Hatch Iconic Fly Reels - A Comprehensive Comparison

 

Hatch fly reels are undoubtedly among the fly reels we use most frequently for fishing in both freshwater and saltwater. These innovative fly reels consistently impress with their ingenious and timeless design, as well as their outstanding performance in the toughest conditions. Additionally, the Hatch Iconic fly reels are available in many different sizes and with varying core diameters, ensuring the perfect reel for every rod, whether for single-hand or double-hand rods. In this video, we explain which model best suits which rod and when a Mid Arbor reel is advantageous.

 

The fly reels from Hatch have been used by us and many of our customers for years and have gained great trust. The main reason for this is the perfect combination of design and technology, as well as the unconditional functionality of these high-end reels from California, USA. Therefore, it is not surprising that they are trusted especially under the harshest conditions, for example, in intensive tropical saltwater fishing. But even in local waters, in search of coastal silver or salmon fishing, the Hatch fly reel has become a loyal companion for many experienced fly fishers. 

 

Timeless design meets high-quality technology - The Hatch Iconic fly reels.

 

From fine fishing in the local stream to GT (Giant Trevally), there is an Iconic reel suitable for every target fish with its unique one-piece reel seat. However, the different size specifications can be confusing, and why there are no 2Plus or 6Plus models will be explained in detail now.

The Hatch Iconic fly reels start with the Large Arbor 3Plus fly reel as the smallest size and end with the Mid Arbor 11Plus fly reel. The dimensions of the Large Arbor and Mid Arbor fly reels only differ in the respective class by the inner core diameter. This is larger in a Large Arbor (LA) than in a Mid Arbor (MA), which ensures that a Mid Arbor reel offers more capacity, for example for backing or a thicker fly line. This is particularly advantageous if you want to fish a higher line class or need more backing for fighting strong fish in saltwater fishing. A Large Arbor, on the other hand, offers faster line retrieval.

This additional capacity is not needed in the smaller classes, as the 3Plus and 4Plus reel sizes are more intended for trout fishing. Therefore, the Mid Arbor reels (extra capacity) start from size 5Plus. There are exactly six Large Arbor and four Mid Arbor models of the Hatch Iconic, whose different sizes and capacities you can compare in the table below

 

Manufacturer's size recommendation and capacities:

Model	Capacity MA	Capacity LA	Diameter	Width	Weight
3 Plus		WF4 + 100 m 20# WF5 + 80 m 20#	83 mm	21 mm	140 g
4 Plus		WF5 + 100 m 20# WF6 + 80 m 20#	87 mm	21 mm	148 g
5 Plus	WF5 + 130 m 20# WF6 + 120 m 20# WF7 + 100 m 20#	WF5 + 110 m 20# WF6 + 90 m 20# WF7 + 70 m 20#	95 mm	23 mm	168 g
7 Plus	WF7 + 320 m 20# WF8 + 290 m 20# WF9 + 270 m 20#	WF7 + 240 m 20# WF8 + 220 m 20# WF9 + 200 m 20#	105 mm	27 mm	252 g
9 Plus	WF9 + 370 m 30# WF10 + 350 m 30# WF11 + 330 m 30#	WF9 + 275 m 30# WF10 + 250 m 30# WF11 + 230 m 30#	111 mm	34 mm	289 g
11 Plus	WF11 + 450 m 30# WF12 + 400 m 30#	WF11 + 370 m 30# WF12 + 330 m 30#	120 mm	33 mm	320 g

 

The Hatch Iconic 5 Plus Mid Arbor and Large Arbor fly reel in a visual comparison.

 

You can use the table as a mnemonic aid: The number stands for the starting class (smallest for this reel) and the plus sign after the model stands for additional, higher rod classes that can be combined with the reel size. For example, a 9Plus fly reel is for class #9 or higher (Plus) up to the next higher reel size, which in this case is the 11Plus. So: 9Plus = rod classes #9, #10, and #11.

But beware: Since it is common in saltwater fishing to use slightly larger reels for strong fish, the Iconic models from size 5Plus onwards are slightly larger. Therefore, in two cases, our personal recommendation does not completely match the manufacturer's table or the mnemonic aid. These are the 5Plus and 7Plus models. In our opinion, these two reels are, at least for freshwater fishing, larger than necessary for the specified class (5Plus, 7Plus). We usually fish a Hatch Iconic fly reel of size 5Plus starting from fly rod class #6 and the 7Plus fly reel starting from rod class #8.

For these reasons, we have summarized and listed our very personal recommendation for each reel size:

 

Our Size Recommendations:

• 3Plus Large Arbor
  The 3Plus covers a very wide range of trout fishing. Design & technology are a dream. We recommend it for #2 rods, as well as for all #3 and #4 fly rods.
  
  
• 4Plus Large Arbor
  With the Hatch 4Plus, you are well equipped for river or still water in search of trout and similar fish. This reel is a true delight in the hands and the perfect choice for rods of classes #4 and #5.
  We also use the 4Plus on modern nymph rods of class #3 or higher, with 10 feet or more, due to the larger spool diameter and weight.
  
  
• 5Plus Large Arbor
  We prefer to use the 5Plus starting from rod classes #6 and #7, so one class higher than the manufacturer specifies. The 5Plus has a diameter of 95 mm and is, therefore, somewhat oversized for a fly rod of class #5. However, if you prefer slightly larger reels, you can also use the 5Plus on a fly rod of class #5. For rod classes #6 or even #7, the 5Plus is our go-to reel for sea trout fishing, for example.
• 5Plus Mid Arbor
  The Mid Arbor models of the 5Plus Iconic have slightly more capacity and are therefore perfect for rod class #7 and, depending on line diameter, also for rod class #8.
  
  
• 7Plus Large Arbor
  With this reel, you are equipped for the toughest use with a single-hand rod. The extraordinary braking power of the 7Plus keeps pike, catfish, and even Bonefish & Co. in the tropics in check.
  The 7Plus also has a quite high line capacity with a diameter of 105 mm. For this reason, we use the 7Plus in local waters starting from rod class #8. In the tropics, when hunting Bonefish, the 7Plus can also be confidently used on a class #7 rod.
  The 7Plus in Large Arbor design is the right choice for fly rods of class #8 or #9, for example, in pike fishing. It is also well-suited for switch rods of class #5 or #6 and for light two-handed fishing.
• 7Plus Mid Arbor
  The Mid Arbor model of the 7Plus has plenty of space for thick floating lines and a lot of backing. It is our choice for fly rods of class #9 and #10, as well as for light two-handed fishing starting from class #6.
  
  
• 9Plus Large Arbor
  Now it's time for the real deal! The runs of Giant Trevally, Tarpon, and others are stopped by the 9Plus. Its main use is in heavy single-hand tropical fishing or for catfish, large pike, and huchen. We use the size from rod class #9, but prefer higher, up to rod class #11. In two-handed fishing, the 9Plus is used for rods of class #7, #8, and, depending on rod length, even #9.
• 9Plus Mid Arbor
  Heavy gear for big fish and long runs. The Mid Arbor model feels right at home on single-hand rods of class #10 or larger. Additionally, the higher line capacity makes it a very good choice for two-handed rods of class #7, #8, and #9.
  
  
• 11Plus Large Arbor
  Let the BIG GAME begin! When fishing in the tropics, you need to rely on your gear 100%. The raw power of the fish, the high salt content, and the lack of replacement options lead you to this reel. We use the 11Plus Iconic from fly rods of class #11 or #12 in single-hand fishing and from class #9 in two-handed fishing.
• 11Plus Mid Arbor Arbor
  The 11 Plus as Mid Arbor is the largest reel from Hatch and a true monster! The right reel for offshore hunting for smaller tunas and the like. You can also use the 11Plus as a Mid Arbor fly reel for the very large and heavy two-handed rods of class #9, #10, and higher.
  

 

10 different models, something for everyone!

 

Technical details of the latest generation of Hatch fly reels:

The new models of Hatch fly reels, the ICONIC, draw on the almost "iconic" design of the first Finatic generation. The 9 spokes of the reel cage are reduced to 6, which not only saves weight but also recalls the iconic Finatic times. But that's by no means all when we take a closer look at the new design. The drag knob and spool nut also feature updates. Both components have become slightly larger, gaining more grip, and have lost depth, appearing in a new, high-quality look. This is also ensured by the new painting of the inscriptions, which are much brighter and also appear more high-quality. The prominent HATCH lettering on the reels has moved from the top of the cage to the side, which we personally like very much. The already elaborate reel foot also has a new, modern design. It is machined from a single piece in the Hatch fly reels. Although this is a very expensive process, it minimizes corrosion between the cage and reel foot and is more stable than a screwed variant. The surface of the fly reels is finely bead-blasted, and then the Iconic reels receive a new, bright dip coating that highlights the shine of the machined parts while retaining the strong color of the matte anodization.

But not only visually, there are some upgrades to the Iconic reels, but also technically. The counterweight and reel handle are now also bead-blasted and receive the finish in a dip bath. This makes them grippier than before and they also match the overall picture better. The drag system of the Iconic is not housed in a cassette as in previous models but is now integrated into the housing. This reduces axial play, leading to a more stable and solid construction. Inside the system, there is a new carbon-filled drag material, which dissipates the generated heat faster and ensures smooth operation. The new drag system of the Iconic is definitely the smoothest system Hatch has ever used. Another technical change that also counts as a visual change to the reels is the new cutouts in the spool, which provide better ventilation. This allows the backing and fly line to dry faster after use, and incidentally, this is also a weight saving. Finally, the entire rotation of the reels has been optimized so that the seals used can achieve higher performance and eliminate water entry points.

 

Limited colors from Hatch Outdoors!