Hatch x Drew Wilson Iconic Limited Edition Artist Series Fly Reel

The Hatch x Drew Wilson Iconic Limited Edition Artist Series Fly Reel blends high-performance engineering with the distinct visual style of artist Drew Wilson. This limited release takes the proven Iconic 5+ platform and applies a custom green and gold colorway featuring Wilson's signature bass and floral rosette artwork. It is built for anglers who demand a reliable tool for fighting fish but appreciate gear that stands out from the standard black and silver options. Whether you are chasing trout in Montana, bass in local ponds, or bonefish on the flats, this reel delivers the stopping power and durability required for serious fishing applications.

Design

The foundation of this reel is the Iconic 5+ Large Arbor frame, known for its one-piece reel seat that is machined directly into the body to eliminate galvanic corrosion and loose screws. The frame features a classic six-fin window pattern that reduces weight without sacrificing structural rigidity. A key update in this series is the ported spool arbor, which adds ventilation to help backing and fly lines dry faster after a long day on the water. The standout feature remains the custom machined rosette, transforming the drag knob into a piece of functional art.

Finish

Hatch utilizes a Type II anodization process to create the reel's custom green and gold aesthetic. This finish provides a hard, durable surface that protects the underlying aluminum from scratches, dings, and environmental wear. The anodization is specifically formulated to resist corrosion, making this reel a safe choice for both freshwater and saltwater environments. The bright dip finishing technique ensures the colors remain vibrant while highlighting the precision machining of the frame and spool.

Materials

The reel is machined from aerospace-grade aluminum, chosen for its superior strength-to-weight ratio. This material choice ensures the reel remains light enough to balance modern graphite rods while retaining the toughness needed to survive accidental drops and hard use. Stainless steel components are used in critical stress points and the drag assembly to prevent rust and ensure long-term mechanical reliability.

Drag

This reel employs a sealed, carbon-filled drag system designed to dissipate heat rapidly during blistering runs. Unlike previous iterations that used a cassette, the Iconic drag system is integrated directly into the body of the reel, which increases stability and reduces axial runout. The carbon material provides a smooth startup inertia that protects light tippets, while the multi-disc stack offers substantial stopping power for larger game fish. The oversized drag knob allows for easy micro-adjustments in the heat of a fight.

Arbor Size

The 5+ model features a Large Arbor design. This larger diameter spool enables rapid line retrieval, which is critical when a fish turns and runs toward you. Additionally, the large arbor reduces line memory, ensuring your fly line comes off the reel in relaxed coils rather than tight loops, improving casting distance and presentation.

Warranty

Hatch Outdoors warrants this product against defects in materials and workmanship for the lifetime of the original owner. This warranty is non-transferable and does not cover damage caused by misuse, neglect, or normal wear and tear. A processing fee is typically required for all warranty claims and repairs to cover shipping and handling costs.

More Info

• Best for: Freshwater, Light Saltwater (Trout, Bass, Bonefish)
• Arbor Size: Large Arbor
• Weight Range: 5-7 weight lines
• Retrieve: Convertible left/right