Peter Duncan Malloch (1853-1921) is Scotland’s best known reelmaker. His 1880 patent for the so-called Sun and Planet reel did much to enhance his reputation. This reel’s chief advantage is that when line is run off by a fish, the sideplate does not turn—the handle knob rotates! Because of this arrangement, the handle can be used as a brake. This planetary gear principle is still used on some modern reels.
The American Museum of Fly Fishing Collection
Gift of Samuel Spencer
