ICAST 2015 Coverage - Blue Marlin Spinning Reels

ICAST 2015 Coverage

Ardent Introduces Blue Marlin Saltwater Spinning Reels to the Americas

Date:	8/20/15
Location:	Orlando, FL
Admission:	Buyers & Press Only
Manufacturer:	Ardent/Blue Marlin
Reviewer:	Zander

Introduction: Unless you are a die hard saltwater angler chances are that you haven't heard of Blue Marlin, but now Ardent is helping change that. The brand has roots going all the way back to 1955 but now the brand is looking to enter the global stage with a new flagship spinning reel and support from Ardent, who will be the exclusive distributor for Blue Marlin throughout North, Central and South America.

The Blue Marlin Spinning Reels are a creation of legendary saltwater spinning reel designer Robert Koelewyn of Van Staal and ZeeBaaS fame

To create the new Blue Marlin BMC/BMJ spinning reels the company turned to legendary spinning reel designer Robert Koelewyn of Van Staal, and ZeeBaaS fame. The mission was to create a premium spinning reel out of solid tempered 6061-T6 aircraft grade aluminum. Those familiar with Robert's work know that his reels are basically functional works of art, but make no mistake they are designed to handle big fish and some of the toughest saltwater conditions, including surf fishing.

These reels are made of solid tempered 6061-T6 aircraft grade aluminum

The new BM spinning reels all feature precision machined CNC bronze alloy drive gears and stainless alloy pinion gears as well as heavy duty rotor clutches, and 14 high grade stainless steel bearings. When a fish is on the line a waterproof drag system consisting on 8 carbon fiber and stainless steel washers kicks in. This drag system doles out serious pressure, and the smallest 60 size reels have a max drag rating of 57lbs., while the largest 80 sized reels are rated to a whopping 70lbs. of pressure!

The fully machined reels are ported for lighter weight but are still fully sealed

A floating spool shaft supported by multiple bearings provides low friction rotor rotation and what the company calls their "V" rail technology slider system is designed to provide full cranking power at any position of the rotor.

Gil Perez of Ardent shows us the robust Blue Marlin spinning reels

The entire reel is protected by a water resistant body with seals and o-rings at all possible water entry points to ensure that the BM reels will remain in excellent condition season after season. The BMJ reels feature 4.7 gear ratios, while the BMC reels come with a faster 5.8 gear ratio. The reels will be available soon and retail from $749.99 to $899.99 depending on size, and while this may seem like a lot of money it is actually on the more "affordable" side when compared to other ultra-premium saltwater spinning reels. With Ardent's help Blue Marlin should soon be a much more well known brand here stateside.