I just picked up a Hatch Monsoon 5 plus reel from a pawn shop and can't wait to give it a try. Just cleaning it up and rewinding the line confirmed everything I'd read. The drag is ever so sweet even compared to that of my Abel Super 6N. It came with what appears to be a Skagit line so I might try it on my Spey pole or try some single handed work with my longer 8#.

I am not familiar with that model but I have two Hatch Fanatics and I am very happy with them. Mine are #3 & #4, which are trout size reels.


Congrats on the good find, I am sure it will give good service.

I took it out on the water just to try the rig out. The reel is loaded with airflo nymph line so I threw it on a Sage 99 6#. I didn't spend much time with it but so far I believe this is going to do the work I want it to do. The drag on the reel is smooth and quite compared to my cheaper ratchet style ones.