Islander LX 3.8 Reel Review
Islander LX 3.8 Fly Reel review
If one were to announce that the Islander LX 3.8 is a great reel for big game, it would have a redundant air to it….like telling the world that a Porsche is a great sports car. I was fortunate to have an opportunity to fish one of these Canadian built, large-arbor beauties this year, and can attest to it’s well-earned reputation.
When considering the purchase of a new piece of fly fishing equipment, lots of factors come into play; Price, reputation, warranty, aesthetics… When that given pc. of gear is expected to perform in what might be considered “extreme” conditions, its wise have a look at companies who make that their priority. Islander is one such company.
The LX series represents the culmination of 12 years of experience designing and building reels. Machined from solid bar stock aluminum and stainless steel, the reel employs a Teflon and graphite impregnated cork “clutch surface” to help put the brakes on some of the toughest gamefish any angler could care to pursue. I can assure you that this drag system means business, and still can be easily adjusted to a very light setting.
Aesthetics…well, I’m not sure you can do much better than the polished, anodized finish of this reel. This is no accident~an Islander reel takes a period of 3 months to make!
I can truly say that this reel is a pleasure to have in the field. It was put into duty this past fall as I roamed the banks of the Credit, Duffins, Beaver and Bighead rivers in search of salmon and steelhead.
The LX3.8 delivered! Numerous fish were hooked, allowing the Islander to spread it’s wings and show what it could do. What a drag system! The reel endured rain, snow, freezing temperatures….and came back for more. Tremendous peace of mind when you plan on taking one reel fishing. Purpose-built, the Islander LX3.8 is an excellent choice for salmon and steelhead, and a wide variety of saltwater applications. Available in line wts. 6-15, gold and black finishes.
Note:In response to requests by spey and bluewater anglers, two new models of LX Fly reels are on the horizon. The 4.8 and 4.8M. These have been designed to accommodate greater amounts of fly line, and backing. Looking for a reel that will hold up to 700 yards of backing for your next deep sea fly fishing adventure? Look to Islander.
Related Link: Islander Reels
