Fly Fishing Reel Kits
Beautiful, fun and easy to assemble —
and they catch fish!
SUPPLY UPDATE: Our stock of reel kits is running low and, due to significant cost increases for aluminum, Delrin, and other materials, it no longer makes sense to continue manufacturing these kits. Kits are packaged on demand — there are enough parts to produce about 25 reel kits (we’ll keep this updated as the supply decreases).
Two styles
There are two basic styles of kit — round frame and raised pillar frame. Our Round Frame reel kits have a simple look that many anglers prefer. The Raised Pillar frame is a classic design attributed to Philbrook and Paine reels from the late 1870s. The open areas on the reel’s back plate expose the rotating spool as an additional design element — these reels look great on bamboo and fiberglass rods. Other than frame design, the kits are identical.
Product Description
I've been developing, manufacturing and selling these kits for over 10 years with a continuous stream of improvements in materials, design, functionality and value. This Version 5 design is the best kit yet, with a pre-machined (and elegant) reel foot, multiple finish options, high-quality binding head screws and many other enhancements. All kits now include all the tools you need to assemble and finish your reel — a screwdriver, Allen wrench, polish, lubricant and sandpaper.
Kits range from $90 to $140.
Specifications
- 3.4 oz (96 g) (approximately; there may be slight variations)
- Frame: 3″ OD · spool: 2-3/8″ OD with a 1″ diameter hub
- No appreciable weight difference between models
- Asymmetric click check — can be set up for right- or left-hand retrieve
- Designed for 4 to 5 weight rods (usable several weights above and below depending on your fishing style)
What’s included
The Eclectic Angler fly reel kits are an exceptional value — every kit now comes with:
- A screwdriver
- A 1/16″ Allen wrench
- Coarse and fine sandpaper
- Flitz™ polish packet
- A lubricant packet
…everything you need to complete your reel.
Assembly
Assembly typically takes two to five hours, depending on your mechanical ability and commitment to completing the project. Our Assembly Guide — emailed to you as a PDF — helps make these kits enjoyable to assemble.
See what others have to say
Fun project
★★★★★This was a fun project that ended up in a nice little reel. I took my time on each step, especially on the finish. It was a great way to spend a snowy day.
Good time
★★★★★This is a great little project. It was the second one I built. This one I built with the help of a young friend. It was easy enough for him to do with just a little help. Now he has a nice reel that he built.
Great use of Dozuki documents for the easy to build do-it-yourselfer.
★★★★★Found this project a fun distraction. Can't wait to see how it performs on a 4wt fly rod — Redington Vice. I used an engine swirl finish via this video. It came out great, and I showed it off to my fishing buddy at work. I would like to replace the handle with a nice turned wood one.
A classic reel that you will use and treasure.
★★★★★I bought one of Michael's original brass reel kits years back, which I have used as a preferred reel with rods from 6′ to 8′. I only fish with cane and silk, so I can heartily recommend his Otter Butter to grease your silk lines. The classic ported raised-pillar frame kit, which I have just assembled, promises to serve me well. I just love it — fits so nicely in my palm.
Thank you, Berislav. Hope you enjoy fishing with the new reel!
Cheers,
Michael