The Traditional Fisherman's Forum

I have a Shakespeare Beaulite 3 1/2" fly reel which has been unused for many years. I don't like it because it is too heavy.
I was about to list it on ebay but it occurred to me that it could be converted to a centrepin just by adding bars to lay the line on.





The spool is well ventilated and has 8 rows of radial holes on both plates and they are exactly opposite each other. The photo below shows what I mean, see the little red circle.

If I carefully file the green enamel from the inside of each hole and buy some brass or aluminium tubing of the correct diameter, I might be able to convert the reel for margin carp fishing. What do you think ?



I tried this a long time ago on another reel and after much DIY grief it was consigned to the bin.

I don't have a lathe or Dremmel but I do have a lot of time, what would you do ? Sell it or convert it ?

This is a lovely fly reel probably made by J W Young for Shakespeare. (I am prepared to be corrected if necessary!) It looks to be in absolutely superb condition too.

If it were mine and I wanted to be rid of it I would offer it first at a fair price to someone on TFF who wanted to start out in fly fishing. The trouble is finding out what a fair price is as on auction sites they sometimes go for crazy prices. Maybe one of the real reel experts on the forum could give some indication of a fair price for this reel.

This is such a good reel it would be a pity to ruin it with (self-confessed!) poor DIY skills.

If you have the skill then why not or you could ask Watermole+ for advice if anyone knows he's the gentleman to ask.......have you seen his reels

Wandler/Loop,

:-) my DIY skills are not in the same league as Watermole+ who could probably convert it into a work of art.

It is in pristine condition and offering it to TFF members might be a good compromise.

I have changed the title of the post but now its in the wrong place, could a moderator move it please ? :-)

SS - don't convert it, please! The Beaulite was made by Young's, as an upgrade for the Beaudex. Not as well made, but it did have an exposed rim for control. I own one (and two Speedexes) and they're good fly reels.
The main objection to conversion is that the check is permanently 'on' - there's no on/off button. Also, it's not really a heavy reel. For what you sell it for, you could buy a more appropriate reel not needing any work done on it. Perhaps a Strike Right 'Tideflow' or Young's 'Windex' - both have adjustable drags. You can't Wallis-cast with them, though!

Nailbourne,

Rest easy, I won't convert it :-) As you can see from the photo, I moved the two ratchet pawls out of the way so there is no check !

I will put another photo up showing the reel assembled and give it a week on the forum. No reasonable offer refused, first come first served. Anyone can PM with an offer.

I've edited this post to include more photos. If any TFF member wants to make an offer, please PM me before next Monday, then it goes on ebay :-)

How about £10 and £3 p and p :-)