The limited edition Dabrowski fly reel

Gary Dabrowski has been building bamboo fly rods since 1991.  Beginning in 2004, he has begun offering the angling community a limited edition hand crafted game fish reel.  This fly reel is styled and engineered in the manner of the Walker and Vom Hofe reels now long out of production.  It is constructed using materials and methods typically used during the period when the originals were built and are no longer seen in the other best quality reels built today.  Not another “bar stock” or CNC reel, it is a unique piece of functional art.  This new generation of fine tackle is available in several sizes.  A Dabrowski reel is the culmination of weeks of effort.  Each is carefully hand made on equipment, tools and fixtures built in his own shop.  

 

Trout and Steelhead reels are direct drive and may be specified with a five position adjustable drag or a sprocket and pawl “click” drag to manage line and prevent over spooling.  Major drag components are manufactured from stainless steel and lubricated with waterproof silicon grease and therefore does not require any user maintenance.  The spool runs in sintered bronze bearings that have been impregnated with oil.  When ordering you must specify either right or left hand retrieve.  Spools are not removable-replaceable.

 

Dabrowski reels have black side plates. Both the rings that encircle the side plates and the spools are made from 18% nickel silver. They are precision drawn or formed, machined to size and highly polished.   Depending on the model, cross bars may be nickel silver or aluminum.  The handle, foot and back plate bearing cover are of aircraft aluminum.  All aluminum parts are anodized for protection and have a light matt finish.  The remainder of the reel is made from tool steel, stainless steel, aluminum, bronze and lightweight composite.  The serial number and model number of each reel is engraved on the foot, the makers’ logo is engraved on the back plate bearing cover or a plaque applied to the back plate depending on the model.  A leather drawstring bag is provided to protect the reel when not in use.

 

A tippet retainer may be found located under the handle counterweight.  Simply make a turn or two around the retainer to keep the end of the tippet handy.  Fly hook keepers are located on the rear surface of the foot. 

Available models

 

About 25 reels are built each year.   Adjustable drag reels are $589.00. Click pawl reels are $499.00.  The Baby Trout Model 2 series of reels is available with either a classic styled straight handle or a serpentine handle, all other models are built with a serpentine handle only at this time. Custom features are available at extra cost such as special material side plates and handle knobs. Other models are under development. Payment is due before shipment. Shipping costs are extra.

Call or email for further information or with inquiries or to place an order. When you place your order you will be given an estimated delivery date.   Fly reels are warranted for as long as I am building reels. 

 

Gary Dabrowski

The Brookside Rod Co.

Custom built fly reels and bamboo fly rods

(203) 729-1503        http://brooksiderod.tripod.com       gdabrowski@yahoo.com

 

Due to the desire to constantly improve this tackle; prices and specifications are subject to change without notice