Islander Reels has been manufacturing precision Center Pin, Fly and Mooching reels for over 25 years. Islander is a division of J.S. Foster Corporation in Victoria, British Columbia, Canada. J.S. Foster Corporation is a precision production machine shop, using modern C.N.C. lathes and machining centers and employs over 50 people involved in various capacities of the operation of the company. J.S. Foster was started by Joseph Foster over 45 years ago and continues to be a family owned and operated business.
Reels
IRtop
The IR Series was designed as a small, lightweight series for lines from 2 - 7 weight with a unique click drag system.
The IR Series was designed as a small, lightweight series for lines from 2 - 7 weight. The series has a unique click drag system with five drag settings that are adjustable from the frame-side adjustment knob. This allows for precise drag control when using lightweight tippets. Like other Islander reels, this series has been engineered to last a lifetime.
Crafted with the same precision and attention to detail as other Islanders, the IR series has set the standard for clicker-style reels. The frames, feet, spools and other components are manufactured from 6000 series billet aluminum bar stock, using the latest in computer controlled machines. They are then buffed and carefully hand polished before being anodized. In order to maintain free movement, the spools are fitted with 2 self-lubricating (oilite) bushings. The series’ simple design also makes switching between left and right hand retrieve as easy as a quick flip of the pawls - no tools required. These reels are available in either a gold, green, silver, green, slate grey or black anodized finish, and come furnished with a Cocobolo wood handle. Large Arbor spools are also available for the IR3 and IR4, and a new "COMBO" option is available that includes both the regular and large arbor spools.
IS (Islander Steelheader)top
The IS is certainly designed with elegance and functionality in mind. The spool has a large arbour for quick retrieval and a large, smooth palming rim allowing for everything down to the lightest touch of drag.
The IS (Islander Steelheader) is a purist centerpin reel for the avid steelhead fisherman. It offers a free-running spool which enable long casts and smooth drifts for more hook-ups. It has an engageable two-way clicker which prevents line over run while playing your fish. A large diameter spools enable rapid line retrieval. It has a number of improvements from its popular predecessor, the Pacific Steelheader. These include a redesigned spool with an enhanced palming rim surface, a fully machined reel foot, and through-bolted, serviceable handles (like other Islanders). Mastering a reel like this rewards you with the ultimate experience of playing a fish on a fine centerpin reel.
Like all Islanders, Steelheader reels are built to take abuse. A thick aluminum frame and spool with a large stainless steel spindle give the Steelheader a very solid reputation. While taking on a 35-pound chinook is not its intended use, you can. Also, there is no need to convert from the left-handed to right-handed retrieve because of its ambidextrous design.
LXtop
Every LX fly reel is designed with a large arbor spool to enhance retrieval speed and reduce the need for backing. Options for 6-13 Line weights.
The LX Large Arbor Series are designed and engineered from the frame out, the LX models are a perfect match for high performance rods and lines. Light, simple, and rugged, the LX series brings together all of the benefits of a Large Arbor, combined with the classic Islander look, sound and feel.The level of engineering skill in the design and manufacture of the LX becomes apparent the moment you pick one up. It’s so light! The largest LX tips the scales a shade under 10 ounces.
Next you will notice the aesthetic appeal, both visual and tactile. From the gently contoured palming rim to its highly polished stainless steel drawbar and counterweight. Not only does it do its job exceedingly well; it looks good doing it! The super-smooth “stop-a-truck” drag is provided by Islander’s proven Teflon and graphite-impregnated cork drag disc. By turning the silky smooth frame-side adjustment knob, you can modify the drag to a setting that most suits your style.
Spool and Drag
Every LX fly reel is designed with a large arbor spool to enhance retreval speed and reduce the need for backing. The spool (and frame) are heavily ported to reduce weight without compromising structural integrity. The LX Series also has a large hardcoat anodized aluminum clutch with graphite impregnated cork drag surface for buttery smooth action and enough stopping power to straighten a hook.
MR2top
An evolved version of our original mooching reel, the Islander MR2-LA boasts a large arbor for rapid line pick up, a sculpted drag knob and a free spool lever for jiggers and riggers who like to get their line down quickly.
Free Spool Lever
The Islander MR2-LA’s frame side free spool lever allows you to disengage the drag system to quickly drop your gear to the desired depth without the need to adjust your drag. Anglers who are particular about their drag settings appreciate the simplicity as it lets them set their drag once and forget about it.
Silky Smooth Cork Drag
Over the last couple decades, Islander’s cork drags have probably caught more salmon than any other system off the coast of British Columbia…And for good reason. The properties of our drag ensure that when even the biggest chinook goes for a run, you have enough stopping power to slow it down and enough smoothness to apply consistent fish fighting pressure.
Large Arbor For Quick Retrieve
The MR2LA’s spool features a large arbor which increases your retrieval rate so that when that silver torpedo makes a run at the boat you’ve got the pick up to stay on him. The design also eliminates the need for backing while still providing you with enough capacity for the longest of runs.
Limited Two Year Warranty
Islander offers a limited 2 year warranty against manufacturer defects. For a period of two years after the date of purchase, Islander Reels warrants this reel against any failure due to defects in materials and workmanship. This warranty is valid only if the reel has been cleaned and maintained according to the Maintenance Instructions. This warranty applies to the original purchaser only. This warranty does not cover normal wear, misuse, or loss. Nor does this warranty cover damage due to: improper use or improper assembly, improper/inadequate cleaning or improper/inadequate maintenance.
MR3top
MR3 incorporates a large arbor spool for quicker line pickup. Three large, fully sealed, stainless steel ball bearings. Large 3-inch clutch drag system.
The MR3 incorporates a large arbor spool for quicker line pickup; this also eliminates the need for backing as filler. Inside the reel, the spool runs on three large, fully sealed, stainless steel ball bearings. The drag is supplied by a large 3-inch clutch, which uses a double pawl system for positive clutch lock up. The drag is adjusted from the spool side, hence the nickname "Knuckle-buster"?, which happens if the angler is not quick enough moving their hand when the fish makes a run for freedom.
Large Arbor, Disk Drag
The Islander MR3 is the premier salmon mooching reel. It is the result of years of research and development based upon the input of dealers, guides, and pro-staff. Single action reels have long been the choice of most experienced guides and premier lodges on the west cost of British Columbia. Throughout its history, Islander has gained a reputation for longevity and reliability across the fishing community.
Continuing in the Islander tradition of the single action reel, the MR3 utilizes Islanders impressive silky smooth drag system. The large sculptured drag knob easily controls the drag under all conditions. A wide range of adjustment allows the angler to choose just the right amount of pressure to subdue even the most ambitious finned adversary.
Spool and Drag
The MR3 incorporates a large arbor spool for quicker line pickup; this also eliminates the need for backing as filler. Inside the reel, the spool runs on three large, fully sealed, stainless steel ball bearings. The drag is supplied by a large 3-inch clutch, which uses a double pawl system for positive clutch lock up. The drag is adjusted from the spool side, hence the nickname “Knuckle-buster”?, which happens if the angler is not quick enough moving their hand when the fish makes a run for freedom.
Reel Pouchtop
Need an extra or replacement pouch for your reel? Get a genuine Islander neoprene pouch here.
Made of neoprene with top stitched edging and velcro closure. Silk screened Islander logo on front of pouch.
Sizing:
IR & TS & LS |
LX & LA & ARLA |
FR & AR |
IS & SR |
MR & ARMR |
Classic |
|
Medium | All | 3.2 – 3.8 | 1 – 2 | |||
Large | 4.0 + | 3 – 6 | All | All | 6, 8, 10 |