Martin Fly Fishing Multiplier 3:1 Ratio Fly Fishing Reel with Disk-Drag, Black

My name is Vernon Pierce : I was raised on the Pascagoula river near Pascagoula MS. My father ran a fish camp at a place called Cumbest Bluff. We rented boats , sold bait from the 1940's thru 60's and 70.s. I was first introduced to the martin reel in 1955 while cleaning out one of our rent boats. When the guy who rented the boat came back to see if I had found his MARTIN reel. I said yes sir. I found it in the boat you rented. I have been using it fly fishing . I hope that was OK. O-YES said the old man. You really like that reel don't you Vernon. I sure do, that's the first reel like that I have ever seen. The old man said Vernon for being so honest I am going to make you a present of that reel . I kept that old reel for over 40 years. Then someone took it out of my boat. I hope they liked that reel as much as I did. I have had many martin reel since then. For the money it is the best reel I have ever seen. I just bought 3 for my grand kids they all love fly fishing. thank you so much for keeping the price low and quality so high. HARD TO DO these days.Vernon pierce

Appears to be well made but the three-to-one ratio is defeated by the very small spool diameter. I returned it.

The reel is a good 3 to 1 multiplier AND when the leader isn't tangled in the gears, it's a great reel for the price. We've used mg-72 reels for MANY years but they have been discontinued and replaced by this mr-72 model. We use the reels for trolling long lines with leaders over 40 feet in length (land locked salmon and brook trout). the long leader can get tangled in the gearing of both models but more easily in the newer mr-72 model (not sure why). The older mg-72 had a simple clip that allowed easy twist-off removal of the gear-side cover -- in a boat that's bobbin up, down, and side to side this was still a fairly simple operation. The newer mr-72 reel requires the removal of 4 coin slotted screws which do not get lost but require a lot more work to remove the cover and then reassemble the reel. Again, the reel is a good reel except for the coin slotted screws.For the guy who said he was disappointed about the retrieval rate, he should have put some backing on the reel and filled the spool -- I actually love the 3 to 1 retrieval when the reel is set up correctly.

This is the black lab of fly reels. Say fetch, give the handle a spin and in comes the fish. I bought this reel for steelheading in Vermont and Upstate New York. I'm currently using it on a 10' switch rod with a 6-7 weight WF floating Scientific Angler's trout line.I have a 150 yards of 60# gel spun line as backing on this reel with my line. There's still room for for more backing on the reel if needed, though I doubt I'd need more than I have. I think I could put another 150 yards on it with little problem. This braided line is tiny. With the three to one retrieve ratio, it should take care of controlling any fish's runs.Nice fit and finish. The on-off knob for the clicker is a bit small for my tastes. The large knob for the drag is easy to use and find when mounted on a rod.The only downside to the reel is that at almost 15oz it's pretty damned heavy. I think it's actually more than my saltwater reel with the ten weight line. That's because this is nearly all metal construction, something you don't often see anymore. The balance point on the rod with this reel is pretty far back. Because of that, when I get a two handed spey rod, this reel is get transfered to use with that.New Addition: This reel would be great with a short two handled trolling fly rod like the ones LL Bean sells here.

I bought this fly reel to use on the Salmon River in NYS. The 3.1 ratio on retrieve is exactly what is needed when a 20lb King Salmon decides to turn around and you need to get line in to control the fish this reel has a nice handle and brings in line quick...I was also very impressed with the smooth drag system, one click at a time will increase or decrease drag... I put 100 yrds of 20# Courtland backing, and 85ft of #8 Cortland Floating flyline on my 9/10wt Ugly Stik Fly Rod.. that just about filled up the spool. If you are thinking of what kind of fly reel to use on the Salmon River NYS. Look no further,, this Martin is well made, I took it apart and inspected the guts...heavy materials, housing is heavy..nice product.. for a very reasonable price...

As an old time Jay Fair progeny, I use nothing but these reels & being reversible is critical. The MR72 great for salmon & steelhead & a bit heavier in the old days but I won't trade in my MG10's or MM11's for big Eagle Lake trout. These are the only reels that can keep up with the charging trout....& my MG10 is the greatest duck call (drakes) when screaming on the run! Highly recommended. Great drag, fastest retrieve, reversible & built to last.

Used it for one season and it gets the job done. Drag system seems a little cheap, but for the price it's a good product. I plan to buy more

Product arrived promptly and as advertised. Martin makes a great product in a great price range. I believe that the more highly priced product do not necessarily make one a better fisherman. Martin makes a great product at a fair price and I am very pleased with my reel.