Temple Fork Outfitters

If you had told me a few years ago that I would be featuring reels from TFO I would have thought you had little idea about the focus of my business. However, the truth is that more and more really well made reels are coming from companies like TFO, and it becomes nearly impossible to ignore them. The key is to find the right ones and to take on companies likely to be here a few years down the road. I found out at the Fly Fishing Retailer Show in September 2005 that Terry Hayden was designing a reel for TFO. Not long after I got home from the show I called to order a sample reel. I was really impressed with it and since using it on fish like false albacore and dolphin (dorado) I am even more impressed. It is a simple design with a double pawl system, has a nice looking satin type III hard anodized finish, and is quite ruggedly built. These reels do not have outgoing clicks, nor do they come with reelcases. In my opinion, the three models are best suited for heavy duty use, like for permit, large jacks, tarpon, and pelagic species. With even the 9 weight reel weighing eleven ounces I think I probably wouldn't make it my primary reel for normal bonefishing (see LA 375 below for that). All three sizes have large cork discs for a drag material. I don't know that there is a better reel value in the heavyweight division than the TFO/Hayden.

When I mentioned in my newsletter that I was going to carry the TFO/Hayden reel I had a couple of my customers contact me to say I should look into the TFO/Large Arbor model also. I ordered a Model 375 and immediately put it to work. This is also a very well made reel with a drawbar disc drag with carbon fiber disc. It has a pleasant sounding outgoing click and is as smooth as almost any reel I've handled. There are three bearings total including the one-way bearing that determines retrieve direction. It features a very handsome deep grey anodizing.

If you're heading somewhere where all three flats species will be on the menu, I can help you out with the reels using the TFO models. The Large Arbor 375 is a perfect size for bonefish, the Large Arbor 425 is an ideal permit reel, and the Hayden #2 is a terrific reel for tarpon. I can sell you all three reels with Monic Opaque Tropical floating lines (see flylines on this website) installed on each reel for $1000.00. That includes standard 30# dacron backing and a Mangrove neoprene reelcover for each. You could spend a lot more money and not get a better setup. Check out the photos and the specs and see if this wouldn't appeal to you.

TFO, of course, also makes rods and markets lots of other items under the Springbrook and Mangrove labels. I can get anything in their catalog for you, but I'm only stocking the reels, Cal's #2 Star Drag reel grease, the Mangrove neoprene reelcovers, and the new Mangrove Hipshooter stripping basket. Anything else will need to be special ordered so plan on a two week delay in receiving it. Mangrove has also reintroduced their famous neoprene gear bag. I've used this bag for almost ten years, long before I became a TFO/Mangrove dealer. It is simply the finest boat bag I've found and is waterproof in typical fishing environments. Mine also doubles as my carry-on bag while flying. And it's only $120.00.