Abel Reel Benefits California Trout

June 9, 2008 By: Marshall Cutchin

Abel’s making a tradition of manufacturing limited edition reels which help raise money for conservation causes. The latest example is a “Golden Trout” large arbor reel with interchangeable spool designed by artist James Prosek. “‘The funds from the reel will go toward supporting summer volunteer opportunities in the Golden Trout Wilderness that aim to help protect habitat and in so doing, help conserve Golden Trout,’ said Cal Trout CEO Brian Stranko.”
By the way, be sure to check out Abel’s sharp-looking new Web site.
Read the extended entry for the full press release.


ABEL/PROSEK GOLDEN REEL WILL BENEFIT CAL TROUT
CAMARILLO, Calif. – A limited edition Abel Creek model #1 large arbor fly reel – including an interchangeable standard arbor spare spool – in a golden trout design inspired by artist and conservationist James Prosek, will benefit the conservation organization California Trout, announced Don R. Swanson, president of the tackle manufacturer.
Only 100 of the individually colored and anodized reels and extra spools will be produced. Reels will be accompanied by a signed and numbered 11×14-inch gicleè print of a golden trout by Prosek. The print number will correspond to the reel number.
Reel number one and gicleè print number one were donated to CalTrout by Abel. The reel and print were sold at an auction with all proceeds to the conservation organization according to Swanson.
The Abel Creek model #1 reel – precision machined for 2- and 3-weight fly lines – is one in a series of Prosek-inspired works produced to benefit conservation causes by Abel. The interchangeable standard arbor spare spool is designed for 4-, 5- and 6-weight lines. “This series of Abel/Prosek reels has become the most collectable fishing tackle in recent memory,” said Swanson.
Golden trout are one of the most environmentally threatened species. Once called the Volcano Creek Golden Trout, it was designated as the State Fish by the California Legislature in 1947. Their range encompasses approximately 120 miles of stream habitat found mostly within the Golden Trout Wilderness in the Sierra range.
The golden is listed as a “species of concern” on the endangered species list due to habitat degradation, primarily by livestock and planting of non-native trout species, according to CalTrout.
California Trout was formed during Christmas week of 1970 and filed papers of incorporation the following January.
“Improving fishing opportunities was and remains important, but it was a secondary goal. CalTrout was the nation’s first statewide conservation group supported by trout fishermen with an altruistic goal: to protect and restore trout and the beautiful places where they live. In this way, CalTrout was revolutionary and unique,” said Brian Stranko, chief executive officer.
The organization has been instrumental in working on behalf of the golden trout to ensure its survival as a species.
“The funds from the reel will go toward supporting summer volunteer opportunities in the Golden Trout Wilderness that aim to help protect habitat and in so doing, help conserve Golden Trout,” said Stranko.
The American-made Abel Creek is machined from cold finished 6061-T aircraft quality aluminum. Reels are then precision machined (not die cast) on C.N.C. lathes and mills.
Prosek, who has authored and/or illustrated Trout an Illustrated History, Trout of the World, Joe and Me, Fly-Fishing the 41st Parallel, Early Love and Brook Trout and a children’s book, A Good Day’s Fishing, has been called the James Audubon of fish.
His golden trout gicleè print is an individually produced high resolution reproduction.
The collectors’ edition golden trout Abel Creek reel with spare large arbor spool is priced at $895.
For information or sales, phone 866 511 744, e-mail [email protected] or visit www.abelreels.com.
Contact:
Jeff Patterson
Abel Reels
165 Aviador Street
Camarillo, CA 93010
[email protected]
www.abelreels.com
(866) 511 7444
Brian Stranko, Chief Executive Officer
California Trout
870 Market Street – Suite 528
San Francisco, CA 94102

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