A new collaboration between Abel Reels and the onWater app is breathing fresh life into the fly fishing community with the launch of the Blue Line Project TR, a customizable fly reel that allows anglers to laser-engrave topographical maps of their favorite waterways while supporting conservation efforts.
Priced at $695, the Abel Blue Line Project TR represents more than just high-performance fishing equipment—it's a personalized piece of angling art that connects fishermen to their most cherished waters. The reel allows users to customize it by adding the blue line topography of their favorite river system, creating both sentimental value and contributing to conservation initiatives through the onWater app partnership.
The technical specifications of the TR reel demonstrate Abel's commitment to performance-driven design. Weighing just 4.65 ounces with a spool width of 0.775 inches and an arbor diameter of 1.96 inches, the reel is engineered for efficiency on the water. The large arbor design and quick-change spool feature have already garnered appreciation from fishing enthusiasts, though the model currently lacks adjustable drag options and isn't available in larger sizes.
Field testing of the new reel has generated enthusiastic responses from anglers returning to their fly fishing roots. "When the opportunity came to test Abel's new TR fly reel, I jumped at the offer," said one reviewer who had recently shifted focus back to fly fishing from conventional bass boat setups. The experience motivated extended time on various waters, from local lakes targeting bass and panfish to wading the Mississippi River and exploring small streams for trout.
"When the opportunity came to test Abel's new TR fly reel, I jumped at the offer,"
Impact and Legacy
Impact and Legacy
Impact and Legacy
The unboxing experience itself has become part of the product's appeal. "If you use an iPhone, then you know what I mean when I say that unboxing something new can be an experience," shared one tester, describing the excitement of opening the beautifully crafted case that showcased regional symbols. The reel's striking blue line pattern against a black base, complemented by the blue handle and understated Abel branding, creates immediate visual impact.
"If you use an iPhone, then you know what I mean when I say that unboxing something new can be an experience,"
Beyond aesthetics, the reel's acoustic properties contribute significantly to the fishing experience. The click-pawl mechanism produces what one reviewer described as sounding "right, like the sound of a fire crackling as you drift off to sleep, or when you wake up and can hear bacon sizzling in the other room." This attention to the sensory aspects of fly fishing demonstrates Abel's understanding that the sport encompasses more than just catching fish.
The Blue Line Project represents a strategic collaboration that merges traditional craftsmanship with modern digital innovation. Through the partnership with onWater, Abel has created a platform that not only personalizes equipment but actively promotes conservation awareness. Each customized reel contributes to Trout Unlimited's conservation efforts, making every purchase an investment in protecting aquatic ecosystems.
The customization process through onWater has been designed for user-friendly operation. After providing email access, customers navigate to a build page where they select a base color—either black or white—before choosing their preferred river system. The interactive platform allows users to design their reel through drag-and-drop functionality, selecting specific areas of waterways to feature on their equipment.
Race Results
Race Results
Additional customization options include titanium components and line weights from Airflo, with reel weights ranging from ⅔ to ⅚. The complete customization process typically results in delivery within approximately three weeks, allowing customers to receive their personalized equipment in a reasonable timeframe.
The conservation aspect of the Blue Line Project extends beyond simple donations. "Equally as important, the Blue Line initiative encourages exploration of lesser-known 'blue line' waters, helping to relieve pressure on popular fisheries," noted one industry observer. This approach addresses a growing concern in the angling community about overcrowding on well-known fishing destinations while promoting the discovery and appreciation of underutilized waterways.
"Equally as important, the Blue Line initiative encourages exploration of lesser-known 'blue line' waters, helping to relieve pressure on popular fisheries,"
The initiative represents a broader trend in the outdoor recreation industry toward products that combine personal meaning with environmental stewardship. By allowing anglers to immortalize their connection to specific waters while simultaneously supporting conservation efforts, the Blue Line Project creates a tangible link between individual passion and collective responsibility for aquatic resources.
Impact and Legacy
For many fly fishing enthusiasts, the combination of high-quality craftsmanship, personal customization, and conservation impact makes the Blue Line Project TR more than just fishing equipment—it becomes a symbol of their relationship with the waters they love. As the collaboration between Abel Reels and onWater continues to develop, the project may well establish new standards for how outdoor equipment manufacturers can meaningfully engage with both customers and conservation efforts.
The Blue Line Project TR is currently available through the onWater app platform, with customization options that allow anglers to create truly unique pieces that reflect their individual fishing experiences and favorite waters.
