BENNETT J. MINTZ PR/ADV.
22370 Mission Circle
Chatsworth, California 91311
818.718.8566 718.1958 Fax
bjmintz@socal.rr.com

For information:

Michael A. Bias, Ph.D.
Executive Director
Big Hole River Foundation
PO Box 3894
Butte, MT 59702
406-684-5564 office
bhrf@bhrf.org
866-533-2473

Jeff Patterson
Abel Reels
165 Aviador Street
Camarillo, CA 93010
jeff@abelreels.com
www.abelreels.com
866-511-7444

March 8, 2010

FOR IMMEDIATE USE

Arctic Grayling

BIG HOLE RIVER FOUNDATION
TO BENEFIT FROM ABEL REEL

CAMARILLO, Calif. – Wildlife artist James Prosek and precision fishing tackle manufacturer Abel have combined their creativity for the ninth time to produce a fund raising fly reel, this one to benefit the Big Hole River Foundation’s fight to preserve the area’s native Arctic grayling.

A new for 2010 model Abel Super 4N large arbor reel – for 4- and 5-weight flylines – will be done in a hand painted and anodized Arctic grayling finish inspired by Prosek. Abel will produce a limited edition of 100 signed and numbered reels to be accompanied by an Arctic grayling giclee print with corresponding number.

Reels and giclee prints numbers 1 and 2 are being donated by Abel to the Big Hole River Foundation for the organization’s conservation fund raising.

The Big Hole River Foundation's mission is “To conserve, enhance and protect the free-flowing character of the Big Hole River, its unique culture, fish and wildlife.”

According to the organization, “The Big Hole hosts the only self sustaining wild fluvial Arctic grayling population in the lower 48 states. We are working to develop science-based conservation strategies that will protect this magnificent resource, and enhance critical habitat for native trout, grayling, and other species.”

The Abel Super 4N large arbor reel has a spool diameter of 3.300 inches with a 0.675 inch spool width. The reel weighs 4.6 ounces.

The Big Hole River in southwest Montana is one of the only free-flowing rivers remaining in the west. The waterway is more than 150 miles in length and drains some 2,500 square miles.

The foundation’s objectives include Conservation and Research; Education and Outreach; and Management and Administration.

The American-made Super 4N is machined from cold finished 6061-T aircraft quality aluminum and then anodized utilizing Abel’s proprietary procedure.

“This Prosek Arctic grayling edition reel is part of our continuing effort on behalf of volunteer conservation efforts,” said Abel president Don R. Swanson. “To date, our donated specialty fish graphics reels have raised thousands of dollars for brook trout, golden trout, steelhead, striped bass, cutthroat trout, and other conservation organizations . . . and we hope to do even more to save these endangered grayling,” said Swanson.

Prosek, a Connecticut-based artist who has authored and/or illustrated Trout an Illustrated History, Trout of the World, Joe and Me, Fly-Fishing the 41st Parallel, Early Love and Brook Trout , a children’s book, A Good Day’s Fishing, and a January, 2010 article in National Geographic on the Clown Fish has been called the James Audubon of fish.

The collectors’ edition Abel/Prosek Arctic grayling reel is priced at $895.