Hatch Artist Collaboration Reel Drew Wilson 5+ Large Arbor Limited Edition Green Gold

We and many of our customers have been using Hatch fly reels for years and they have gained a high level of trust. The main reason for this is the perfect combination of design and technology as well as the unconditional functionality of these high-end reels from California/USA. It is therefore not surprising that they are trusted time and again, especially under the toughest conditions: Intensive fishing in tropical saltwater, for example. But the Hatch fly reel has also become a faithful companion for many experienced fly fishermen on local waters, in search of coastal silver or when salmon fishing.

The Hatch Iconic Custom Drew Wilson Artist 5 Plus fly reel is another unique and limited edition of the new Iconic fly reels and is only available in limited quantities! In addition to the limited anodising and the luminous filling, the closed back of the Hatch with its unique design is a real eye-catcher and a unique reel for Hatch fans!

The new Hatch fly reel models, the ICONIC, hark back to the almost "iconic" design of the first Finatic generation. The 9 spokes of the reel cage have been reduced to 6 again, which not only saves weight in the new models, but is also reminiscent of the iconic Finatic times. But that's not all when we take a closer look at the new design. The brake knob and the spool nut have also been updated. On the one hand, both components have become slightly larger, giving them a better grip, and on the other, they have lost some of their depth and have a new, high-quality look. This is also due to the new painting of the lettering, which appears much brighter and also of a higher quality. The eye-catching HATCH lettering on the wheels has been moved from the top of the cage to the side, which we personally really like. The already elaborate reel foot, which is milled from a single piece on the Hatch fly reels, also has a new, modern design. Although this is a very expensive process, it minimises corrosion between the cage and reel foot and is more stable than a bolted version. The surface of the fly reels is blasted extremely finely with glass beads and then the Iconic reels are given a new, bright dip coating that brings out the shine of the machined parts while retaining the strong colouring of the matt anodisation.

But the Iconic castors have not only been given a few visual upgrades, there have also been some technical changes. The counterweight and the wheel handle are now also blasted and receive their finish in an immersion bath. This gives them a better grip than before and they also fit in better with the overall look. The brake system of the Iconic is not housed in a cassette as in previous models, but is now integrated into the housing. This has reduced the axial run-out, resulting in a more stable and solid construction. Inside the system is a new carbon-filled brake material, which on the one hand dissipates the heat generated more quickly and on the other guarantees smooth running. The new braking system on the Iconic is definitely the smoothest system Hatch has ever used. Another technical change, which is also one of the visual changes to the reels, is the new cut-outs in the spool, which provide better ventilation. This allows the backing and fly line to dry more quickly after use and, of course, also saves weight. Last but not least, the complete concentricity of the reels has been optimised so that the seals used can achieve a greater effect and thus eliminate water ingress.

The last change will please sea trout anglers in particular, as some Iconic reel models have been given new dimensions, such as the 5Plus! The 5Plus models have increased slightly in diameter and capacity, making the 5Plus reels an even better match for rod classes #6 and #7. 5Plus Large Arbor is our first choice for a six-weight streamer rod and the Mid Arbor can now be confidently recognised as a "6Plus" and optimally fished on a class #7 rod. Not just on the coast, of course!

The new Iconic fly reels from Hatch have thankfully only undergone significant technical changes and visually retain the fly reels' beloved design. We are sure that the hype surrounding Hatch fly reels will continue with the Iconic model!

• 5Plus
  We prefer to combine the 5Plus with rods in the #5, #6 and #7 classes. Ideal for sea trout fishing, for perch, asp and co. but of course also on light tropical rods, for example for bonefish.