Sage Spey II Fly Reel
Sage SPEY II is a family of reels developed for two-handed Spey fishing, with particular attention to anglers pursuing migratory salmonids. Its design combines a modern disc drag with a restrained, traditionally styled frame and minimal porting. The distribution of material and off-axis reel foot are intended to place the reel’s centre of mass more appropriately beneath a longer rod, a useful consideration during extended casting and fishing sessions.
The frame and spool are machined from aluminium, with a full-frame construction suited to the thin shooting lines used in Spey systems. Radiused edges around the reel foot provide a suitable place to wrap a leader, tip or tippet while reducing the risk of kinks and persistent memory. Minimal porting and laser engraving give the series an understated, classically influenced appearance.
Construction and series character
The large-arbor spool has a broad core for faster line retrieval. Its concave, ported arbor is designed to combine strength with the capacity required by Spey line systems. Full-frame line guards prevent shooting line from migrating into the gap between the spool and frame during dynamic casting movements. A wide palming rim provides another way to control spool rotation when playing a fish. The spool is secured by a screw-tight lock with a knurled nut that offers a positive grip for removal and refitting.
The sealed SCS disc drag uses carbon-fibre discs and compression-resistant O-ring seals designed to resist wear and fatigue. A custom dual-clicker increases audible feedback and limits unintended free-spool rotation, helping to prevent line loss during the cast. The drag knob covers its adjustment range in one revolution, with 20 numbered positions and intermediate half-step detents. This makes a preferred setting straightforward to record and reproduce. Retrieve direction can be converted by reversing the clutch bearing.
- Application: Spey fishing and line systems used with two-handed rods.
- Construction: machined aluminium, a full frame and an off-axis reel foot.
- Spool: a large, concave and ported arbor with a wide palming rim.
- Drag: sealed SCS carbon-fibre disc system with a custom dual-clicker.
- Operation: one-revolution numbered adjustment and convertible retrieve direction.