramic bearing, instantdrag engagement via a one way bearing, and an incoming and outgoing clicker. Drag adjustment is via a knurled knob on the back plate, which is heavily ported in the Nautilus theme. Spools are counterbalanced, feature a large handle and are easily interchangeable. Available in sizes Three, Five & Seven, and priced at under $450, the Nautilus FWs are beautiful, high performance fly reels for fresh water or light saltwater use.

Nautilus
This series of fly reels has been so popular that Old Florida changed their web site to www.nautilusreels.com! These are a large, wide arbor design with fully sealed cork drag systems that require no maintenance. Ever. Drag performance is super smooth and adjusted via a knob on the heavily ported back plate. Spools are easily changed and sit on a hub that is machined to allow for the added crush of tightly wound GSP backing. They are highly ported to reduce weight, counter balanced, and feature large handles. A subtle outgoing clicker and no resistance to winding forward make these reels pleasurable to use. You need to specify left or right handed retrieve when purchasing, as there are no user-serviceable parts.

I bought the Nautilus 8 before I was invited to review the product, this size being ideal for an #8–#9 outfit. The Nautilus 10 has a growing reputation as the ‘must have’ longtail tuna reel. The Nautilus 12 is ideally suited to 11 or 12- weight outfits, and the Nautilus 12S is made for serious bluewater or Spey use, with a whopping backing capacity of 810 yards of 65 lb GSP with a WF13 SA Mastery Billfish line.

A ruggedly dependable fly reel that is virtually maintenance free, for between $595 and $795!

For information and retailers contact Chris Dunham at FlyWorld on 1800 066 828 or visit www.flyworld.com.au