Local Reel Manufacturers?

Mark Vickers · 01-01-2004, 04:12 PM

We have a heap of high quality local rod makers here in the PNW (Woodland seems to have something in the water that produces good rod builders).

Are there any local reel manufacturers?

In my quest for supporting the local guys, if there is anyone around here, I'd like my money (probably heaps of it for small manufacturers) to go to them. I'm in the market for both a baitcaster and a fly reel.

Mark Vickers · 01-01-2004, 04:14 PM

Sorry about the duplicate thread post. My PC hung right in the middle of the posting and somehow it put two of them up...

biederboat · 01-01-2004, 04:58 PM

I have software that searches for manufacturers in Oregon. I put in "fishing" and didn't see anyone that listed "reels" in their extended description but that may not be entirely accurate and it's just for Oregon.

Biederboat

Feel, Reel, Creel · 01-01-2004, 06:14 PM

Hey,

There are several fly reel manufacturers in the state, but no, to my knowledge, baitcasting reel manufacturers. Two companies that produce fine fly reels that I know of are:

McNeese Reels
Bellinger

Bill McNeese produces the reels in or near Portland and Bellinger reels are made out of Salem.

Mark Vickers · 01-02-2004, 05:44 AM

Right on Feel Reel Creel. By the way, welcome to the board!

Whaler · 01-02-2004, 07:05 AM

If not locally, how about reels made in the USA?

I believe some Penn reels are made in the USA however I recently looked at a couple of Penn spinning reels and they were made in China.

Pete · 01-02-2004, 07:20 AM

I don't know if they are still made, but there was a guy named Saracioni (sp?) making some very nice, traditional style steelhead size fly reels in the Gresham/Troutdale area about 10 years ago. I haven't seen or heard of them in quite a while, so he may have given up on the enterprise.

4 REEL · 01-02-2004, 07:26 AM

Well Loomis was bought by Shimano. Would that make Shimano local?

4 REEL · 01-02-2004, 07:27 AM

OOPS Sorry.

[ 01-02-2004, 09:15 AM: Message edited by: 4 REEL ]

4 REEL · 01-02-2004, 07:29 AM

Whoa, It happened again. Thouht the message said would not post quit yet, try again later.
Oh. well..... Happy New Fish Tag.

[ 01-02-2004, 09:18 AM: Message edited by: 4 REEL ]

cosmo · 01-02-2004, 07:36 AM

I believe Astro Tool Company in Beaverton (aircraft tool manufacturer) is still making Stratos fly reels. I have a 6-wt. reel, bought it from them as a blem (small black dot in the anodizing). Super quality company.