What about Seamaster ?

[Sagittarius]

What do you guys think of Seamaster fly reels ?
Read some somewhat unflattering reports, lately, of their mechanism having some slop but also read that they are mostly bomb proof and have the most durable hardcoat finish ever developed.
Most experts say they're the most famous and greatest fly reel ever made.
Some say the Fin-Nor wedding cake is in that category too.
Guess Charlton and Henschel Dual Mode owners would debate that.
Thinking about ordering a Seamaster Marlin or Marlin II Dual Mode in the beautiful hardcoat deep blue finish.
To be honest, I want one just to own one and may never fish it.
If you think that's nuts, well maybe you're right.
It is what it is as the saying goes.
I collect custom knives that will never be used so why not a Seamaster ?
I bought my Wellstone reel and have another on order to fish with.
Actually, I read where some guys buy a Seamaster just to collect and never intend to fish them so doubt I'm alone in my intention.
How many members here now own or have owned a Seamaster in the past ?
How do or did you like their quality ?
Anyone buy one just because ?
Thanks.


Sag.

[Jr Spey]

Sag,

A couple things to think about. First of all the Marlin II has been listed for years but to my knowledge none have ever been made. The last time I talked to Robbie about them, he said they'd probably never be done. I also understand that the company doing the hardcoat finish for him has ceased doing so, so my understanding is that he is back to the anodized finish that was used up to a few years ago.

Many Seamasters, like Bogdans and others, are purchased just to own and as an investment. Nothing wrong with that.

[Sagittarius]

Thanks, Jr, for the information.
Didn't realize the Marlin II was never made or hardcoat isn't available anymore.
Sounds like a bummer.
If I hit Powerball, I'm going to order a #5 Henschel Dual Mode in Titanium from you.


Sag.

[BrianBM]

I'd rather have the Henschel DM then the Seamaster in the first place.

I suspect (no stronger word is appropriate) that the Seamaster's fame is more from the history that goes with it then from the reel's performance, if you really need to measure performance of fishing reels. Ditto the Fin-Nor Wedding Cake. I doubt either one does anything you couldn't do better with a Charlton; I doubt either one does anything that you couldn't do as well with any number of high-end reels, the Tibor or Hayden or whatever of your choice. Never fished one, probably never will ... those of you who have are invited to contribute your thoughts, please.

[Sagittarius]

Surely, there are more opinions than this on such a famous reel as the Seamaster.
Come on guys, post up.


Sag.

[John P]

I have an old friend in Fl that has used a Seamaster for 30yrs real hard. He has some world records and only uses this reel,so I would assume it can take a beating. He has caught everything from tarpon.snook,permit ,reds. Some pretty tough fish. I guess you can fish them. JP

[Jim DE]

I own and fish a Seamaster Mark III. There are many better preforming fishing reels on the market today for 1/4 of the price. That said there is no better reel on the market today that represents the history of saltwater fly fishing. Seamaster is the cornerstone of all modern saltwater fly reel design.

Buy one for what it is and represents ...... Not for its performance

[pantherm]

I want and will someday own a Seamaster dual mode and I will fish the thing on my ten weight whenever I can. The dual mode is awesome the reel looks sexy and should last your life

[phishnhunter]

SAG; Seamaster is one of the world's finest crafted reels....I have used my s handle salmon atound the world since the 1970's for all species of salmon, ouananiche (landlocked salmon) stiper and now for bonefish and smaller tarpon too.

Capt McChristian went overboard to design a bullet proof reel and did so with gusto. The drag is cork, the best material found for applying full turn down drag compression to stop a running fish without chatter. I further suggest anyone in doubt about the effectiveness of cork consult Tibor "Ted" Juracek's thoughts on the matter of cork for drag braking. Seamaster's are thus capable of doling out steady and smooth resistance on fish while ensuring the protection of fine diameter tippets without breaking. In the hands of an experienced angler the reels are amazing tools. My salmon model reel is a small reel that holds up to 9 wt line and a large quantity of backing. It will stop just about anything in the water....let us now consider the utility aspect of the Seamaster line of reels is thus addressed.

Why a person would purchase a Seamaster antique reel over something modern made is this. The investment value of a seamaster is relative to the number of them produced and the number available in the second hand market. Additionally, while Tibor and Abel and so many others are fine reels in their own right, light, durable and superb in the sound they make under a running fish, they are "simply" made today. The better makers will likely be making them for many years to come. The more that are made, the lesser the reels value will be on the resale market...Why would anyone buy a used reel on the second hand market when they can purchase a new reel tomorrow for the same price or even a bit less from dealers who are anxious to move inventory? Thus you have the reason for the purchase of usable antiquities......utility, steadily climbing values on the second hand market forever.

My cherished early "S" handle reel is a reel that will likely never be put up for sale; my son will inherit it and hopefully use it for his lifetime too and pass it along to my grand children for their enjoyment also....

I do hope the input helps you to better understand the sporting collectibles market relative to your making tangible investments.

"Phishnunter", R.S. Dimesky, Boynton Beach, FL

[formula1]

I would agree that Seamaster is a reel you would buy for investment. You might even fish it.

However I strongly disagree that cork is the best material for reels because of its performance. If it were so, it would be used for all big game conventional reels (it's not), for racing car brakes (it's not), and for anything else that requires braking ability. It's advantage is that it is a forgiving material that allows even a poorly designed drag mechanism to work. In a properly designed drag system, carbon fiber is so far superior to cork it's not even comparable. Heat resistance, smoothness, resistance to wear, consistency, resistance to chatter at high drag setting, it has it ALL over cork. A Seamaster's performance has long since been eclipsed by modern reels. If Seamaster's were the be all and end all, record seeking fly rod fisherman would seek them out for that purpose - a perusal of the IGFA record book will disabuse the notion quickly. The reel that is still being sought after for its performance capability is the Charlton whose drag is the best fly reel drag ever produced, period. The IGFA record books back up this fact convincingly with more big game world records in relation to the number of Charlton's out there than any other big game reel.

The Seamaster is fine investment IMHO, and I'd consider one as well for the history of the reel. However, I think I'd rather try to get a used early example than a new one but that's just me.

[Sagittarius]

Thanks for your reply, RS.
I was thinking of ordering a Seamaster when I started this thread last August.
But that was before I found out Jack Charlton was coming out with the Mako reel.
After reading about the Mako, seeing the pics, and studying the specs, I feel, it's the reel I was always looking for.
While the Seamaster is the greatest of all old time reels, the Mako is the current King.
The Mako, jmo, exceeds the craftsmanship of any of the great fly reels of days gone by.
But, I wouldn't mind owing a Seamaster.


Sag.

[BrianBM]

pfishnhunter, welcome to the Forum. Post a joke for full acceptance here.
On the basis of your apparent experience, I will however waive the normal sanction, the Moderator's Wind Knot & Flatulence curse, for failure to do so.

[Drew C.]

I'd love to have one for the sake of having one but I'd never fish it.

[HCowen]

Sag,

If you got the bucks and want a little of both (collectable and newer technology) find an original Charlton (new in box) and you will have attained both!!!!!!!

HC

[raguz13]

I just picked up an S handle tarpon 4" reel. I was wondering when it was made. Any information is appreciated. Thanks