John Bauer's MXP1

The Bauer MXP1 fly reel is a finely milled fishing machine. Yeah, the aesthetic, dimensions, and quality of manufacturing are very impressive, indeed. Bauer Fly Reels were a pioneer with large arbor designs, and this is my favorite model from the John Bauer era.

Since taking the below photos, I have loaded this MXP1 reel (and extra spool) with fly lines specifically for my Winston WT 2wt and 3wt fly rods. The reel is a dedicated pairing with my WT rods because they are period correct and look like a natural fit with each other. It works for me, and is one of my favorite kits to take to the stream!

The cork drag design and low moment of inertia are flawless, and they always impress me when I have a trout on a tight line. That's when you notice right away how smooth the reel operates. The MXP1 was made for 1-3 line weight fly rods and is 3 1/4 inches in diameter. That was cutting edge dimensions when this reel was on the market in the early 2000s.