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Brusky Reels
The one I have here is the Wide version, and I have it set up for lightweight speyfishing. It'll hold a Windcutter 6/7/8 and at least 150yds of 20#. What I have on mine is 200yds of 30# White SA System backing, a 100ft. 0.030" Monic running line, and it'll hold a Guideline 8/9 PowerTaper Scandinavian head that's been cut back to about 36' with room to spare. |
Stefan Brusky is practically a neighbor of mine and has been an occasional fishing partner. For years he worked on producing an anti-reverse trout reel made from all stainless steel. He's actually got one or two of these reels finished and they are incredible. When we were talking almost a year ago and discussing reels that would actually sell fairly well I mentioned classic/traditional S-handled style reels for spey fishing. I particularly emphasized the lack of any reel of this type having a click-only or gear and pawl only "drag" system. The first reel Stefan showed me in the classic design was beautiful and had a wonderful, and relatively simple, drag system. I again encouraged him to do one without the drag. He showed me an almost finished reel in early 2008, we discussed a few possible changes, and I received the finished reel a month later. This is a bench-made (only the gorgeous S-handle itself is CNC machined from stainless) reel that has real stainless pillars, exceptional attention to details- like how the reelfoot is machined out to mesh with the two pillars to which it's attached, and an S-handle that's recessed in just far enough that line cannot get caught behind it. The click-only system is totally unique. It works terrific and yet it isn't LH or RH specific. What it's not is a true gear and pawl. I wish I had had a camera handy when this one was opened up. I'll take a photo eventually of the inside of this reel and you will be amazed. The plan is to have two widths available in the 3.5" diameter model and the same two widths available in a 4" model later this year. If these develop a following I'll probably have Stefan also offer them with his drag system in the same four sizes. Believe me when I tell you that particularly the 3.5" size would also make excellent reels for single-handed rods. Even the 4" size would work for heavy duty single-handed work like what might be needed on the Thompson, Grand Cascapedia, Moisie, or some of the rivers in Norway. The reel in the photos has had the aluminum anodized. However, the reel did look better (it had more pop) with the rim and spool "in the white." If the reel isn't going to be used in brackish or saltwater, and you're willing to be diligent about upkeep, Stefan can make yours without the anodizing. Unless orders get a little overwhelming Stefan figures it should take about thirty days from the placement of the order until delivery. Call or e-mail me today to be sure to get on the list soon enough that thirty days is all you'll have to wait. 
