The Traditional Fisherman's Forum

The Aerial Popular manufactured from 1927 to 1962, the longest running Aerial model produced. It was available in three finishes, polished, black painted and gunmetal with wide drum widths of 3”, 3½”, 4”, 4½” and in a narrow drum width of only 4”





I have been wanting one of these reels for a while now so I'm hoping to treat myself to a 3½” or 4" polished wide drum 1940’s version in the near future.

A lovely reel, I hope you find one Mark.

I prefer the three and a half inch version Mark.The four inch is a bit big on most of my rods.Useful for heavier lines when carp or especially pike fishing perhaps.Try both if you can and see which you like best.They are robust reels and will stand up to regular fishing.

Thanks for the advise Champ, I will try to have a look at both sizes first.

Well I have finally managed to track down and purchase a 3½” Aerial Popular reel that I am happy with, it spins beautifully without any wobble, it came in the post this morning. I have wanted one of these reels for a very long time. I have just cleaned it up and laced it with 100 yards of 6lb line, now ready for action sometime next week.

Congratulations, Sir !

Superb Mark....well done mate. :hat:

The 3 and a half inch 'pop' is a fine reel and should, barring dropping it, give good, wobble free, service for years to come!

I suspect it was not cheap, even in user condition, but they do look good and sensibly the smaller reel should cover most situations.

A little tip for you is to just watch the 'ally' does not come into contact with anything, even mildly corrosive. Old Ally is the very devil if it starts to oxidise....I know I was that man!

I bet you are looking forward to giving it a proper 'spin' out on the bank?

Mole Power!!! :sun:

Thanks for the advice Moley. :thumb:

Looks a nice one, mine looks like a bears ar5e in comparison, the pops are lovely reels, they have a lovely feel to them. Good luck with it mark