Morgan James Reel Raffle

We knew AMFF’s first reproduction reel needed to be special, so our curator Jim Schottenham and production partners at J.H. Becker Rod Works didn’t hold back with this incredible recreation of a c. 1850s Morgan James Reel. We only produced 12 reels, and the first one is going straight into the museum's permanent collection.

Why this reel:

Morgan James, like many other early American reel makers, was a notable gunsmith from the Adirondacks region of New York State. While AMFF doesn’t currently have a Morgan James reel in our collection, we were able to model this reproduction reel after one of his original “Pillbox” style reels loaned to us by a collector.

Beyond the sheer rarity of reels made by Morgan James (there are only 3 or 4 known to still exist), the reels from this era are also vitally important from a historical perspective as many of the fundamental innovations from that time period can still be found in reels produced today. One aspect of the reels from this era that didn’t survive much past 1900 was the way they were mounted to the rod. Instead of the reel being mounted vertically below the rod, this reel was a “side-mount” reel, with its foot parallel to the spool face. We've modified the foot of this reel to better accommodate modern rods, but you'll still need to use it in its intended orientation on the side of the rod, like the original. 

Full specs:

• Curly black cherry reel body
• Aluminum spool and back plates
• Stainless steel spindle and oil-infused bushings
• Simple “silent” drag system using preset spring washer
• Nickel silver line guard
• Handle turned from imitation ivory
• AMFF medallion in cast silver acting as a counterbalance
• Premium brass and/or stainless steel fasteners

Overall dimensions: 3/4” by 2 5/8”
Spool width: 3/8”

Prize package:

To provide a complete historical experience, we’re also including a robust set of period-accurate accessories in the winning prize package. So even if you don’t want to put this reel to work (just to clarify, it’s 100% fishable!), you can still hit the water with some silk fly lines, furled leaders, and a proper fly wallet. See the full list of prizes included below and thank you for your support.

(1) Ltd. Edition Morgan James Reproduction Reel
(1) Custom felt-lined box with a magnetic closure made from Vermont-grown butternut wood
(1) Handmade limited-edition leather fly wallet from HMH Vises featuring the AMFF logo
(1) Assortment of (12) vintage flies from the c. 1880s
(1) Pure silk fly line
(2) Braided leaders
(2) Furled leaders
(1) Tin of Red Mucilin
(1) Tin of Otter Butter
(1) AMFF Lifetime Membership at the Pro Level

Our friends at HMH Vises are able to produce a small number of additional fly wallets, which we’re offering to the first 25 raffle entrants at the $200 level. These wallets will be handmade alongside the winner’s wallet, and will ship at the conclusion of the raffle sometime in November 2025.