Dr. Paul Hermann’s deep love of salmon fishing and his abiding respect for the reel smiths of yesterday were root causes of his self-taught machining skills and his penchant for desiring to build the "perfect" salmon reel. Couple a lot of determination with inherent talent; add a pinch of improvement of previous work, and voila, you have the makings of a formula for success!

That Dr. Hermann has achieved his goal is borne out every season on Atlantic Salmon rivers all over the world! On the famed rivers of the U.S., Canada, Iceland, Norway, Russia, there are barely more than 100 absolutely happy and delighted salmon chasers who, each year, use these unfailing reels to help refresh their souls and minds, not just by catching, but merely by being in the same proximity as these noble fish. This enlightened group of fishermen, through word of mouth alone, has advised one another of the virtues of using a Salmon reel constructed by Paul Hermann. As the word continues to spread the demand for these largely hand-crafted reels grows.

We are honored that Dr. Hermann has asked us to function as his sole agent for these magnificent reels. We trust you will understand and appreciate the fair manner in which these reels are sold. Put simply, you cannot order a reel. Paul builds a very small number of reels each year as time permits. When reel(s) are available for immediate delivery they are advertised on our website giving the pertinent details and the price. They are sold on a first come basis. This avoids the unconscionably long waits generally associated with most high quality fishing tackle and assures delivery without compromise.

The P. Hermann Reel details out this way: It is constructed of bar stock aluminum machined to tolerances of 0.0001 (one tenth). The design of the reel harkens back to the reels of vom Hofe, Zwarg and Walker employing precision fitting end plates set into perfectly formed end rings and held together by cross pillars and screws made completely in-house. The handle is the classic S-style with black knob and is counter-balanced. The handle-plate end ring protrudes slightly over the ends of the handle to prevent your line from wrapping underneath it. The externally adjustable drag is a version of the totally infallible drum and shoe design. The gears are all of bronze for self-lubrication and smooth performance. All the screws and the handle parts are hand-cut for precise, non-galling fit and a perfect look. The drag adjustment knob turns in the forward direction regardless of the directionality of the reel. In other words it is fumble-free no matter which hand you reel with. The reel retrieval ratio is close to 2 to 1 for immediate line retrieval on hot running fish. The reel has a diameter of 3-3/16" and a spool width of 1-1/4". It is large enough to hold a #8 line and 200 yards, or a #9 and 175 yards or a #10 and 150 yards. (More if you use Spectra). It is about the size of a 1/0 Salmon reel and at about 10 ounces is a perfect fit with virtually any modern graphite salmon rod or vintage bamboo fly rod. It is finished out in either highly polished, natural aluminum (with looks resembling the Walker reels). This spectacular finish is restorable if badly scratched or compromised. The other version is done in hard coat Silver anodizing like a Bogdan, (not as jewel-like, but harder to scratch and not restorable). Each reel is dedicated to either right or left hand wind and cannot be reversed without internal parts. The reel comes provided in a soft cushion draw-string bag of green felt-like material. Every reel is individually serial numbered. Current Price: $2150, orders for future delivery are taken and sold as "price at time of delivery".

Please check on the (reel inventory) page to see what may be immediately available for purchase.