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Peerless Fly Reels were manufactured and sold world-wide from 1990 to roughly 2015. Offered in both trout and salmon models, the traditionally styled and handcrafted fly fishing reels were build in the style of the classics, using the best of modern materials and technology. All parts were machined to close tolerances to provide our customers with reels that were built to last a lifetime and smooth enough to fish the lightest of tippets.

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The prototypes of our first reels (the Model 1,2 and 3) were made in 1990, the first production of reels for sale was in 1991. My father, Lawrence “Larry” Knowles, was the inventor of our unique pawl system, he also did all the machining of parts. The polishing and assembly work was done by myself, my grandfather and some other part time helpers, including my brother Matthew and cousin Alex. The very first reel order was to Hunter's Angling supplies in New Boston, NH. The "A" series, which was an adjustable drag addition to our unique pawl system was an idea of one of our part time workers with the final design and assembly of ideas being finalized by Larry.

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The reels were sold worldwide and initially, the two major markets were the US and Japan. In the 24 years of business, just over 5500 of all Peerless model reels were sold. It is very gratifying to our family that they are still well thought of. While many people tend to have questions about the company, I hate to say that a lot of the history has passed on with both by Grandfather Bob and my Father Larry. That said, I have been trying to collect as much information as I can to provide to the internet to help folks like yourselves in these forums learn more about Peerless.

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On Trout Reels: #1, #1A, #1.5, #2, #2A, #3, #3A, 4A (Spey)

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Bearings: The bearings are oil impregnated bronze, which hold lubricant long after other materials have “run dry” and are hard enough to provide a lifetime of wear and remain true and smooth. We chose this expensive type of bearing over roller or ball bearings because they are best suited for the real world conditions of sand, dirt, etc.

Bearing Shaft: The stainles steel shaft is centerless ground to exacting tolerances to provide a smoothness that is expected of a quality reel. Centerless ground means simply, that the shaft is machined to eliminate the slightest bend or set and is absolutely straight.

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Pawl System: Our pawl system is our own “in house” design. With our system, you may adjust the drag and also have right hand - left hand reversibility. The adjustable drag models are the ones labeled with “A” or the 1.5’s are adjustable, while the non-A labeled models are non-adjustable, but still reversible. The adjustment of drag is done by a simple turning of a knob for those who require frequent drag adjustments (Pat. Pending). We went to the triangular shaped adjustment knob after the first year of production of the A series of trout reels. Our pawl system has been designed to provide a very smooth click, in and out. The stainless steel pawl and gear have been carefully matched for material compliance and for close tolerances. We felt, at the time of their manufacturing, and with thousands of dollars in non-peerless fly reels within the family for testing, that our reels were the smoothest available on the market.

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No Glare Finish: We designed these reels to be fished and fished hard! Since our reels are handmade, we wanted to preserve that look and felt that a shiny finish would be detrimental for fishing to “spooky” fish. So we developed an attractive, but subtle anodized finish to prevent corrosion and provide resistance to scratches, etc. 

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Screws: All of our screws were machined by an outside specialty vendor to our specs. They are, for the most part, still available from us, however it is highly unlikely you will be able to match these screws anywhere else in the world, without having them be redesigned by a machinist.

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Reel Integrity: To maintain smoothness, strength and close tolerances for years of use, we had to forgo quick spool capability and ensured that all parts were machined without using stampings or castings.​

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On Raised Pillar Reels: #7, #7M, #77

All of these special, classically styled, raised pillar trout reels, were set up with a non-manual adjustable drag system. They can however be switched from left or right hand wind and if done carefully, can be opened up to have the drag adjusted. They were built for the classic bamboo rod market to provide fishermen with a classic style for a classic rod.

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#7 Raised Pillar Trout Reel:
They were designed for a 5/6 wt line, weighing roughly 5.5 oz. The spool width is approximately 0.7” with a line capacity of DT5+60 yards of backing. Only 150 of these reels were ever made.

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#7M Raised Pillar Trout Reel:

The 7M was a special short run to commemorate Bob Corsetti’s favorite dog. These, unlike the #7 were designed for a 4/5 wt line and meant to hold DT4+80 yards of backing. The 7M was 2/34 diameter (without the pillars) and weighing in at 4.7oz. They were also done in a limited run of laser engraved (# 1-100), gold anodized set for the japanese market.

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#77 Raised Pillar Trout Reel:

These reels were much smaller coming in at 2.5” diameter (without the pillars) and 4.2oz. They were designed for DT3+20 yds line

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On Gold-Plated Reels, as we get questioned about these a lot:

The gold plated reel was special run of reels for a rather large Japanese Dealer at that time. 100 reels were made for them. Serial # 1-100. Bob also made up two reels of the same parts, #101 and 102 which ended up elsewhere. These reels were gold anodized aluminum and gold plated for steel parts.

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On Salmon Reels: No 5. And No 6

The demands on a reel for salmon fishing are quite different than for large trout. The first is line capacity, the second is the need for a positive drag system. After spending many months testing and experimenting, we decided the best drag system for salmon and steelhead was invented over 140 years ago by Edward Vom Hofe.

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This unique system not only has a non-fade, non-sticking drag, it also is the only self cleaning system. The problem in manufacturing the system today is that the original had a tremendous amount of hand made and fitted parts for each and every reel. They also had limitations due to the materials available at the time.

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We have modified, and we feel, improved the design with modern materials so it is more easily manufactured and will give better service that the original Vom Hofe. To keep into perspective, many of these 140 year old reels by Hofe are being used today on salmon rivers throughout the world, speaking to the amazing design. We fully expect that our modifications will stand the same test of time.

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In addition to the primary Hofe drag system, we added our adjustable pawl drag system to prevent the possibility of “free-spooling”. Unlike our Trout models, these reels were not reversible, except at the shop and had to be ordered right or left hand wind. Using the latest technology and simple hard work, we came up with the Peerless No. 5 & 6. These reels have all the virtues of the original Vom Hofe reels ie. positive, non-fading, non sticking and self wiping, but with our version, are far smoother than the original design.

We believe that these reels will perform and meet the expectations of the most critical salmon and steelhead fisherman. The styling is similar to our other models, with the serpentine handle, one piece cage, spool, etc. The same care we gave our trout reels is evident. Out of all our reels, these were produced in the smallest numbers due to the amount of handwork involved.

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While Peerless Reel Company is no longer manufacturing new reels, we are keenly aware of the busy online market for our used reels, especially on Ebay. To help those who are interested in purchasing a used Peerless Reel, but worry about the ability to ensure its quality, we have put together a new webstore to provide our valued customers with the opportunity to purchase repair kits and spare parts while supplies last. We have very limited numbers and as much as it pains me to say it, once they are gone, they are gone for good.

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