If you’re a freshwater fishing enthusiast like me, you’ll know that your gear needs to be exceptionally versatile. Coarse fishing tackle, because it must be designed to target many different fish species, must have superior form and function. One reel I find that meets my angling needs quite well is the JW Young John Wilson Heritage centrepin reel.
About the JW Young John Wilson Heritage Centrepin Reel
This excellent reel is based on the Youngs Purist II 2041 center pin. One of the best features of the Heritage is the removable line guard developed by John Wilson. Wilson was a recognized expert in center pin fishing. The Wilson design works to help evenly re-tension the line on the reel, a feature that is important to me, especially when I am fishing in adverse conditions, such as high winds.
John Wilson Heritage Centrepin Reel Features
The Real’s body and spools are machined from durable, corrosion-resistant aluminum bars. The design has double bearings to ensure smooth operation. Handles and line protector are removable. The click on and off drag is operated by a lever mechanism. I appreciate the micro-adjustable drag system on the reel. The Heritage is also quite attractive, with a striking forest green anodized finish and gold lettering on the backplate. Comes in a protective canvas bag. The actual one is 4.5″ in diameter and 3/4″ wide. I would also like to mention that it has a quick release spool and a solid back plate. The Heritage is made in the UK by JW Young & Sons. Each reel bears a unique serial number and is packaged in an eye-catching matte black box.
More about the John Wilson Heritage reel
The Heritage has a switch actuated ratchet and can hold 50 yards of 20 pound test backing and 300 yards of 8 pound test monofilament line. Another quality product from Youngs, this reel is ideal for all types of fat angling. The Heritage weighs 290 grams, has click check, micro-adjustable disc drag and retails for around £275.00. However, look for it especially.
About JW Young and Sons
James Wilson Young was born in the late 19th century in Great Britain. He was the son of a fishing reel manufacturer. A natural innovator, designer and inventor, Young worked at Allcock’s, where he oversaw the actual production. He then set out on his own, aided by his children. Young died in an accident in 1921, but his children carried on the business. The company contributed to Britain’s effort in World War II, making aircraft components. In 1965, Youngs became part of the American company Noris Shakespeare. In 2001 the company was acquired by Masterline International Ltd. All Youngs reel components are manufactured in the UK. To this day, a member of the Young family personally inspects the finished reels before signing a certificate stating that they meet the family’s high standards of quality and performance.
For the best in chunky fishing tackle, I highly recommend the JW Young Heritage center pin reel.