Hatch Reels
Chris Beech handles some smooth reels from Hatch Outdoors.
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, with its reputation for fly reels of the highest quality.
Their basic development parameters included drag, durability and design. The drag is a sealed multi-disc 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 total effective braking surface area and allows heat distribution over multiple surfaces, rather than the one to one contact found in most reels of the day. The drag is designed to provide a lifetime of outstanding performance and to eliminate sticking/slippage problems caused by extreme heat. It also requires virtually no maintenance, other than rinsing with fresh water, is self-lubricating and completely sealed from the elements.
I must say the proportions on all their reel models are ideal for their intended line weights. They aren’t ultra-light and they are not heavy by any means—but they are strong, solidly machined and described by Hatch as ‘Right-Weight’. This is a description that I agree with—you won’t find flimsy frame flex or spools wobbling on the spindle here. The reel foot and frame are machined from a solid piece, which eliminates corrosion between two mating surfaces and screws—a major selling point for those looking for a new saltwater reel. The handle and counterbalance are equal in weight—again no wobbles—and are sensibly proportioned. I found the size of the handles on the larger models particularly pleasing.
The spool fixes to the spindle solidly, and flipping over a one-way bearing within the sealed drag system easily changes the wind direction. The reels are nicely machined with every attention to detail (no sharp edges) and are Type II anodized so all models can withstand use in fresh and salt water.
Individual reels are identified by a number (the minimum line weight the reel was designed 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-Plus has been designed as a heavy freshwater/light saltwater reel for line weights #5 to #7.
The 7-Plus was my pick (line weights #7 to #9), being the ideal proportions for an 8-weight outfit. The 9-Plus is for the serious saltwater fly fisher looking for a bruising.
For 2009 Hatch will be releasing a 12-Plus model for blue-water and spey applications. 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 anodizing for 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 offering greater backing capacity which, I might add, is ample and the 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 fly reels are manufactured in California, USA, and are guaranteed against manufacturer’s defects in materials and craftsmanship for the life of the product with its original owner.
Retail prices for these reels in Australia are, I am pleased to say, set at globally competitive rates.
For more information contact the Compleat Flyfisher on (03) 9621 1246