Strange "Side Casting" Fishing Reel. Why have I never seen this before?

[@spdaltid]

I'm 67 and got a couple, one was my Grandad's. Alvey reels are so user friendly: Almost impervious to salt and sand, the larger reels are used on the beach. You need a specialist rod, or at least with one or two larger guides further up the rod from the reel to get the freedom of long casts beyond the surf without line drag or bird's nests.... The rig you have is fine for a boat.

[@cisko_kid8221]

Hi Brendan, I’m from Australia and we normally use the Alvey reel on the surf/beach. It’s is made for surf/beach fishing.

[@johnjacobs8568]

I had a few of these in Australia when I was younger - about 40 years ago for me! Awesome! Never broke down.

[@georgeeast3160]

40 years ago??? Wow I wish I new of them. Never seen in South Africa. Totally independently invented my own. Here is a sample of my toilet roll reel... twitter.com/plettgeorge/status/1294846006878773248?s=20

[@michaeleverton4882]

I bought my first Alvey 500 model in 1980's in south africa;- they were in s.a. for some years before I got mine! 🙂 🎣🐟🐠🐟🎣🙂 Recently exported into USA too!

[@tavismoule6673]

You should definitely use the alvie for the beach. 10’ + rod and mono of your choosing. That’s how we use them here in Australia Shot out from Australia love the videos ✌🏽

[@buckwilliams6600]

Love my Alveys they are all I own and use, and yes I do get some comments when tourists walking along the river “ wow I’ve never seen a reel like that before” they are so sturdy, solid & serve their purpose so well, all Australian made in my city of birth Brisbane. Thanks for the cool vid, look so different seeing an Alvey in North America .

[@HoraceSmith-xf1nv]

You will absolutely love the light weight balance and fast action rod will give 10 stars for sure

[@MaxFISH.]

can i get any Aussies to agree with me how funny this is from an Australians perspective?

[@nuggetfishing967]

MAX FISH I agree

[@martinlanza1236]

If you've never seen one before they certainly appear to be unusal however they are very common site in Australia (long casts, exceptionally reliable because very few parts, sand does not damage them)

[@lujayn3]

saw thumbnail/heading and I was like what does he mean by strange it looks like an alvey reel, to my surprise I find out they are mostly an Australian thing, I always thought they were all around the world.

[@thedon9670]

They're supposed to be for surf fishing.

[@x4kZer0]

100%

[@kingfisher34]

People always say the alvey reel last ages and don't get damaged by salted water and sand. The reason behind is its simple design - its just a plastic disc with a few screws etc. Compared with modern spin reels with multiple bearings and drag system, there is very few things that can go wrong. Having said that, the retrieval rate simple is miles behind spin reel and you can't use it on big fish which take line quickly.

[@nerome619]

Alvey - they are basically indestructible - can take a dunking - easy to service - hold lots of line - can winch a whale up a cliff - relatively easy to cast well

[@joselitobautista4775]

Iconic Australian alvey reel

[@ludrock2]

In Australia we usually back off the center spring tension and flick the ratchet off when retrieving fish. it makes for a smoother retrieve. One of the things Alvey users seem to like, is the direct contact with the fish. It is a completely different experience using a reel without a gearbox, much more in touch with the fish, and myself and a lot of others keep their index finger lightly on the line while retrieving. One of their biggest selling points is the fact that you can drop them in the sand and just pick them up and give them a quick dunk or rinse in the salt water and start using them again. Very simple to clean and maintain. Have fun!

[@andrewmorke]

Saffer here and I grew up with Alvey reels. Yes. I do find this funny.

[@janjoubert8627]

Welcome to the Alvey family, it is amazing reels.

[@hb1108]

I have the same green star drag reel on this vid. Also have another smaller star drag, mustard coloured . The spool is better on the mustard, it's thicker and much denser, has weight to it and smoothed out. Drag is smoother on the mustard

[@raindogred]

Impressed you found an Alvey. they are awsome. I love the immediacy when you hook a good size fish, when the fish goes for a run...use your hands as a drag..feel the burn..super fun, and an efficient reels that will last decades, if you look after them. 3 words for you brother...pump and wind. Lift the rod up, and wind down...will make life a lot easier. great vid..subbed :)

[@jonnywaselectric]

Alvey Reels have almost been around for 100 years here in Australia, they are most commonly used for beach fishing, a very basic design not much can go wrong with them, they can fall on the sand and be dunked in the water and they will continue to work, they can easily be opened and flushed out and oiled.

[@hernsg144]

Great reels. I have 3 of em. No bearings so easy to service. I even bunk in in the surf, I just oil and grease it every year. Just wash it in warm soaky dishwasher water after you use it. Just have to make sure the tension is on point.

[@paulcollinson2440]

Looks like a 600c5 holds 500m of 7kg mono. Rod needs a low mount and the 1st stripper guide needs to be half way up the rod. An open runner,available from Alvey fitted to the underside of the rod about 2ft in front of the reel will allow you to feed the line on the reel without the risk of line burn on your fingers. When making up a rig use 2 swivels with the sinker running between them. They are indestructible in the surf environment and if washed out with fresh water after use will last your lifetime, unlike the eagbeater style reels. Great video!

[@gamc5384]

Hello my friend I am one of your followers from the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia and you are really distinguished person and I have followed all your videos and thank you for the effort made from you and I have learned a lot from you actually I am still new in the field of fishing

[@zk3641]

Hi Brandon and Erin. Great to see you fishing with the Alvey Reel. I own four of them and use them on Bluefish Called Tailor in Australia. Also catch Australian Salmon, Flathead, Bream, Trevally and many other species from the surf. The rods are good in wet conditions. If the reel is dropped on the sand they are simply washed in the saltwater. Of course, when you get home they are easily cleaned with fresh water.

[@SS-ym6id]

They're called alvey reels. Originaly from Queensland in Australia.

[@hoiyang8245]

Odin PW .lkjj(yakking. KL

[@davidle2906]

Wacol near my house

[@beachkruizza]

Best reel in my opinion. Last forever if cared for.

[@wonderplatypusgetthedog8634]

David Le yep same brissy

[@thelonerabbit6487]

We all so have a kind in South Africa its much bigger than that, its made for Bank fishing for carp

[@growleym504]

One problem I see with that reel is that when you cast, every coil on the spool that flies off the end of the spool puts a twist in the line. With a spinning reel, that twist is taken right back out when the line is reeled back in over the end of the spool so there is only a net increase in twist when a LOT of line is payed out by the drag, and otherwise twist goes in, twist comes out, all is in harmony and balance and buttercups and cotton candy and unicorn farts. That reel imparts twist by casting off the end of the spool, but because the reel winds in the line conventionally, there is no reversing of the twist. Obviously this issue can be overcome by trailing the line behind a boat or using a good ball bearing swivel, but one should be aware of the potential twist accumulation. Otherwise, I rather like the concept. It is similar to the yoyo handline reels we used to use on Diego Garcia. Wow, I read a few comments before posting mine. Apparently in Australia, dragging your reel in the sand is the proper thing to do! We don't do that in Louisiana even when drunk. Well, of course that is partly because we have only a limited supply of sand here.

[@TheCaptainbeefylog]

I have about 30 Alvey reels in my collection now. Most were made about the same time as yours (80s-90s), but I have a few of the really old Bakelite and even wooden ones dating back to the 1930s and 40s. Every single one of them is still in serviceable condition and it's not because I take any particular care of them. Alveys will take an enormous amount of punishment and still function flawlessly. Most spinning and baitcaster reels, by comparison, are just waiting for a chance to break. Alvey reels will outlast most fishermen.

[@ronbreska8446]

They have been around for many years.I have 6 of them and they are an Aussie icon and they are maintenance free

[@freedomliberty3166]

Great Videos - I am a collector of vintage spinning reels too. The Alvey you were using from what I could 'hear' of the winding ratchet action you need to have the drag backed off a wee bit more brother once the fish was on - that is the star shaped gear on the spool side (but you probably know that already who am I kidding). I only use them for beach/surf casting as they are bullet proof. You can drop them in the sand and just take them off and rinse them in the water and keep fishing. The company is 100 years old now and is still going I believe. I regularly use an old bakelilte model which still command good money on ebay here. I first learned to fish with a little 4 inch model at age 7. They tend to be handed down from generation to generation. You can't drop a precious vintage spinning reel in beach sand in the same way and not expect not to have to pull it apart when you get home to clean the gears out etc.just keep those for the piers. Best regards from Perth Western Australia !

[@georgeeast3160]

Could these be vintage one day???.... twitter.com/plettgeorge/status/1294846006878773248?s=20

[@LiveDeerCamByCajun]

thanks for the video

[@DavidSchroeter]

The Alvey company has just celebrated 100 years of production. It's an Aussie icon!

[@John-kl3ue]

Great reels the mighty Alvey

[@skitzy2726]

Alveys are awesome , great for beach fishing in the surf

[@apsopengtam1274]

Alvey, the real professional fisherman's reel. a great distance casting reel.

[@thatsbollox]

Brilliant reels for surf or rock fishing. You can buy rods off the rack for them but many make up their own. V short rod butt and big guides that start halfway up the rod. They cast an absolute mile when teamed with the right rod. You feel more one on one with the fish and if you drop in the sand just wash it off in the surf and hose it when u get home. Trouble free and tough as nails, but most use at least one swivel to combat any line twist. Not something normally used off a boat.

[@johnwoodrow8769]

I regularly use an Alvey 650 C5 that I've owned for over 50 years. I use modern spinning reels for all fishing except one particular style. Nothing beats the Alvey for a VERY lightly weighted bait washing around in the whitewater in front of ocean rocks or on the walls of costal bars. The advantage the Alvey has over all other styles of reels is the simplicity of feeding line in or out to keep in touch with the bait as the water surges in/out. Simply wind in, wind out.

[@albysadventures1]

These are the best. I use them beach fishing in australia.

[@aoadventures9498]

I just found one of those at my dad's. I'm hoping to rig it up soon. I'll certainly let you know when it's up and running. Mine has an old school wood rod with fibro tip - OOOOOLD School!!! But I love the uniqueness of it, and will enjoy the looks when I take it out in public!!!

[@BradGryphonn]

The Alvey? I had a few when I was a kid. They're awesome.

[@michaelseal9714]

Hey skipper. Mabee you already know but the Alvey was developed as a beach reel, that is why it has very few moving parts, and is very easy to service. It suits rods 6 ft plus. Brilliant long caster. Cheers from Bunderberg Australia 👍

[@jif.6821]

I've been fishing them here in Hawai'i for 35+ years, they are near indestructible, and have large line capacity so great for stepping up to larger game. I own at least a dozen of them. Alveys have a 1 to 1 retrieve ratio so a tad slower than a spinning reels but plenty power, and the large spool diameter makes up a little for the 1 to 1 ratio. I highly recommend though that you get some decent quality ball bearing snap-swivels to attach to you main line to prevent twisting as Alveys will otherwise put a mean twist in your line after several repeated casts especially when using monofilament line.

[@georgeeast3160]

Interesting. Check out twitter.com/plettgeorge/status/1294846006878773248?s=20

[@getitgotitgood6459]

Nice set up awesome video

[@GlennMathison]

Alvey reels are "The Bomb!" They last forever. You can drop them in the sand, mud, whatever and they just keep working with a quick rinse. Sadly they almost went out of business a few years ago, partly due to their legendary reliability. They last forever. I still use one I bought 30 years ago as a kid. When the public heard they might be closing down the response was H U G E and smart fisherman bought up big just in case they stopped production. Happy to report they can still be bought new here in Oz!

[@andrewmorke]

They are back again. Bought by another company.

[@georgeeast3160]

Wish I had one in South Africa.

[@michaeleverton4882]

@@georgeeast3160 ;- There isn't an importing agency in s.a. now, as I have been in contact with them! 🙂 🎣🐟🐠🐟🎣 🙂

[@ghozisyaifullah254]

@@georgeeast3160 try with KP reel

[@geoffcohen613]

yes Alvey reels are for surf fishing we use them here in Australia, but they also make smaller reels as well. it is important to have a larger than normal 1st runner as this stops line twisting during cast. great reels, had one for over 25 years. as the old slogan said "its an Alvey reel that fills the creel"

[@sicilientwarkan7109]

Good vid to see , i have the same exact reel lying in a box since the early 90's, never used it once yet . I think i'm gonna give it a try ... Greetings from France

[@stephenhusak6098]

Were used in this country in the 40s 50 and early 60s.

[@huonsaul8020]

The Alvey Reel is very popular for beech fishing here in Australia, it’s designed so that a big surf fish can run with the bait out beyond the waves then the fish will swallow the bait and the hook is set, great fun. You gotta use a big surf rod and you gotta tire the fish out using that drag.

[@petejames9366]

We made them here in Australia Super heavy duty reel

[@sekicustom6226]

I love using does reels it reminds me of the old days fishing with my old man

[@lordfarquaad2723]

most aussies still have their grandfathers alveys in the shed i have a 35year old one and it has never been serviced work like a dream

[@oldmanandthesea3384]

Surf fishing youngens. Had a good time using them. Paired up with a 20 ft rod. Good times with the Shela's. :)

[@aaronbarton9811]

Dont forget to guide the line back on reel or can cause tangles

[@HeySkipper]

Something I’ve been learning to do better with guideless reels 👍🏼

[@captshaky]

Watching from mombasa kenya

[@joereid8557]

looks like your near chainbridge, from the trees and the copters constantly flying over, on 911 i was right there and copters and jets were flying back and forth real low

[@richardbird5697]

few tips for alvey shift the eyelets on the rod up one .throwing second top eyelet away and use short butt rod will cast easier .also if using braid use about 10meters of wind on leader.if you mess up a cast with braid itll cut fingers off 😊.enjoy your alvey fishing

[@joanneleggo7613]

I once caught a 15kg Yellowfin Tuna with my Alvey sidecaster! 30pound line, no trace and 1 pilchard on the hook. It was exhausting but awesome. Rod bucket get slipping so i mostly held it with one arm. Took about 30 minutes to land. Best fishing day ever!

[@ando_1250]

That is super cool.

[@cs512tr]

alveys, the Kalashnikov of fishing reels.

[@cayminlast]

That is the first type of reel I ever had, my dad bought one for each of us, for our first week long fishing/camping trip back in the early 1960's.

[@watosmate8935]

We use those reels in Australia for beach fishing as it doesn’t matter if you get sand or water on them as they don’t have many moving parts which is great for beach fishing or rock fishing.

[@lachlanphillips7021]

try putting your finger under the line as you reel it helps distribute the line along the reel and keep feel of the fish so it doesnt tangle around the handles.

[@rupertmcnaughtdavis7302]

I have today just restored a Japanese Olympic side cast I never knew was a side cast! Had it for 52 years and never used it,until now ! Excellent video! From South Africa.

[@rupertmcnaughtdavis7302]

@@michaeleverton4882 I don`t think so,this is a side cast,like an Alvey but the retrieve is geared.Thanks from Somerset West.

[@michaeleverton4882]

@@rupertmcnaughtdavis7302 Thanks, oh it's a different reel you have to one I mentioned!

[@jcsfishingadventures8055]

I am Australian and they are common place over here (great vid)

[@BobbyZataTv]

nice reel

[@swaavetoo_smooth2141]

Just ordered some a couple days ago !! Can't wait to see what luck I will get with them.

[@razzorbladz]

I hope you have a rod compatible if the bottom eye is too close they wont cast well you may need to remove some eyes for that size alvey you want like 4ft between the reel and the first eye

[@Northisbest]

I had big yellow alvey for beac surf. Very strong. I also had small brown alvey caught so many fish when I was young and hesi I'm Aussie 🙂👍👋

[@skinnydog6665]

Nice man - i was raised on Alveys, it will outlast you and your grandkids. Just a small tip - make sure you use a swivel down near your bait as they are prone to line twist. Happens to the best of us, but swivels can help dramatically. Nice vid!

[@JunixKuizon]

We have Alveys in Australia. They are becoming quite popular again.

[@drakenbake4600]

Thats awesome. I tried to make my own bit it didnt go well.. Looks fun

[@12kabubi]

I was given an old Alvey reel about 8 years ago, since then I have bought 3 more. I'll never go back to spinning reels again. With Alvey's you are more 'in-touch' with the line and can feel everything that is happening in the water.

[@HeySkipper]

I’m happy to hear that you have had a similar experience. The Lacey is really (reely) fun to use and STRONG! What sizes do you have? What kind of fishing do you use it for?

[@fullwood13]

An Alvey Sidecast! Probably the best surf fishing reel ever made. They work best with softish action rods about 12 to 15 feet long. Throw a bait with a couple of surf poppers and you are in business. A properly loaded and tuned Alvey and the right rod and you will be hitting the 200 meter mark.

[@anthonycolbourne4206]

I've seen pictures of those Alvey reels many times, but that is the FIRST time I've ever actually seen anyone using one.The concept is unique to say the least, but the spool doesn't have to be so huge that you're twisting the rod every which way as you try to reel in! Imagine that in a smaller size multiplier reel? No bird's nests.

[@babuzzard6470]

I still have my Alvey small boat reel my dad gave me when I was a kid, had it over 50 years and still works like new, also have 4 of the surf reels including the graphite, wouldn’t use anything else on the beach.👍👍

[@jerryrook3538]

Hey senko my name is Jerry why don't u come to Owensboro KY and go catfish with we have really big cats here

[@jamesleadbeatter3632]

Remember, it is the alvey reel that fills the creel

the Alvey is probably the only reel Id have if my life depended on it ..............100% durable

[@Dr._Spamy]

Side caster reels are great because they don't twist your line like spin reels do.

[@saphserg5221]

I own 3 and love them slowly growing out my collection of them. Also if you think that was fun with a star drag model like that you should use a 1:1 ratio alvey thats a workout on good fish when they go for a runner and dont want to play nice.

[@h.r.hufnstuf4171]

just remember to keep a finger on the line while reeling in to evenly spool it back on

[@marcelchaloupka]

The rod you’ve paired the Alvey reel with isn’t the right type of rod. The first runner is much further up the rod blank and is 2-3 times larger in diameter. That to allow big coils coming of the reel to slip through the hides with as little friction as possible. Also but not always Alvey rods have shorter butts similar to fly rods. The beauty of the Alvey is they can cast very light baits to the horizon and you can treat then roughly without issue. Throw it in the sand, no problem. Throw them in the salt water, no problem. Throw them on the rocks, no problem. The down side of Alvey reels is they are heavy and are best for set line bait fishing. The other downside which is also a positive it they are indestructible which almost bankrupted the company because once you buy on you don’t need to buy another one or get it repaired. I own several Alvey reels which are over 40 years old and they still work perfectly

[@Leo-lr4eq]

This is one of the best fishing channels out there!

[@mahamadelfakir5385]

That reel is actually really cool

[@HeySkipper]

It’s awesome!

[@maaifoediedelarey4335]

Interesting reel ! So, it is a 1: 1 gear ratio, and no drag system ?

[@GlennMathison]

1:1 for most models but some models have a clutch drag system. Last forever and take any abuse you can throw at them. Sand, Mud, no problem.

[@michaeleverton4882]

I have two different ("old") 500 Alvey reel models, I made extra drag tension washers, from leather/thick enough rubber, which I put/goes on under star wheel! I added extra drag tension to my Alvey reels, which I like very much and enjoy using!

[@Trojwaterman]

Interesting reel first time I have heard of an Alvey

[@angerovargas2183]

Alvey Reels nothing strange

[@petertaylor3424]

Angero Vargas ..great for beach fishing .

[@easyfishing9152]

This guy is a reel colector ...he has no fish over 10 lbs...

[@mauricebrown9094]

Alvey Reels are best served for surfcasting and have been around for many years. They are for casting long distances. Maybe if you are going to introduce your friends to a new reel , you should at the very least use it in its own setting... beach fishing . there are smaller ones for trolling ... do you buy a 2000yards of the same line and fill up all you spools with the same poundage of line ?????

[@w1ll339]

Hi im gonna be reef fishing in hawaii and i would like to know if there are any good collapsible fishing rods for the ocean? Ill be throwing hi low rigs and topwater. thx

[@caydenh2165]

I have 39 Alvey reels in my arsenal

[@caydenthompson1878]

Man I want that reel nothing can go wrong its great how simple it is

[@razzorbladz]

you can get them online new make sure to get a rod that is compatible or it wont cast far you should be able to cast over 650ft with some practice

[@bluesmokeseedsandtreesdcgr3814]

I have a very old version if that same reel I got from my late dad. I catch the most fish on it. I named it after him. I love it gonna get another if i find one. Never knew the name of it. Thanks man. I've fir about 10 large catfish on it this week 😁❤

[@bluesmokeseedsandtreesdcgr3814]

Gives me the longest cast on my 12ft surf rod

[@hoooristoryofahumblehondac5515]

For a reel to pass down through the family for ages ! Loves sand ,salt and hard work like most Australians Easy to cast , easy to clean

[@finallyoutfishing6861]

I live in australia and we use alveys for the beach or banks p s try to get a seamartin off ebay theg are very rare reels

[@christopherjenkins2373]

It’s an Australian Alvey Reel. I have always wanted an Alvey and the surf rods they make for it. They are not cheap. You are right - they are weird! We’re you using an Alvey rod?

[@montyquinn5325]

It's an Australian reel designed for surf fishing. They are the only reel in existence, that you can literally drop in the surf, fill it with sand, catch a fish and then clean with salt water with no ill effects to the reel or drops in performance. The only real problem with them is because you turn the reel sideways to cast and straight to wind in, you introduce a twist into the line that can cause wind knots (further you cast, quicker they form), so anyone wanting to give these a try, get some decent swivels

[@michaeleverton4882]

I use two swivels fairly close together as part of my trace

[@RGBtaresh]

Hey senko skipper I've watched all your video and love all of them a you teach me so much about fishing thank you 😁

[@gamc5384]

How to get the brochure that appears with in the video

[@legsofsteel1]

I see by your other rod you fish left handed. You can set up the Alvey to fish left handed, All you need is the left handed release catch. Alvey sell them for about $25.

[@georgem579]

P. S. These are the best reels for beach fishing. I’m still using reels my father bought

[@anthonydelanzo4249]

Yeah i watched a person fishing wreck trip slam tog he said its allways in perfect alignment with the guides it makes sense for jigging

[@superflycharters]

I I recently found an Alvey reel on eBay. It came mounted on a brand new 9’ surf rod....It was a true bargain $25 + $8 shipping ...it just showed up in the mail today...can’t wait to give it a try. Definitely a cool piece of fishing gear to own....it’s like the bastard child of a Cuban yo-yo, fly reel & spinning reel all rolled into one 😂🎣

[@cballantyne1534]

I grew up on those reels, love them. Gear ration 1:1 nothing better.

[@James-yd5ym]

Alvey love the reels great to use. Australia made have over 30 vintage Alvey Reel

[@teradickenson3582]

This design look very good and strong wish I had one

[@razzorbladz]

if you buy one make sure you get the right fishing rod for it they wont cast properly if the first eye is too close to the reel

[@phillipmomberg1436]

Remember to disengage the fish alarm when winding in . Awesome reels.