A couple years ago I had the chance to spend an afternoon learning about reel-making during a visit to Paul Hermann’s workshop in Castine.
Hermann, a doctor by trade and a craftsman by choice, had decided to stop making his top-end fly reels, which are coveted by Atlantic salmon anglers.
At the time, I may have mentioned that the price of a single Hermann reel often topped $2,000 … if you could find a willing seller.
As you might expect, not many sellers are that willing. Therefore, most of us have little chance of ever fishing with a Hermann original.
Unless, that is, we’re lucky.
Gayland Hachey of the Veazie Salmon Club reached out earlier this week with an opportunity that salmon anglers will likely leap at. And if you’re quick, you can get in on the action, too.
In an email Hachey said a reel — serial number 081 — is up for grabs in a raffle that will benefit the Veazie Salmon Club, the Penobscot River Restoration Project, the Downeast Salmon Federation, Museum of Fly Fishing and the Friends of Craig Brook.
Only 400 tickets will be sold, at $10 apiece. The winner will be drawn when all 400 tickets have been sold.
You can receive a ticket by sending a check made out to the Veazie Salmon Club (in U.S. funds) to Gayland Hachey, 1076 Main St., Veazie, 04401. You can also reach Hachey at 945-9648 or by email at GPHachey@aol.com.
When Hachey receives your check, he’ll write your name on a ticket stub, scan the stub and email you a copy of that scan.
Who said you’d never be able to afford a fantastic hand-crafted reel? Of course, if you win, you may end up having to spend a few bucks upgrading your fly rod so the pair make a handsome match.