Hatch Iconic
In Stock • Bozeman, MT
Where the rubber meets the road my friends! If you’ve been dreaming of a reel that has the look, feel and performance of a Ferrari, then look no further.
Description
Hatch Iconic Fly Reel - Large Arbor
There’s nothing like a Hatch Reel – they last forever, stand up to years of neglect, and feature the best drag out there. When people ask why they should buy a Hatch, the response is typically “Why Wouldn’t You Buy a Hatch?” We stock Hatch Reels in the Large Arbor configuration as it's the lightest and most popular version of their reels. We are happy to special order any colors/size combinations that we don't typically stock, as well as Mid-Arbor options.
The new Hatch Iconic retains much of the styling long associated with the brand, yet is packed with new innovations and design, resulting in another timeless classic that will quickly become everyone’s favorite Hatch Reel.
Features
- New Look - The Iconic Reel retains the now ‘Iconic’ Hatch window pattern with 6 fins, recalling the original Finatic model. Instantly identifiable and classic, the Hatch look is simply Iconic. However, the reels were due for a style upgrade that can be seen in the shape of the drag knob - which brings depth - and the ‘H’ brand logo. Hatch now use a bright dip finishing that brings out the shine of the machined parts while also keeping the strong coloring of matte anodize.
- Reel Seat - The first and now one of the only reel manufacturers to make the reel body out of one piece. It is an expensive way to produce the reel but has the advantage of never having a reel seat loosen up due to galvanic corrosion. For the Iconic, Hatch reshaped the reel seat for a more contemporary look.
- New Seals - Through better design and concentricity, Hatch increased sealing by eliminating water entry points through subtracting superfluous components from past models.
- Improved Stability -The Iconic reel does not utilize a cassette to house the drag system as in past models - instead, it is now built into the body. This has decreased axial runout which creates a more stable and solid design.
- New Drag Material - A new carbon-filled drag material not only dissipates heat faster but also creates a smoother feel. This is the smoothest Hatch drag system to date.
- New Spool Design – A newly ported spool arbor allows lines to dry better on the reel after use - think of it as ventilation
- Hew Handle - The new handle design significantly reduces the risk of galvanic corrosion. While Hatch retained the aluminum handle, it now has a softer look and feel.
Warranty
Register your new reel online for superior warranty service, you have 60 days from date of purchase to register your new reel.
Hatch products are carefully inspected to assure product consistency and quality, and are guaranteed against manufacturer’s defects in materials and craftsmanship for the life of the product by its original owner. Please register your repairs online to get the process started. Then print the repair confirmation and manually write in your name and phone number in the indicated fields and send it along with your defective product when you ship it to the address on the confirmation.
Size Chart
| Species | Recommended Iconic Size |
|---|---|
| Trout | 3+, 4+, 5+, 7+ |
| Bass | 4+, 5+, 7+ |
| Bonefish | 7+ |
| Redfish | 5+, 7+, 9+ |
| Tarpon | 9+, 11+ |
| Permit | 7+, 9+ |
| Peacock Bass | 7+, 9+ |
| Golden Dorado | 7+, 9+ |
| Giant Trevally | 11+ |
| Triggerfish | 7+, 9+ |
| Tigerfish | 7+, 9+ |
| Other Trevally Species | 7+, 9+ |
| Striped Bass | 7+, 9+ |
| Salmon | 7+, 9+ |
| Steelhead | 7+ |
| Snook | 7+, 9+ |
| Roosterfish | 9+, 11+ |
| Pike | 7+, 9+ |
| Arapaima | 11+ |
FAQ
Who Is the Hatch Iconic Fly Reel For?
The Hatch Iconic is for anglers who fish hard and expect their gear to keep up. Known for its sealed drag, exceptional durability, and smooth performance, the Iconic has become one of the most trusted reels in fly fishing. It's equally at home on a Montana trout river, a Great Lakes steelhead stream, a Louisiana marsh, or a Bahamian bonefish flat.
One of the biggest strengths of the Iconic lineup is its versatility. The smaller models excel in freshwater applications, while the larger sizes have become go-to choices for permit, tarpon, striped bass, giant trevally, and other powerful gamefish. If you're looking for a reel that can handle years of travel, harsh conditions, and hard-fighting fish, the Hatch Iconic is difficult to beat.
Is the Hatch Iconic a Good Saltwater Fly Reel?
Absolutely. The Hatch Iconic was built with saltwater fishing in mind and has become one of the most trusted reels on flats skiffs, tarpon boats, and coastal fisheries around the world. The fully sealed drag system helps protect against salt, sand, and moisture, while the reel's rugged construction is designed to withstand years of hard use. From bonefish and permit to tarpon, striped bass, and giant trevally, the Iconic has proven itself in some of the toughest saltwater environments on the planet.
Is the Hatch Iconic Fully Sealed?
Yes. Every Hatch Iconic features a fully sealed drag system designed to keep out water, salt, sand, and other debris. This not only improves reliability in harsh conditions but also reduces maintenance compared to many traditional drag systems. It's one of the primary reasons the Iconic has become such a popular choice among guides and traveling anglers.
Does the Hatch Iconic Have a Reliable Drag System?
The drag system is one of the primary reasons anglers choose Hatch. The Iconic features a fully sealed, multi-disc drag that delivers smooth startup inertia and consistent pressure throughout the fight. That may not sound exciting on paper, but it makes a noticeable difference when a bonefish suddenly changes direction, a tarpon surges boatside, or a steelhead makes a blistering downstream run.
The sealed design helps protect the system from water, salt, sand, and debris, while the large drag knob allows for quick and precise adjustments on the fly. The result is a drag system that has earned the trust of guides and anglers pursuing everything from trout and steelhead to permit, tarpon, and giant trevally.
Can I Use the Same Hatch Iconic for Freshwater and Saltwater Fishing?
Absolutely. In fact, that's one of the reasons so many anglers choose the Iconic. Models like the 5+, 7+, and 9+ regularly pull double duty across a wide range of fisheries. It's not uncommon for an angler to fish the same reel for steelhead in the fall, striped bass in the spring, and bonefish on a tropical flats trip. The sealed drag and corrosion-resistant construction make the transition between freshwater and saltwater seamless.
How Much Maintenance Does the Hatch Iconic Require?
One of the biggest advantages of the Iconic is how little maintenance it requires. After a day on the water—especially in saltwater—a thorough freshwater rinse is usually all that's needed.
What Are the Downsides of the Hatch Iconic?
The most obvious drawback is price. The Iconic sits firmly in the premium reel category, making it a significant investment compared to many quality freshwater and saltwater reels on the market.
Some anglers also find the Iconic to be slightly heavier than competing reels in the same class. While that added weight contributes to its durability and solid feel, anglers focused on building the lightest possible outfit may prefer a different option.
The drag system is exceptionally smooth and powerful, but it was designed with reliability and consistency in mind rather than offering the widest drag adjustment range in the industry. For the vast majority of anglers, this is a non-issue, but anglers chasing records or wanting to know exactly what amount of pressure they can apply, there are better options out there such as Mako or the Hardy Fortuna.
That said, most of the tradeoffs associated with the Iconic are a direct result of what makes it so popular. Hatch built the reel to be exceptionally durable, dependable, and capable of handling years of hard use in both freshwater and saltwater environments. For anglers looking for a reel they can fish for decades, those tradeoffs are often well worth it.
