Abel fishing reels, are made completely in Camarillo, California, USA.
Abel reels have a good base of loyal followers and the products are known for their finish and options.
The company also produces fishing rods and fishing acessories (pliers, knives, luggage, vises, money clip holders, and the.. Abel Perfect Tool.)
The company making Abel fishing reels founded by Steve Abel in 1988 (the official start date) but he was making custom reels for friends and relatives previously, too.
On November 15, 2007, this press release was made:
A small group of private investors has acquired Abel
Automatics, Inc. manufacturers of precision machined fly-fishing reels and fishing
accessories, announced Don R. Swanson, president and chief operating officer. New
York-based Abel Holdings LLC assumed control of the company Nov. 9.
Financial terms of the private acquisition were not announced.
Andrew Madoff, Abel Holdings LLC lead investor, said, “Abel’s 20-year legacy
of unparalleled quality and performance makes it an attractive investment. As I’ve gotten
to know the company through this process it has become clear that its most important
assets are the people that create these excellent products. We’re thrilled to lend our
expertise and join them in building this business and the Abel brand.
“We will work with existing management to help refine all operations of the
business, reposition it for growth, and maintain the manufacturing processes that allows
Abel to produce the finest fly reels in the world.”
Swanson, with Abel in various capacities since 1994, will continue to run the
company day-to-day and assumes the title of president and chief operating officer.
Representing Abel Holdings LLC, Madoff will be the CEO. Glen Krapff, chief designer,
was named vice president; with Jeff Patterson director of sales. As a part of the
transaction, both Swanson and Krapff became shareholders. Founded by Steve Abel as an independent machine job shop, the firm initially
made precision screws, aerospace, computer and medical parts. A lifelong fisherman,
Abel machined reels for family and friends and in 1988 produced their first fly reel for
the growing sport fishing market.
Today, Abel makes 37 sizes of fly reels in four models plus knives, pliers and
other fly-fishing accessories.
