logo
logo
  • About
    • About Us
    • Visit Us
    • Ways to Give
    • Ambassador Program
    • Award Recipients
    • Contact Us
    • Tackle Inquiry
  • Collections & Exhibitions
    • Our Collection
    • Current & Past Exhibitions
    • Online Collections
    • The Stream
  • Journal & Film
    • The American Fly Fisher
    • Traver Award
    • Film Projects
    • Fishing The Collection
    • Online Screening Room
    • Webinars
  • News & Events
  • Online Store
  • Membership
    • Member Portal
    • Member Forum
    • Become a Member
  • Sign Up
  • Search

Fowler Gem Side-Mount Trout Reel

Patented in 1872, the all-hard-rubber, side-mounted fly reel was the invention of dentist Alonzo H. Fowler of Batavia, New York. Combining the vulcanization of rubber (patented by Charles Goodyear in 1844) and the molding process associated with his dentistry practice, Fowler produced the lightest and simultaneously the most fragile fly reel ever made. As a result, few intact examples have survived.

Courtesy of Jim Schottenham


Yearc. 1872Accession No.L2022.004.002Made byAlonzo H. Fowler

You May Also Like

Hewitt Reel

Edward Ringwood Hewitt (1866-1957) is one of the great figures of 20th century angling. He wrote voluminously on trout and salmon fishing, developed…

Orvis 1874 Patent Reel

If the Billinghurst is the first American fly reel, then the Orvis 1874 patent reel is the first modern American fly reel. Invented by Charles F.…

Victorian Era Birmingham Reel

This attractive Birmingham reel, featuring bas relief angling scenes on the plates, was commercially produced in at least two sizes, both as a crank…

Ready For More?

If you love fly fishing as much as we do, you're going to love this.


PLAN A TRIP

Visit, fish, explore & more

VISIT

DROP A LINE

We are happy to hear from you

CONNECT

COME TO EVENTS

Check out the latest events

EVENTS
© 2025 American Museum Of Fly Fishing. All rights reserved