GILLIES FLY REELS
Gordon Lowe tests the P3 and XP3 series reels from JM Gillies

The moment I opened the box and unwrapped the P3 and XP3 Series fly-reels from Gillies I knew they were going to be just the ticket for the majority of my fly-fishing. In fact, anybody who spends their fishing day making numerous casts —whether it’s sight-casting to trout, laid-up barra, or just simply indulging in some good old snag-bashing— will immediately appreciate the light-weight construction of these reels. Even the 9/10 felt like I barely had a reel on the rod while casting and was far less tiring than some of the beefier reels in my collection. However, the first thing anyone is going to notice is the price. How the guys at Gillies have managed to turn these reels out at such value has really got me stumped (more on the price in a moment).

Both the P3 and the XP3 reels are built in the well-proven large arbor format, a design that’s attributes have been so well-covered over the last few years that I probably don’t need to reiterate. Except to say that I found the faster line pick-up a real boon when changing between locations on the bank or when uncooperative fish decided to turn and run straight at me. The drag in both series is draw-bar style with a one-way roller bearing and an out-going clicker that is not too raucous. Nowhere near as irritating as some others on the market. The reels also have a quick-release spool system which I personally find quite handy when I inadvertently allow the tippet to get wrapped behind the spool.

With little in the way of local fishing options at the time of testing I decided to take the 5/6 XP3 out for a burn on the local carp population; as good a fish as any to put a lightweight reel through its paces. The drag performed well, with negligible start-up (great for protecting light tippets), and could be screwed down from free-spool to maximum with two full turns of the large, knurled drag knob lo-cated on the frame-side of the reel. This drag is the same in both series and is simple yet apparently solid. The fact that the prototype 9/10 returned from a trip to Weipa unscathed (despite Peter Morse’s best efforts to destroy it on a line-up of nasties, including longtail tuna) is definitely a testament to its good design. How-ever, I would recommend investing in something a little more robust if you plan on doing that kind of fishing on a regular basis. It is good to know that the reel is up to the task if the situation arises though.

Both the P3 and XP3 series are available in three sizes (5/6, 7/8 and 9/10). The P3 has an all matt black anodized finish and is the cheaper of the two series. RRP for the 5/6 and 7/8 models will be $130 while the 9/10 should be on the shelf for $150. The XP3 reels have a sexy two-tone finish with a polished clear-anodised spool and black frame. They’ll be retailing for $260 apiece for the 5/6 and 7/8, and $295 for the 9/10.

Trade enquiries to JM Gillies 03 9646 4745 or email sales @jmgillies.com.au