Chris Lythe The Roach 4″ x 7/8″ centrepin reel.

Another Chris Lythe Roach reel, this one c2017 with faux horn handles. Otherwise as the 2021 example listed.

Chris Lythe has designed and makes ten different models of reel and ALL of them are fantastic. How does he do this? I don’t know, but it’s extremely clever and if you asked me which one you should have, I’d have to say, perhaps rather unhelpfully, that one of each would, or any of them. They’re all so good.

Here’s the Roach model. It’s a delectably light, a variant of the Scotton Long Trotter, with lovely faux bone tapered handles that stray line will slip off and your fingers will find comfy. Ten ventilation holes front and rear, satin black anodising to set off the contrasting colours of bone, phosphor bronze, nickel sliver and brass. God, this reel is as sweet as a nut. It surely will manage your roach fishing  tackle with Swiss precision, but it’s so well made that you could use it for just about anything that a centrepin is fit for, except the really hefty stuff.

What I’m saying is that if you lose your nerve and don’t insist on owning the entire range of Chris Lythe reels, this one would be fine. For starters.

These are the best Aerial-type centrepins ever made. Considering the time that goes into their design and construction, the quality of materials used, they’re a bargain.

Specification.

4″ diameter, ⅞” wide, satin black anodised spool and back. Ten ventilation holes to both spool flanges. Nickel silver spokes, line pins & handle axles. Brass check button and fixings, brass foot, phosphor bronze spool hub. Tool steel spindle, blued steel check wheel and pawl. The check is set up for LHW.