Islander reels?

I'm thinking of getting my first saltwater fly reel. I have an opportunity to buy an Islander AntiReverse reel at a very reasonable price. Does anyone have experience with Islander reels, this reel in particular, and anti-reverse reels, in general?

Thanks!

-John

John, Islander is a VERY good reel - they are a Sponsor here on FAOL, and we vet our Sponsors very carefully. Dr. Fish (Jeff Pierce) Sales Manager for Mustad USA is also a huge Islander Reel fan. The main advantage of anti-reverse reels is they save your knuckles from getting busted on big fish.

Providing the reel has been cared for, get it.

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LadyFisher, Publisher of
FAOL

Ditto.

I don't see many here on the west coast. But the few owners that I have met have no complaints and lots of praises.


I much prefer direct drive reels over anti-reverse because I know I will always gain line when cranking the spool. In fact, I don't peronally know anyone that prefers an anti-reverse reel. But some people like them because they don't have to worry about bustin' fingers.

However, if an anti-reverse Islander came my way at a "reasonable price", I'd jump right on it without a second thought. Probably rip my pockets trying to get my wallet out. I'd fish with it too.

[This message has been edited by tailingloop (edited 23 March 2005).]

Thanks for the advice. I went and sent my money for the reel yesterday. I got a very fair price on it (about half price) and it still has the warrenty card. Now to get to the coast and use it!

-John