James Ross Raised-Pillar Trout Reel

In 1869, James Ross received a patent for what was truly the first raised-pillar frame reel in the U.S. and an early example of an upright fly reel. Other notable features included the pillared spool arbor that served two purposes: to aid in drying the line while still on the spool and to increase retrieval speed. The single-action fly reel is also equipped with a click/pawl system and ballhandle.

Courtesy of Tyler Thompson

Yearc. 1869Accession No.L2022.003.005Made byJames Ross