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

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

You May Also Like

Hackney 3D-Printed Plastic Trout Reel

Michael Hackney will forever be known as the first designer and builder of a 3D-printed fishing reel. Made of lightweight plastic, his reel features…

Single-Action Brass Ball-Handle Reel

Ball-handle reels were immensely popular with the New York tackle retailers and manufacturers throughout the 1800s. Used for larger game fish and…

Orvis CFO Trout Reel

Designed by reel maker Stan Bogdan and built by Hardy Bros. of England, the Orvis CFO fly reels made their debut in the 1971 Orvis Christmas catalog.…

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