Our mid-arbor fly fishing reels can handle big hits.

Form follows function, so it’s no coincidence that the external design of the Battenkill Mid Arbor reel is truly sweet. At the heart of the reel lies the smoothest drag system you’ve ever experienced in a reel at this price, a highly functional, high-tech, high-performance glass composite drag system that provides a measure of tippet protection not equaled in similarly priced reels.

What both saltwater and freshwater guides rave about the most is the fabulously functional drag knob and the trophy-protecting drag that lies beneath those controls. In the heat of battle, the drag knob is easy to find even for a jet-lagged, sleep-deprived guest two hours removed from the airport. With a 720-degree drag adjustment, 60 small, individually-indexed clicks from free spool to dead stop (each one clearly felt for accuracy and repeatability). Subtle adjustments to running fish are easy to make while mistakes are hard to make—mistakes such as over compensating by tightening the drag too much or decreasing drag tension to the point where line is flying off your reel, creating tangles. The Battenkill Mid Arbor’s center-line drag system features innovative glass composite drag surfaces that protect even the most delicate of tippets. A one-way clutch bearing engages the drag instantly, the drag surfaces buffering drag start-up inertia to protect tippets on ferocious take-and-bakes by even the most powerful gamefish.

Form follows function. Classic in looks, the Battenkill Mid Arbor reel has a subtle high-tech character. The reel’s look strikes a rare balance between performance-ported reel cage (which reduces reel weight and increases the sex appeal), clean and precise lines-on a reel designed with a classic profile.

The machined bar-stock 6061 aluminum is extremely durable and lightweight, corrosion resistant, and requires very little maintenance, thanks to its stainless-steel gearing. The hard-anodized finish is saltwater-proof, durable, and scratch-resistant. In addition, the reel switches with ease from right- to left-hand retrieve. The design strikes the same balance between tradition and innovation. The mid-arbor design minimizes line curl and increases line retrieval rates compared to standard-arbor reels and holds more than other large arbor reels of the same overall diameter.

If unexpected big fish are a possibility, the Battenkill Mid Arbor is the ideal preparation for them. The drag will provide a lifetime of easy enjoyment, as will the compliments you receive on the reel’s fantastic looks and the memory of the tremendously affordable price tag.

“The Battenkill Mid Arbor reel is Incredible!” - Captain Ken Chambers

“I love the Mid Arbor size. One thing that’s so great is its backing capacity. I can put 7-8 weight line on my three reel and it adds double the backing capacity of other large arbors. On some large arbor reels, I’ve had to oversize the reel to get enough backing. Not with this mid arbor. And having all that backing when you’re into bones or bonita, and other saltwater fish—you need all the backing you can get. I’ve handled 15-pound bonita on it deep into the backing. No problem. The drag knob is great too. It’s just right to grab onto and adjust on the fly, when you need to handle a fish that’s getting away from you. And the disc drag is simple to put it to the fish. Spools are a piece of cake to change, too; which is critical when you change up often. And the reel is so lightweight, it’s a dream; yet it’s incredibly tough. We saltwater guys are rougher on our gear than some of the trout bums. We don’t have that finesse a lot of the times. Our stuff ends up on the bottom of the boat a lot and we step on it and bang stuff around pretty good and let me tell you, this reel holds up. And it’s a pleasure to the eye. Very nicely done.”

A native southwest Floridian, Captain Ken Chambers enjoys fishing fly from the Everglades National Park, the 10,000 Islands, to Estero Bay, for snook, redfish, tarpon, bonita, and more. He is also casting instructor for the Everglades Angler Fly Fishing Schools.