Old Mariner Inshore Fly Reel Review
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Old Mariner might be a new name in the fly reel world, but it comes with serious pedigree. Founded by Paul Conover, the original mind behind Old Florida Fly Reels (now known as Nautilus), the brand brings that same commitment to quality, simplicity, and durability into a fresh new package. The Inshore series is Old Mariner’s flagship saltwater reel, and it’s already turning heads with its vintage-inspired design, rock-solid construction, and ultra-smooth drag. In this review, we break down what makes the Old Mariner Inshore stand out and whether it deserves a spot on your saltwater setup.
Pros & Cons
Pros
- Extremely smooth, sealed drag
- Rock-solid, well-balanced frame
- Made in the USA
Cons
- Heavier than most modern saltwater reels
- Non-removable spool
- Mid-range retrieval rate
Who It’s For
The Old Mariner Inshore is built for saltwater anglers who care more about smooth drag performance, durability, and design character than top-end drag strength or blistering retrieval rates. It’s a great match for anyone targeting mid-sized species like Bonefish, Snook, or Striped Bass, especially in the 610 size. If you want a saltwater-ready reel that stands out in both looks and feel, the Old Mariner checks a lot of boxes.
Weight
At about 9.75 ounces in the 610 size, the Old Mariner Inshore is a fairly heavy reel by today’s standards. It’s clearly built with strength and durability in mind rather than cutting weight. While the added heft may surprise anglers used to more minimalist reels, it can help balance longer or heavier rods and gives the reel a solid, confidence-inspiring feel.
Drag
The drag on the Old Mariner Inshore is seriously smooth and ranks among the best we’ve felt in this price range. It gives you about 1.3 full turns of adjustment from zero to max pressure, making it easy to dial in just the right amount of resistance. The system is fully sealed and built for saltwater, so it performs consistently whether you’re fishing flats, mangroves, or rock-lined shorelines.
Smooth drag matters, especially when you’re fishing light tippet for spooky fish. Picture a cruising Bonefish on a calm flat, where any hiccup in pressure could blow the shot. The Old Mariner’s drag engages cleanly and stays consistent throughout the fight. With about 5 to 6 pounds of max drag in the 610 size, it has plenty of strength for most inshore species without going overboard.
Sound
The Old Mariner Inshore is completely silent with no incoming or outgoing drag sound. While we usually like a reel with a bit of click for feedback, the silence here feels intentional. Some anglers will miss the classic purr of a drag, but others will appreciate the stealthy, no-nonsense vibe. If you’re the type who prefers quiet gear and fewer distractions, this reel fits the bill.
Spool & Cage Design
The Old Mariner Inshore sticks with a pretty traditional look when it comes to spool design. With a 3.71-inch diameter, 0.8-inch width, and 2.21-inch arbor, it leans more toward a mid-arbor profile by modern saltwater standards. You get around 9.2 inches of line pickup per turn, which isn’t blazing fast but still gets the job done without feeling sluggish.
One thing that really stands out is the fully caged frame. You can’t remove the spool or change the retrieve direction, which might be a dealbreaker for some anglers. But the tradeoff is a rock-solid, no-wobble design that feels incredibly stable. Everything spins smooth and true, and the tight tolerances give the reel a strong, balanced feel in hand.
Looks & Ergonomics
The Old Mariner Inshore has a distinct, vintage-inspired look that brings to mind classic reels like those from Ari T Hart. It’s got a mechanical, purposeful feel with a touch of old-school elegance that sets it apart from the hyper-modern designs on the market today.
The finish is a polished silver with black frame accents and componentry. It’s only available in this single colorway, but it looks sharp and pairs well with a wide range of rod styles. The frame is machined from fully anodized aluminum, which offers solid corrosion resistance and gives the reel a clean, high-quality feel in hand.
Ergonomics are excellent. The handle is large and easy to grip, and the drag knob is equally generous with deep knurling that makes it easy to adjust on the water, even with wet or cold fingers. Everything about the layout feels deliberate and functional, with a satisfying balance of form and utility.
Warranty
Value
Price: $640.00
At $640, the Old Mariner Inshore lands squarely in the premium saltwater reel category. That puts it in direct competition with some of the biggest names in the game. While it may not offer the fastest line pickup or the most powerful drag system, it delivers where it counts: smooth drag performance, bombproof durability, and a design that feels genuinely unique.
This reel isn’t trying to copy anyone. It has a vintage-meets-modern personality that will really resonate with anglers who want something different from the usual lineup of sleek, futuristic reels. If you’re the kind of angler who values feel, function, and long-term reliability over flash and spec-sheet bragging rights, the Old Mariner Inshore offers strong value in a high-end package.
Conclusion
The Old Mariner Inshore is a distinctive reel that blends vintage style with dependable, saltwater-ready performance. It isn’t trying to be the fastest or the lightest, but it nails the fundamentals with a buttery drag, rock-solid construction, and a fully sealed system that holds up in tough conditions. Add in thoughtful ergonomics and a look that stands out from the crowd, and you’ve got a reel that feels both classic and purpose-built. If you’re in the market for a high-end inshore reel with character and substance, the Old Mariner is well worth a look.
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