Alvey Kayak Reel and Rod Combo Review and How to Use

The Alvey kayak combo provides an interesting, indestructible fishing rig once you learn how to operate the Alvey reel drag system and understand Alvey reel casting. In this introductory video, I do an Alvey reel review, discuss Alvey reel casting and gives my initial thoughts on the Alvey kayak special as I learn how to operate the system.
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The Kayak Hacks Fishing channel covers kayak, wading, shoreline, spin and fly fishing. It features gear mods to make kayak fishing more comfortable, efficient and enjoyable. Also, I share many tips, tricks and "how to's" for spin and fly fishing regardless of whether you are fishing from a boat or on your feet. Please subscribe! Thanks!
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In short, you accept all risk of using any ideas presented in this video.
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Nothing in this video creates any expressed or implied warranty or guarantees a result. You are responsible for the safe operation of tools, and any complications or loss that may result from improper use of those tools as well as from the information contained in this video is 100% your responsibility. We shall not be held liable in any way or manner for errors, misleading or incorrect information. If you find an error, please notify us right away using the contact form for the channel.
It goes without saying that fishing requires caution as a result of the fast water, slick rocks and other challenges that occur in random, unexpected places. You need to exercise caution, particularly in the spring when the water is high or during rapid changes in tide before you fish anywhere. You should always wear a life vest when fishing. Also, a wading staff will help you keep your balance as you walk on the shoreline or wade.
The bottom line is that you must make a judgment and not rely on the opinions expressed here. The regulations governing legal access to fishing locations may change at any time, and it is your responsibility to understand the law. Nothing expressed should be construed as encouraging you to trespass on private property or violate a regulation.

[@mikejung3908]

Coming from south Australia, and before I even started the video, I could say yes, I’ve got the 650, what a real, there’s not much that will stop an alvey. Love your videos, so much information, and the way you put it across is great.

[@KayakhacksFishing]

I've got the 650 for the surf - it was inherited. I am still trying to get the hang of it on the large surf rod.

[@razzorbladz]

make sure you put it on a rod with the right eye's if the bottom eye is too low it wont cast well infack on a 12ft rod i think the first eye should be about 5ft from the reel

[@shine9680]

I love my Alvey reels. I fish my Black Fish reel for trout a lot. Bruce Alvey is a really nice guy and he makes a great product and has awesome customer service.

[@oldmatestealthy6605]

Hey mate, I love my timber alveys, I restore and fish with 50s and 60s timber alveys and definitely yes....they will last you a lifetime and are truly an indestructible being. Tight lines for here in Australia 👍😁👌

[@KayakhacksFishing]

Cool, thanks!

[@jimbob1427]

It's great to see Alvey reels being sold in the states. I've been fishing with these all.my life and I think they are the best reels on the market in Australia .

[@KayakhacksFishing]

I really like the fact you can turn off the drag and apply more skill in landing the fish.

[@biggestd69]

Wrong. They are the best reels in the world :)

[@LarryTalbot_1313]

I've been doing this a very, very long time and I thought I seen it all. I've never seen a reel like this. Can't wait to see the follow-up video(s). This looks interesting!

[@KayakhacksFishing]

I'm getting better and more comfortable with it. It's a bit more work to use since you have to guide the line back onto the spool, but that actually adds to the attraction.

[@LarryTalbot_1313]

That's strange because from first sight I thought that would have made it harder to use and more annoying. Even after doing this many, many years, I'm still always learning something!

[@KayakhacksFishing]

Maybe it is because the motion is the same as working my fly rod...

[@Callsign_KillerB]

Good for carp, catfish and flounder too 👍🏻

[@aussieveteransoutdoors]

I have a few alveys and have used them for all types of fishing. Trolling in a boat, reef fishing, flats fishing ect. With enough practice you can use them to retrieve all manner of lures, as well as using live and dead baits. I live in far nirth queensland and usr them in the rainforest and reef. Occasionally i go to a mates place near Mareeba which is in the outback and go fishing up there with my alveys too. They are to only reel that is robust enough to fish anywhere in the world with

[@KayakhacksFishing]

Thanks for that encouragement. I'll try working some crankbaits and other lures that require action as I get better!

[@Northisbest]

Beautiful Alvey reel. I had 2 before... regret sold but now I want buy a red 40GDZ it look beautiful

[@KayakhacksFishing]

I need to get another, but the vendor in the USA does not sell them any longer.

[@jimbob1427]

These reels are an Australian icon in the fishing community. They are fantastic for beach fishing and last forever . I have my grandfather's reel that's made from wood .

[@KayakhacksFishing]

It's a shame the website in the USA selling them no longer does.

[@mikejung3908]

Now that I’ve seen your video on the alvey, I’d like to say, my alvey is about 20 years old and as strong as ever, having said that I will say, it’s really a beach/surf reel, and personally would not recommend it for the kayak, you really need to be in an elevated position to get the casting benefits from this real, that’s the whole reason for the giant size of the reel to get big distance when throwing over the breakers, and get that advantage that spinners could never match. Well done good episode. Love the show.

[@KayakhacksFishing]

I am using their kayak rod. They sent me the kayak reel, but I did not like the right hand retrieve so I bought the one in this video that is just a touch larger. I believe they are trying to move into the kayak market with those products.

[@SniperPhotography]

Hey.I am from Australia and the Alvey is an Aussie icon.Made by the Alvey family in Queensland. I have 4 of these reels mainly used for beach and rock fishing,never from the kayak. Very robust and easy maintenance.But watch the line twist though.

[@KayakhacksFishing]

I ended up putting Ardent Gliss Monotex on the spool to finish it out. It is a cross between mono and braid. I used it on my last two trips and no line twist at all... pretty amazing.

[@MrOnegesius]

Line twist is cured by using 2 swivels about 30 cms apart with the trace attached to the second swivel.

[@justinhugh1875]

Up in the Northeast, I used to see the mates and sharpies use something similar on the Party boats, when I was a kid. It had no drag, could not be swiveled, and filled with heavy mono with a special conventional rod. Guides start on the side and then towards the top of the blank. Amazingly efficient the way they used it. When they bring in the fish, they wrapped the line around the handle and swing the fish in. The handle was much bigger than yours.

[@KayakhacksFishing]

That's a great tip on the handle. I'll see if that works for this reel on my next trip.

[@razzorbladz]

Alvey made a 4" reel in bakelite with a chrome backplate you should be able to pick one up on Ebay AU for under $30us I think you would really enjoy it for you kayak,I have alveys in 4 different sizes but its the 4" i use the most let me know if you get one id like to see you use one,they look amazing with alittle metal polish the vintage bakelite and chrome sparkle the vintage ones work just as well as the day they were new

[@Wombatmanager]

I used an Alvey reel when I was a youngster with instruction from my late father, and avid Queensland fisherman. Have not used one since, but have just bought a new reel and about to give it a go at 68 years of age. I guess I would not have invested in one if I didn't like it.

[@KayakhacksFishing]

I enjoy them as well.

[@Staarker99]

Excellent outfits the Alvey, they are used in life rafts and in survival kits. Use quality small box swivels to eliminate twist. I have hauled in monsters even with the estuary model with no drag accept a cupped hand on the spool. The purist uses the no drag models for the sport. I have used my alveys for 30 years and they work just as well as the day I bought them, that's the thing, they last forever in the harshest tropical saltwater environments.

[@KayakhacksFishing]

I just ordered another reel from AlveyUSA. I'm with you.

[@P8intballEvans]

I came across this wondering what it was but after doing some research it makes since that these reels would be great in a mono only fishing market but times have changed .... spinning reels with braided line will out cast these reels all day especially long cast spinning reels....with less headache and faster retrieve

[@KayakhacksFishing]

And... they are not sold in the US any longer that I could see.

[@mccray44]

Interesting, I have never heard of this type of reel. It looks like it has too many things to worry about and it is limited on what type of fishing you can do. But thanks for dropping some knowledge!

[@KayakhacksFishing]

There is more to do and working the fish on these is a different experience.

[@jamesleadbeatter3632]

I have lots of alveys and they are amazing. I don't own a single one made after the year 2000

[@p-mac5969]

Ill have to try one of these. As far as rust and fishing saltwater, I’ve been doing a torture test on 2 okuma spinning reels. I’m up to 3 years now and still no issues. One day i forgot to rinse my reels and I was using okuma and abu garcia reels. The abus locked up but the okumas did fine so I wanted to see just how tough these reels are. So far 3 years with no rinsing and no lube and the okumas are just as smooth as the day I got them. Dont believe me? Go out and buy the cheapest okuma spinning reel and try it out.

[@KayakhacksFishing]

Great points and thanks for the heads up on the Okumas!

[@p-mac5969]

Still no failures and still no rinsing or maintenance on those reels. They’re tough as nails.

[@Gator1699]

Service only once a year tuff real and reliable its old school tec and it works.

[@reluctantly_old]

I have never used one out of a kayak but have used 1 off of the beach. The casting distance is incredible and it has outstanding for power for fighting big fish . The problem has always been line twist. I have mine on a shelf and haven't touched it or the custom 13' rod made to factory specs. I couldn't deal with the line twist .

[@KayakhacksFishing]

I ended up putting Ardent Gliss Monotex on the spool to finish it out. It is a cross between mono and braid. I used it on my last two trips and no line twist at all... pretty amazing.

[@biggestd69]

To reduce line twist there needs to always be a small swivel above the rig attached to the mainline. Also some lines are better than others for the twist factor, generally a stiffer line with low memory helps a lot. I don't know what is available in America but over the pond platypus and schneider lines are popular. The Alvey website offers rig suggestions for our species, I'm sure they're easy to adapt. P.S. What you call a bluefish we call a tailor, Alveys are their worst nightmare !!

[@biggestd69]

@@KayakhacksFishing Hi mate, does this mono/braid cross cut into the finger when retrieving like braid does??

[@fredfable5655]

Well said, It "might be" better than....(because it depends if you are Australian mainly) I saw them in videos only (curiosity) they are simple no doubt, is a bobbin with a handle and the hability to twist. Casting may be longer (is it, steave?) but is heavier than the reels we are used to. What is your final opinion? Do you have one opinion so far?

[@KayakhacksFishing]

I have learned to cast at this point and am getting pretty good distance. Not as good as my spin reel, but decent.Just like anything new, it will take some practice. I kind of like the feel of working the fish on it, but it does take a bit more attention. I can't make a recommendation until I get much better at using it. For now, it will be one of the two rods I take in my kayak since, being new, it's a kick.

[@iitra]

Guys if your interest in these reels buy them now as the alvey company is closing down here in Australia as they cannot compete with the china market it's a very very sad days here to do with these awesome reels I have 8 ,2 new ones and the others are over 40 years old once you learn how to use it you'll never go back to a spin This is the only reel that you can dump into the sand wash it out in salt water and keep fishing, simple care and it ll keep going. Oh when you case theses nice long smooth motion and release around the 50-45 degrees go to your local field and cast practice but once you get it it'll be as smooth as butter don't give up on these reels thigh lines 🤘🏻

[@KayakhacksFishing]

That is so sad. I had not heard that. Glad I got the three I have now.

[@jhanbarry87]

Best reel in world i never have problem with it best reel im from Sweden One of few some have it in Sweden.

[@johnhull2582]

Maybe if they didn't make utter crap they'd still be open.

[@jimbob1427]

The company is staying in business , they are the best reels out there ! Very reliable and easy to use

[@johnhull2582]

The idea is the best around. The company makes them to be unusable.

[@TheFishingHobby]

Interesting idea! You know, this may be something that would work well for catfishing. A lot of those guys use reels with a bait clicking feature and this does essentially the same thing. It is almost like a handline on a rod. I know a fellow KZbinr who may be interested in this...I will send him the link. Thanks for sharing the unique find!

[@KayakhacksFishing]

I think it would work great. This was the first video and I have content for 2 more already done documenting my lessons learned. My bottom line is that I will start using this along with my other rod/reel. It is a kick to play the fish! thanks

[@iitra]

Guys if your interested look on eBay you can get them cheep and they are great for the fight with the fish catfish here in Australia are a tone of fun to catch on these reels

[@TheFishingHobby]

iitra thanks for the info!

[@Familyman0838]

What model alvey is that please as iv always wanted one but I two wind with my left hand

[@KayakhacksFishing]

Sure - here is the link to it www.alveyusa.com/product/side-cast-reel-500bcxl/ It is the 500 bcxl

[@BlackWarriorLures]

Hey, you think this would be a good reel for trolling/drifting leadcore line?

[@KayakhacksFishing]

I do not have enough experience with it to say. You can ask Gene via the alveyusa.com website and he would know.

[@KayakhacksFishing]

I found an Alvey video on trolling - www.alveytv.com/video.php?video=0036

[@biggestd69]

Alvey have a trolling series of reels designed for deep lake trolling with lead line alvey.com.au/product-category/trolling-series/

[@deancarter68]

How's the trout, red drum, flounder bite of late?

[@KayakhacksFishing]

Drum are starting to really slow down as the mullet move out. Can't comment on the trout or flounder since I do not target them.

[@iitra]

You can fix the line twist by respooling the reel you don't spool these reels like normal reels You know how from one side of the spool of line, the line won't just follow off the spool but the other side you can almost empty the hole spool if you pull and let go that's the side you spool the reel from, through the first eye on rod hold between fingers lightly and then reel the line on helped me greatly just by that simple thick and also use swivels that help

[@KayakhacksFishing]

Thank you for that advice!

[@billstreater6310]

It's Horses for Courses, as long as you select the correct size reel and rod for the type of fishing you do they are a fantastic reel. You wouldn't use a surf rod in a Kayak so you don't use a surf reel. There are several different size Alvey Reels to choose from, all for different types of fishing, and using Braid will take a toll on your fingers quickly. A side-cast Alvey should also be used with a rod with a Low Mount reel seat, not a normal spinning rod. Tight lines everyone.

[@KayakhacksFishing]

Yes, I used the rod and reel sold as a kayak version. Thanks for your input

[@Noises]

4:55 that's not the drag mate, that's the ratchet, also known as the fish on alarm. I grew up fishing with sidecast alvey reels in the 70's and 80's, the ratchet is usually used when you are fishing with live or dead baits, casting out and leaving your bait out. It's also good for trolling with the drag set just high enough to stop your bait or lure freespooling in the current. It's not a reel I'd choose to fish lures with but it is 100% my go to second line. I'd have a baitcasting or spinning combo in my hand flicking lures around or jigging and a live bait swimming on my Alvey with the ratchet set so if it gets hit, the reel screams. Those reels are bulletproof. May you get many years of fun out of it and be able to pass the reel and the passion on to someone one day. The sound of an Alvey reel's ratchet screaming when a fish takes it takes me back to my childhood. Nothing sounds as good. Your video doesn't pick up just how loud those clicks are. ztt...... zzt ztt... zzzzt. ZZZZZTZZTTZZZZZTZTTZTTZTTZTTZTZZZZZZZZZZZZZTTTTTT!!!!!!

[@KayakhacksFishing]

Thank you very much for that clarification!

[@user-mu2ty1kq5t]

I got that reel❤fisherman look at it and wonder we're got it from

[@KayakhacksFishing]

Idon’t think there is a vendor in the USA any more. Their website went off line a few years ago

[@retnav92]

Interesting no doubt, but will stick with my regular spinning reels. If anything, maybe change out the line for some larger diameter stuff, put a bigger crank on it, and use it for anchoring. :) You mentioned lefties cranking with their right hand. I'm right-handed and crank with my right. Tried it the other way, and it just didn't work as well for me.

[@KayakhacksFishing]

It's all in the way you learned to fish, I guess. My Dad started me on closed face reels when I was 7 and the crank was on the left. Too much muscle memory to change! :-)

[@myadventureoutdoors]

I have an idea Greg. I think with this reel I could fling my kayak anchor about 100 yards with this reel.

[@retnav92]

Adventure Outdoors That's not a bad idea, and it would also provide us older guys some physical workout time...above and beyond paddleing the kayak. :) Getting ready to go load my rig in the truck and hit the water momentarily. 7:03am here in Kentucky. Gotta go checkout the Bass and see if they're awake.

[@rupertmcnaughtdavis7302]

Never understood why one would use anything but one`s strong hand IE right handers ,right crank and vise verse

[@build.drive.fish.]

Now I've seen it all, pretty cool concept. Wonder how it would be catching a Tuna or King Mackeral lol

[@KayakhacksFishing]

They do have offshore models. The more I use it the more I like it... maybe because it is new and gives a different feel to the fishing. alveyusa.com is their website

[@iitra]

Guys the bigger the fish the more fun look up the hand brake tip on KZbin when your drag is screaming at u you use your hand to slow it down more once you learn you'll be hooked cause I got hooked 20 years ago I have 2 new Alveys and 6 old ones over 40years old the old backerlight ones from way back when I've fished bass, whiting, beam, shark, grouper and I could go but if you love the fight of the fish get one really get one fishing changes feels like your pulling in a whale same times but so so so fun

[@TheFishingHobby]

It should be easier to crank with a large fish on with the 1:1 gear ratio. Spinning and bait cast reels have higher gear ratios to allow you to crank the line in more quickly. For example, say your spinning reel has a 4:1 gear ratio that means for every crank of the handle you get 4 rotations of the rotor. You have to put more effort to crank a 4:1 ratio reel than 1:1. Now if you had a reel with a 1:4 gear ratio you would crank the handle 4 times to get one revolution of the rotor...now you have a mechanical cranking advantage like a winch but (to my knowledge) those don't exist. It would also make reeling your line in much slower.

[@razzorbladz]

an Alvey has landed a 113lb spanish mackrel but they call Alveys Knuckle busters when you hook fish that size lol they have a drag system but you dont really need to use it because its 1 to 1 reel you can fight with the knobs on the spool or palm the spool

[@jamesleadbeatter3632]

Get an alvey 925 and you will never need a new reel again except more 925s I have 3 and love them all

[@MrOnegesius]

The Alvey is really a bait fishing reel (bait = worms, fish fillets, etc). These can be cast a long distance with light weights (671 feet with a 2 oz lead is one record I remember) and hold incredible amounts of line (I have a 550 C5 which can hold over 1200 metres of 6 Kg line); some reels like the 650 C5 or 651 C5 hold nearly as much 30 lb line as my 550 C5 holds 12 lb line! My main complaint is the weight of the larger reels; I am getting a 500 C5 to put on my 12 foot 6 Kg line class rod to have a powerful and light outfit. Regarding egg beaters being equal or better - what egg beater can take 1200 metres of 12 lb line (550 C5) or 700 yds of 20 lb line (650 C5) or 975 yds of 30 Lb line (651 C5) and still cast an unweighted Pilchard? Niche market maybe, but the company is going broke because owners of Alveys don't need to replace them! I have an assortment of egg beaters and bait-casters and am only now beginning to appreciate the Alveys as beach rod/reel combinations. I love the lighter Alvey combinations but deplore the heavier reels.

[@KayakhacksFishing]

I really appreciate the input from an expert like yourself! I am brand new to Alveys and still learning!

[@MrOnegesius]

Line mentioned above is Monofilament!

[@biggestd69]

My 651C5 has about 1000 metres of 30lb mono. Nearly 700 metres of JW line for backing, then 300 metres of platypus platinum to finish.

[@myadventureoutdoors]

I'm thinking that 30" Red you caught last week would have cut your finger in half with that reel. I'm going to go to Home Depot and get one of those electrical cord reels and modify it for kayak fishing. I will be able to put 14,000 yards of braid on it. 😂

[@KayakhacksFishing]

Lol! BTW .... coming back from Waynesville trout fishing today. Made the mandatory stop at SunDo to pick up chicken! They said it took them a while to restock after you bought their entire inventory :-)

[@razzorbladz]

An alvey landed a 113lb spanish mackrel the vids on youtube about it but if you were silly enough to use braid on one you would have no fingers left

[@AliexFolgueira]

Cuban Jojo with a reel?? I'm going to need to try that 😁

[@philmurray94]

You need to have a closer look at casting one of those mate. Your top hand needs to be as far up the rod as possible. Not on the reel. 👍

[@KayakhacksFishing]

Thanks for the tip

[@terrancejones8192]

Steve, don't think I give up my spinning reel.

[@KayakhacksFishing]

You do have to get used to it!

[@deancarter68]

Uhhhhh, nahhh, Steve I'll stick with my spinning gear. Seems kinda clunky. Interesting though. Thanks, Dean

[@KayakhacksFishing]

It is clunky and not for everyone. :-)

[@AliexFolgueira]

As I was watching this video, I'm like why would I need it??? Ahhh it doesn't break!!!! Nice since I break everything this may be the reel for me!!

[@KayakhacksFishing]

I will take it apart in a future video... there is nothing there to break.

[@kristianwinkel7724]

Thats why the company is closing down here in Australia after 100 years, they don't break most people here have some that have been in the family for 40-50 years.....just rinse it off in the salt water and it will last forever

[@biggestd69]

Mate if you want to learn more about the Alvey product join Alvey Anglers Australia facebook group. They'd love to have you aboard.

[@KayakhacksFishing]

Thanks! I'll check it out

[@big_darrol5069]

Please don’t use lures with an alvey 😂 it’s originally a bait only reel

[@johnhull2582]

You'll notice all Alvey reel videos are disabling comments. The reason is they a VERY poorly constructed.

[@KayakhacksFishing]

I'm happy to have folks comment here.

[@Noises]

Actually they're about the most robustly designed fishing reel ever made. Show me what other 40 year old reels you have that you still fish with, I'll wait. I'll also wait while you actually link us to one of these videos you claim have the comments disabled. All it takes is a search for alvey reels and 2 minutes to click a dozen and we can see you're lying. My question is simple. Why?

[@vire559]

That's a big lie, i just back from their channel and found no such thing as what you said. Who are you? A competitor or something?

[@williamstreet7170]

I have one it's 50 years old and still no problems best reel