Precision-Engineered for Freshweater and Saltwater Excellence
The Old Mariner is a top-tier fly reel, meticulously designed for freshwater and saltwater fly anglers who demand durability, strength, and smooth performance. Crafted in the USA by seasoned reel maker Paul Conover, this reel embodies over 60 years of fly reel design expertise.
Key Features: everything on these reels has a design purpose
Machined with true aircraft certified aluminum of highest grade and protected by a military grade Class 3 Brite Dip anodizing process, the hardest protection against corrosion and heavy use.
- Dual-Sided Frame: Provides exceptional rigidity, eliminating spool flex during intense battles.
- Fully Sealed Internal Drag with highest grade cork impregnated with aerospace grade Teflon to ensures maintenance-free operation, protecting against saltwater intrusion
- Fine Drag Adjustment: Offers precise control with a range from 0 to 40 lbs, suitable for various fishing scenarios.
- Low Startup Inertia Spool: Delivers smooth line release, enhancing casting efficiency.
- Large Knurled Drag Knob: Allows easy adjustments, even with wet or gloved hands.
- Available in Right or Left Hand Retrieve.
The reel is 100% sealed at the factory, you must purchase the Reel with the retrieval direction suited to you.
Each reel comes with a neoprene adjustable pouch, warranty statement and box.
Lifetime Warranty: no question asked, if any part of any Old Mariner product breaks due to design, material, or manufacturing, Old Mariner will replace or repair at no charge for the life of the owner. It is not warranted against Accidental damage, or unintended use. Every single Old Mariner reel and every component is personally manufactured and assembled by Paul Conover in his Palm Beach, Florida facility. So a true made in USA product. All reels are produced in limited batches with combinations of black and silver anodizing. They may be supplied with color changes in some details like reel foot and handles depending on anodizing batches.
The Offshore series is composed of 4 models suitable for different lines and different techniques, the model 8, 10, 12 and a 12+. Born from the idea of monster Tarpon caught in Miami and getting them to the boat safely and quickly, the Old Mariner reels are built to withstand the harshest saltwater environments and they are arguably the strongest reels on the market. Its robust construction and sealed components mean you can focus on the fish, not on maintenance.
• The 8 SD is recommended for line #7-9: The 8SD is the ideal reel for pairing with lighter saltwater rods when targeting species such as bonefish, permit, sea trout, and sea bass. Its compact dimensions and balanced spool capacity offer the perfect combination of line control and retrieval speed for inshore precision. In freshwater environments, the 8SD transitions seamlessly to a wide range of applications. It is perfectly suited for use with single-hand rods targeting pike and large trout, as well as with switch rods where versatility and reliable drag performance are essential.
• The 10SD is recommended for line #9-11: Specifically designed for medium to medium-heavy tropical rod setups, this reel delivers consistent and reliable performance under pressure. It performs flawlessly when targeting tarpon, juvenile giant trevally (GT), small shark species, powerful snapper, and fast-moving barracuda. Equally capable in freshwater scenarios, the 10SD it is perfectly at ease in dense jungle conditions chasing peacock bass or Dorado. Its balanced design also makes it an excellent match for two-handed rods when fishing for salmon, large sea trout or Danubian Huchen.
• The 12SD is recommend for line #11-13: The 12SD is one of the most trusted reels among professionals targeting apex predators on tropical flats. Designed to deliver uncompromising performance, it excels when targeting large Giant Trevally, aggressive Tarpon, fast-moving Tuna, Roosterfish, and a variety of Billfish species. The 12SD also performs exceptionally well on medium to heavy two-handed rods, making it a highly effective tool for pursuing large Atlantic salmon and other powerful freshwater species.
Who is Paul Conover, the man behind the product.
It is true that when you buy an object of great value and quality you are in some way buying the life, commitment, study and passion of an individual, of its creator. We will gladly explain who Paul Conover is. Paul has lived almost in symbiosis with the sea, with large tarpon, bonefish and other pelagic fish since the middle of the last century. His first Tarpon dates back to 1950, caught together with that Jimmy Albright universally known for the famous knot that bears his name. In addition to having worked in companies and productions that have made the history of fly fishing, such as Fin Nor Reel, for which he developed innovative mechanisms and reels, Paul founded his own company in the late 90s, the Old Florida Fly Reel Company, which would later become, following his sale, what we know today as Nautilus. Many of the reels produced today by many famous brands somehow carry the DNA of the technical solutions developed by Paul in his career.
In the Old Mariner reels, his most recent creation, all his experience accumulated in the aerospace and military industry and that of an angler who knows the needs of anglers is truly transferred. In practice, little talk and a lot of substance.