Roam Reel
A puck-sized fishing hand reel that doubles as the tackle box. The final version is printed, field-tested and catching fish.
- For
- Personal product
- Context
- Product development at home
- My role
- Designer
- Year
- 2026
- Size
- 106 mm diameter, 33 mm tall
- Prototype
- Printed in PETG at 0.16 mm layers
- Tools
- SolidWorks, Bambu Lab A1, PETG
Problem
The idea came on a holiday in Tasmania: a good fishing spot, and no gear, because a rod and tackle box are bulky and a commitment to travel with. A hand reel is the simplest way to fish: line wound on a disc, thrown by hand. It packs small enough to come on every trip, but the tackle still goes in a separate box. The aim was to make the reel the box, so a complete kit fits in a pocket. It is not a substitute for full gear, but it is far better than none.
Design
The reel body screws onto a base around a threaded centre post. Unscrew it and there are round storage bays in the body and divided compartments in the base, so hooks, sinkers and swivels each have a place. The line winds around the outside.
Each version was modelled in SolidWorks and printed on a Bambu Lab A1 in PETG.
3D model loads when you scroll here.
The latest body, tray and lid, laid out side by side.
Testing and iteration
Several sizes and thicknesses were printed and used to find the balance between ergonomics and portability: a larger reel is easier to cast and wind, a smaller one is easier to carry and store. The versions were:
- a first 100 mm body;
- a thicker body;
- a smaller body and a smaller tray;
- a body with a textured grip;
- a lid and a cap.
Once the size was settled, the design kept evolving to make it easier and more intuitive to use.
Outcome
The final version is complete and has been printed in a couple of styles. It has been used on trips and has caught fish, and it carries a useful amount of tackle.
Market research
Before further development, the competition was mapped: other hand reels, compact travel kits and survival fishing kits. A few reels have a single hollow cavity. None put multiple, divided compartments inside the reel itself, so that is the point of difference to build on.
Next steps
Preparing to sell it: a marketing plan and a business strategy are in progress.