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Hatch Reels |
From California comes a relatively new entry into the premium reel market. While there are two separate models and five sizes totally, all Hatch reels are essentially identical internally other than increased drag surface as the sizes get larger. The 3+, 5+, and 7+ are available only in the Monsoon style now. The Pulse model is available in the 9+ and 12+ sizes and has a somewhat different frame design in order to increase its strength. The drag is a multi-disc arrangement featuring stainless and Rulon discs. It is sealed and is essentially maintenance free. For instance, the 9+ has a total of ten discs and a total drag surface area of nearly 6 square inches. The spool removes easily with no parts to come loose to drop or lose. All the models now have both a mid-arbor and a large-arbor spool available and they are interchangeable. A first, as far as my recollection, is that the reelfoot is machined into the frame. In other words, there are no screws or adhesives to keep the reelfoot on the frame. I've caught a number of false albacore, some fairly good sized bonefish, and a couple of permit with my 9+ and have been very pleased. I've read several references to them in various fly fishing forums and every single owner has had nothing but praise for his Hatch. In fact, that's one of the reasons I took another look at them late in 2007. When almost everyone who owns one likes it, that says a lot. The model designation indicates the lightest line weight that would have a practical use and the + means it'll go up at least two line weights from there. Therefore, a 5+ should be considered a 5/6/7 weight reel. This reel features a very open frame design, but is not as light as many other reels with this light weight appearance. They are built to be more durable than many of today's open frame designs.
Color combinations available include silver with red trim, silver with blue trim, silver with green trim, and black with silver trim. Currently I stock only the silver with blue trim. Since the company is located in California and keeps a good inventory on hand, if you want another combination other than what I'll have in stock simply let me know, and I'll have them dropship it to you.
Model |
Dia. |
Wd. |
Wt. |
Capacity |
Price |
Spool |
3 Plus LA |
3.25 |
0.8375 |
5.3 |
WF4 & 100yds of 20# |
$400.00 |
$175.00 |
3 Plus MA |
3.25 |
0.825 |
5.3 |
WF5F & 115yds of 20# |
$400.00 |
$175.00 |
5 Plus LA |
3.625 |
0.9375 |
7.0 |
WF5F & 130yds of 20# |
$500.00 |
$205.00 |
5 Plus MA |
3.625 |
0.9375 |
7.0 |
WF7F & 120yds of 20# |
$500.00 |
$205.00 |
7 Plus LA |
4.0 |
1.125 |
8.7 |
WF7F & 220yds of 20# |
$600.00 |
$225.00 |
7 Plus MA |
4.0 |
1.125 |
8.7 |
WF8F & 230yds of 20# |
$600.00 |
$225.00 |
9 Plus LA |
4.25 |
1.375 |
11.0 |
WF9F & 300yds of 30# |
$750.00 |
$350.00 |
9 Plus MA |
4.25 |
1.375 |
11.0 |
WF12F & 350yds of 30# |
$750.00 |
$350.00 |
12 Plus LA |
5.0 |
1.6875 |
15.0 |
WF13F & 500yds+ of 30# |
$875.00 |
$400.00 |
12 Plus MA |
5.0 |
1.6875 |
15.0 |
WF13F & 1000yds of 50#GSP |
$875.00 |
$400.00 |
After some trail and error, I found that the capacities shown above are a little optimistic. I did some experimenting and concluded that they were not entirely accurate due to the fact that Hatch used a machine to wind the backing on about as tightly as was possible. While that means the reel will, indeed, hold that much backing, it would be hard to get that much back on during use as while fighting a fish it can be difficult to keep that same amount of maximum tension when cranking in. Failure to do so could mean having several feet or more of flyline that there'd be no room for on the spool. Call or e-mail me if you're confused by this explanation. The weights listed above vary slightly from theirs as mine came directly from my postal scale. Give me a call or send me an e-mail, and I'll help you get the right Hatch reel for your intended purposes.
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