[dropcap]O[/dropcap]ut fishing this past weekend at the MacArthur Beach Sate Park, North Palm Beach, Florida, I bumped into a gal using what appeared to be a contraption that was fitted onto her reel. Curiosity got the best of me. I asked what is that thing fitted onto your reel? She was friendly and forthcoming stating she was an Abel reel fan just for the reason of the fitted arm. She said: “I have a little elbow problem and the Able Arm relieves the strain and I don’t get fatigued.” I said that I started using a switch rod when fishing the surf – pretty much for the reason of my shoulder and hand arthritis. She gave her rod to me to try. It was just as she reported. The center of gravity changed by properly balancing – hanging the reel below and slightly forward of the casting hand. The Abel Arm moves the center of gravity away from the reel seat.
A little background check revealed that it was the brainchild of Steve Abel and Mel Krieger.
It is only compatible with Abel reels so you’re stuck there. But as we all know, finding a reason to buy more fly fishing “stuff” is easy to arrange.
[information]The arm comes in several colors / finishes but that adds significant cost to the standard $80 Abel Arm, which is black.
To visit Abel’s website to examine the Arm click here […]
About 1-1/2-inches long and weighing less than 1/2-ounce, an Abel Arm is an invaluable addition both while casting or cranking.
Abel Arms may be fitted to any model and size Abel Reel.
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