Some reels are meant to disappear into the setup. This isn’t one of them.
The Abel SDS Bonefish edition is the kind of reel that stops people mid-sentence at the fly shop — not because it’s flashy, but because it’s unmistakably special. Featuring a rare hand-painted Bonefish finish layered over Abel’s award-winning saltwater platform, this reel blends elite-level performance with true collectible craftsmanship.
Winner of “Best New Saltwater Reel” at the 2016 ICAST/IFTD Show, the SDS was built to handle the toughest saltwater gamefish on the planet. From nervous schools of tailing bonefish to freight-train tarpon and fast-moving permit, the SDS combines enormous drag power with the smooth startup inertia needed to protect light tippet when everything is on the line.
Its fully sealed carbon fiber and stainless steel multi-disc drag system is designed to stay reliable in brutal saltwater environments while delivering an incredible range of drag adjustment. Precision-machined from 6061-T651 cold-finished aerospace-grade aluminum, the SDS feels impossibly solid in hand without sacrificing refinement.
And then there’s the finish itself.
Each Bonefish reel features over 7 hours of hand-painted finishing work, creating a layered olive, silver, and black pattern that feels inspired by shallow flats water under morning light. Subtle from a distance and jaw-dropping up close, every reel carries slight variations from the painting process, making each one uniquely its own.
This is not a reel built for trends or impulse purchases. It’s built for anglers who have spent enough time on the water to appreciate the difference between expensive gear… and truly exceptional gear.
Features
- Rare hand-painted Bonefish finish
- Over 7 hours of hand-painted detailing per reel
- Winner of Best New Saltwater Reel — 2016 ICAST/IFTD
- Precision-machined from 6061-T651 aerospace-grade aluminum
- Fully sealed carbon fiber and stainless steel multi-disc drag system
- Massive drag range with ultra-smooth startup inertia
- Available in ported or solid frame configurations
- Quick-change spool with threaded spool release cap
- User-convertible retrieve system
- Made in Montrose, Colorado
Specifications
| Size | Arbor Size | Weight | Spool Diameter | Spool Width | Capacity |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 9/10 | Large | 9.77 oz. | 4.210" | 1.165" | WF9 + 240 yd 20# backingWF10 + 250 yd 20# backing |
