If you believe reels are simply overpriced line holders look away now. I get something like this in my hand and I can see why collectors collect – I come over all touchy-feely, start listening to the drag noise, running my fingers over machined surfaces and trying to find just the merest hint of catch, of non-smoothness in the drag. Butter smooth drag, beautifully finished and it purrs – mmmm!

The half cage body and the spool are very rigid. Since mid and large arbours are becoming the norm it’s rather pleasing to be reminded how small a conventional reel with this capacity can be; the Rio Grande can hold up to a #10 line and 100m of 30lb backing. (Fit a long thick Spey line and the backing capacity goes down – compensate with GSP braid?)

The spool detaches by pushing through from the back, a hidden O-ring on the bearing case holds the spool in place; negligible end-float and if that ring perishes it can be replaced. The purring click is more or less cosmetic, more in the sense that it prevents the spool spinning freely, less since it has nothing to do with the drag. Remove the spool and it looks like the drag is sealed in the hub, in fact this uses a cork brake lining disc between to plates, Dutch Reels’ version of the draw-bar mechanism which is used on many of the finest high performance reels. With the spool fitted nothing can get to the drag surfaces.

The Rio Grande is aimed at big powerful fish, the makers mention pike and salmon in a list with sea fish, I’d say this suits saltwater fishing and freshwater comes as a bonus. The spool and body are hard anodised aluminium, the reel foot is solid titanium, and other parts are stainless; little risk of corrosion. Recommended line sizes run from #7 to #10, in my opinion this is more at home at the higher end of that range. Weighing in at 210 grams, a substantial reel and heavy on a modern #7 rod, fine on an #8 and heavier line-weight rods.

This is left hand wind, converting to right hand means ordering a replacement part for a small charge. Dutch Reels come with a lifetime guarantee. The Champagne colour is for a limited numbered production of 75 reels, other colours will follow. Attractive, tough, practical reel.

Price: £297.00
From: The Alternative Tackle Company
www.alternativetackle.com
Tel. 01253 808 447