Abel Reels and onWater Fish have just launched their newest campaigns dedicated to chasing blue lines. The collaboration is a first of its kind, blending together the onWater app and Abel’s ability to custom engrave its reels. Now, users of the onWater app can engrave their own unique blue lines onto an Abel TR. If you love chasing blue lines and fish, check out the full press release below to learn more.
Abel Reels and onWater Fish Launch Industry-First Custom Blue Line TR Reel
Featuring River to Reel technology, blending personalized mapping with precision machining and custom finishing for anglers
Abel Reels, in partnership with onWater Fish, is proud to introduce a customized extension of its popular Abel Blue Line TR as part of the Blue Lining Project—a collaborative initiative with Airflo, onWater, and Trout Unlimited. This limited-edition reel marks an industry first, integrating personalized river mapping with premium reel design. Anglers can now engrave the unique “blue lines” of their favorite river system directly onto their reel.
Each reel is built with Abel’s proprietary Cerano™ Chaos Coating, which fuses durable ceramic coating with precision laser engraving. The Abel TR, a lightweight click-pawl reel designed specifically for trout fishing, delivers smooth performance and timeless simplicity on small to mid-sized streams.
“We’re proud to be the first to integrate personalized digital cartography with Abel’s precision machining and custom finishing for anglers,” said Jeff Wagner, CEO of Abel Reels. “This reel is not only durable and unique, it’s also deeply personal to every angler. It tells your story about your favorite section of river or bend. A huge thanks to OnWater for helping bring this concept to life—their app makes customization seamless and accessible for the entire Abel community.”
“This is the first time mobile geospatial tech and hard goods have come together like this in the outdoor industry,” said Alex Maier, Chief Marketing Officer and Head of Product at onWater. “It’s not just about putting a map on a reel, it’s about creating something lasting and deeply personal. With Abel, we turned digital exploration into physical gear that tells a story. This kind of integration doesn’t happen without real collaboration, and we’re proud of what we built together. Now your waters live with you, on the water, in the app, and in your hand.”
As part of the Blue Lining Project, each reel purchase supports Trout Unlimited’s mission to protect and restore coldwater habitats. The project encourages anglers to explore thin, unpressured stretches of water, including hidden streams, forgotten creeks, and quiet rivers, while promoting conservation through responsible recreation. By guiding anglers to lesser-known waters, the initiative helps reduce pressure on heavily trafficked rivers and fosters a greater sense of environmental stewardship.
Available now through the onWater Fish App starting at $695, your purchase gives back to Trout Unlimited, includes a free year of onWater+, and offers the option to add a custom Airflo Blue Line Superflo Universal fly line.
How to Customize
- Unlock 7-days of Plus access via www.onwaterapp.com
- Download the OnWater Fish App from your phone’s app store
- Tap the “+” Quick Action button and select Create Custom Abel Reel • Search for your river, select your stretch, and toggle between satellite and reel preview
- Choose your reel color and size, submit your design, and check out via Abel • Add the Airflo Blue Line Superflo Smooth Universal Taper Fly Line to complete your setup
About Abel Reels
Established in 1988 and based in Montrose, Colorado, Abel Reels are handcrafted fly fishing reels and accessories that are celebrated for their precision, performance, and artistry. Each reel is carefully machined from aerospace-grade aluminum, individually anodized, laser-engraved and hand painted by skilled artisans in the USA.
Abel Reels is synonymous with excellence, offering innovative features like the Abel Drag System and an unparalleled selection of custom finishes that allow anglers to personalize their gear. As part of the Mayfly Outdoors family, Abel Reels is committed to preserving the heritage of fly fishing, supporting conservation efforts, and inspiring a passion for the sport among anglers worldwide. For more information, visit abelreels.com.
About onWater Fish
onWater Fish is a mobile app designed to help anglers explore new water, track conditions on their favorite rivers and lakes, and journal their time on the water. onWater connects users with legal access, streamflow data, public and private land boundaries, and personalized tools to help them fish smarter and with greater purpose. The app also connects anglers to local conservation groups and events, helping turn awareness into action. Learn more at http://www.onwaterapp.com
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