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If you spend a lot of time with a two-hander in your hands, we don't have to ask what you think of these bad boys.  The Saracione Mark IV Salmon reels are undeniably cool.  We like to think of them as having the look and feel of a traditional reel but without the problematic drag, rivets, and other problems associated with some old reels.  In fact, the Saracione Mark IV reels have a very high-end drag system featuring a multi-disk drag unit plus a gear and pawl drag system.  The multi-disk drag means you have a smooth drag that you can get some serious drag pressure from if you want to.  The gear and pawl portion of the drag controls the spool from overrunning when the drag is set low... a common problem encountered steelhead and salmon fly fishing.   The gear and pawl portion of the drag also gives the Mark IV Salmon reels their loud, screaming sound all steelhead anglers crave as your fish rockets down river. 

The Saracione Mark IV Salmon reels were made specifically for two-handed rods and freshwater applications like salmon and steelhead fishing.  They are not recommended for saltwater use. 

The Mark IV Salmon reels are convertible from left to right hand retrieve and changing spools with these reels is very quick and easy.

See below for lots of information on the Mark IV Salmon Reels from Saracione.

• 3 1/2

  Spool Width

  1 5/32"

  Diameter

  3 1/2"

  Weight

  12.5 oz.

  Line Size

  7/8/9wt

  Capacity (yds, 30 lb.)

  WF8+150

• 3 3/4

  Spool Width

  1 5/32"

  Diameter

  3 3/4"

  Weight

  14.4 oz.

  Line Size

  6/7/8wt

  Capacity (yds, 30 lb.)

  7-8wt Spey 150 yds

• 4

  Spool Width

  1 5/32"

  Diameter

  4"

  Weight

  15 oz.

  Line Size

  8/9/10wt

  Capacity (yds, 30 lb.)

  8-10wt Spey 150 yds

• 4 1/4

  Spool Width

  1 5/32"

  Diameter

  4 1/4"

  Weight

  16.6 oz.

  Line Size

  9/10/11wt

  Capacity (yds, 30 lb.)

  8-10wt Spey 250 yds

• 4 3/4 ALTA

  Spool Width

  1 5/32"

  Diameter

  4 3/4"

  Weight

  18 oz.

  Line Size

  10/11/12wt

  Capacity (yds, 30 lb.)

  8-10wt Spey 300+ yds

Saracione Mark IV Salmon and Steelhead Reels.

Our salmon and steelhead models feature a multi-disc drag system with a 10 position drag knob located on the back side plate of the reel. Additionally, each Disc Drag reel model features a preset Gear & Pawl drag system also; designed to control spool overrun when lighter disc drag settings are made. This is not just a “clicker” it is a spool controlling drag system. All salmon and steelhead disc drag models can be easily converted for LHW or RHW reeling. Spare spools are available and can be quickly changed. All Mark IV reels are designed for freshwater use only. They are very “Sport specific in design” and are designed specifically for salmon and steelhead fly fishing with long two handed rods.

MODEL SPECIFICATIONS:  Model size is listed by the outside diameter of the reel. Spool width describes the inside width of the spool. Reel weight is given in ounces without line installed.

Model 3 ½”:  Spool Width: 1‐5/32.” Weight: 12.5 ounces Fly Line: 7,8,9 single hand rods, 4,5,6 two handed rods and switch rods. Capacity: 150yds 20# micron 450gr Skagit Head +100ft/.035 shooting line Application: Our smallest disc drag model designed for single hand salmon and steelhead rods in the 7,8 and 9 weight class. Also a perfect choice for lighter two handed rods in 5, 6 & 7 weights, and of course switch rods. It is our “Crossover reel”.

Model 3 ¾”:  Spool Width: 1‐5/32.” Weight: 14.4 ounces. Fly line: 6,7,8 Capacity: 125+yds  Application: The 3 ¾” Mark IV disc drag is our most popular salmon and steelhead reel period! Anglers from all over the world have shown us that this is their reel of choice. We have trouble keeping this reel model in stock.  The spool capacity accommodates some of the most popular line weights, and the reel balances well on the latest 12ft ‐13 1/2ft rods.

Model 4”:  Spool Width: 1‐5/32.” Weight: 15.0 ounces Fly line: 8,9,10 Capacity: 150+yards. Application: If you are going to own just one reel for all of your two handed rod fishing this is the reel. It comfortably balances most rods 13 ½ ft to 14 ½ ft long, that cast 7, 8, 9 & 10wt lines. All of the Mark IV disc drag models feature interchangeable spools. But since most anglers are simply changing modern fly line heads‐ spare spools are no longer necessary.  But with this reel fitting such a wide assortment of rods, this is the reel to have that spare spool to help cover a wide range of line weights and line types.  Basically setting up different backing capacities on each spool allows almost unlimited line selection. When we determine rod and reel balance; we like the rod to balance in your upper casting hand, in the casting position on the grip; with a fully loaded reel and shooting line extended through the rod guides. This will vary of course with different rod manufacturers, line weights and rod lengths but that is our target within reason.

Model 4 ¼”:  Spool Width: 1‐5/32.” Weight: 16.6 ounces. Fly Line: 9,10,11. Capacity: 225+ yards.  Application: The 4 ¼” is designed specifically to balance two‐handed rods 14ft‐16ft in length, for 8/9/10 weight lines; at 16.6 ounces it does the job perfectly. This is the first model Mark IV reel Joe Saracione designed and built when he created the Mark IV series in 2007. Joe enjoys fishing 14 1/2ft to 16 ft rods for winter steelhead and this reel he designed specifically for that purpose. The spool capacity accommodates 225+yards of 30lb backing with the above specified lines. The drag system is designed for long rod salmon and steelhead fly fishing‐ not Tarpon fishing or any other sport.  Rod length creates line drag as the rod bends to a fish; the longer the rod the more drag is naturally created. The addition of a gear & pawl overrunning check along with the disc drag allows the Mark IV reels to be fished with very light drag settings to compliment their matching long rods (off the disc) and still control the spool RPM. The “Clicker” in the Mark IV is a drag system in itself not just an audible click as on all other disc drag reels, it is a “Gear & Pawl Drag”. This is a big rod, big line, big fish reel, designed for 2‐handed rods.

Model 4 ¾”ALTA:  Spool Width: 1‐5/32.” Weight: 18.0 ounces. Fly Line: 10,11,12. Capacity: 300+ yards.  Depending on the type of line used, backing capacity can be well over 300 yards. This reel will balance spey rods in the 15’‐18’ range. Note: This model is being produced specifically because of repeated requests from Norwegian fly fishers, and international anglers bound for Norway, for an extra‐large fly reel for their trophy Atlantic salmon waters.