Gear Review: Rodless Reel (Survivor Series)

One evening, about a year ago, I was jogging along a local bayou that borders my neighborhood. As I ran along the bank, I noticed someone casting a fishing line into the water. It didn’t appear like he was using a typical fishing rod. Out of curiosity, I stopped to ask him what he was doing. His name was Myles, and after a little small talk, he showed me what he was using to angle with. It was a miniature fishing reel, small enough to fit in the palm of his hand. I asked him for a demonstration, and he happily obliged.

For instructions and videos on how to use the Rodless Reel, go to Rodlessreel.com

In one hand, he held the body of the reel by putting his index finger and middle finger through two holes. Next, he spooled out some line with his free hand and spun it around in the air, like he was about to throw a grappling hook over a castle wall. When he let the line go, the lure sailed through the air and plopped into the water. Myles began bringing the line back in by cranking on the small reel handle. I was impressed. It was a unique and ultralight way of fishing.

The little reel was Myles’ own invention. He designed it and produced the parts using a 3D printer. He called it the Rodless Reel. I immediately began thinking about all the camping trips, hikes, and hunting excursions that I could have brought the reel on. Pretty much any adventure where I needed to keep my pack light, I could have used the Rodless Reel.

At the time, Myles was still tweaking his invention. He showed me multiple design ideas and several versions. It seemed like he was constantly thinking and retooling his invention, always trying to make it better.

Since then, Myles has decided to take his invention to the market. This month, he launched the first generation of his Rodless Reel. It’s called the Survivor Series. Head to his website, Rodlessreel.com, or his Instagram page @rodlessreel.

I couldn’t wait to try this simple reel system for myself. When my order came in the mail, I immediately hiked into a small stream where I had previously seen some fish. The Rodless Reel fit perfectly in my front pocket and weighed almost nothing.

I had never used a hand-line before, so I spent some time practicing my cast and retrieve. Once I got the hang of it, I threw the line into a deep section of the creek. When I started reeling the line back in, I felt something crush the lure and run off. I was so surprised that I had hooked a fish on my first cast, that I panicked and the line began to unspool wildly off the reel. I quickly grabbed the reel handle and began reeling the fish back in. But unfortunately, the line snapped. I was heartbroken, but I didn’t dwell too long on my misfortune. After tying on another swivel and lure, I made another cast. This time, when another fish took the lure, I was ready. After a quick fight, I reeled in a small bass. It was my first fish on the Rodless Reel.

I have used the Rodless Reel Survivor Series on several trips. The simple, compact, and lightweight design is perfect for a quick afternoon fishing excursion. It takes some practice to get the hang of using your thumb as a drag when fighting bigger fish, but the more times you take it out, the more practice you get. I currently have 10-pound braided line on the reel, which is nice for angling small panfish, as well as bass. However, I think if I were going to strictly pursue bigger fish, I’d probably add a beefier line. With that being said, Myles usually puts 10 to 15 pound braided line on his reel, and he has landed some pretty big fish with it. Watch him haul in a 4-pounder on the Rodless Reel in this video (4:15). (If the video below doesn’t play, just click this link and head to Youtube.)

One thing that could use some improvement is the reel handle. Currently, the handle is fixed to the reel and cannot spin freely. This slows down the speed at which you are able to reel in line, because of the friction between your fingers and the handle. I have found that I can temporarily remedied this problem by dipping my hand in the water before reeling. However, I think a free-spinning sleeve over the reel handle would improve the Survivor Series.

Overall, I love this little thing. It's so easy to put in my pocket when I take the dog for a walk, or when I go on a hike in the local national forest. If I see a fishy looking spot, I make a couple of casts, simple as that. The Rodless Reel would be a great addition to any camping or backpacking trip if you plan on hiking along a river or lake. It would also make a great piece of gear for a bug-out-bag or wilderness survival kit.

I am happy that I purchased the Survivor Series, and I’m excited to see what Myles will come up with next for the new generation of Rodless Reels. If you’re interested in ordering one of your own, head to RodlessReel.com.