Garbolino Reel Match Gold 359FD 3500

Garbolino Reel Match Gold 359FD 3500

Achieve total finesse and technical perfection with the Garbolino Match Gold 359FD. At Gerry’s Fishing, we know that while “power” reels have their place, many sessions are won or lost on the quality of your delicate presentation. The 3500 size is the specialist’s choice, offering a compact, ultra-lightweight profile that balances perfectly with the highest-end, high-modulus rods where any excess weight would ruin the tip’s recovery speed.

The “9FD” designation indicates that this reel is equipped with 9 premium stainless steel ball bearings plus an instant anti-reverse bearing. This results in a “weightless” rotation that allows you to feel the most minute changes in resistance, whether it’s a tiny roach intercepting a falling caster or a skimmer “lifting” the shot on a light float rig. The internal gears are precision-cut and housed in a rigid, high-modulus carbon composite body, ensuring that the “out-of-the-box” smoothness remains for years of competitive use.

Like its larger siblings in the Gold range, the 3500 features twin spring-loaded metal line clips. This is a massive advantage for the thinking angler, allowing you to alternate between two precise distances with zero risk of line fraying, all while enjoying the silky-smooth performance of a flagship front-drag system.

Detailed Specifications

Where to Use

• Precision Canal Trotting: The lightweight 3500 body is perfect for 11ft or 12ft light match rods. It allows you to hold the rod for hours without fatigue while providing the smooth drag needed for bonus fish on 0.06mm hooklengths.

• Short-Range “Wand” Feeder: Ideal for 8ft or 9ft feeder rods used on “Snake” lakes or when fishing the “short” line. It provides enough power to land carp but keeps the small rod perfectly balanced.

• Silverfish Competition: When every ounce counts and you are targeting high numbers of roach and skimmers, the 3500’s high-speed retrieval and frictionless bearings keep your work rate at its peak.

• Pellet Waggler for F1s: On venues where the fish are smaller or more cautious, the 3500 offers a more subtle approach than the larger 4500/5500 reels, allowing for softer, more controlled casts with light wagglers.

Pro Tip

Gerry’s Pro Tip: The “Direct Drive” screw-in handle on the Match Gold is a feature usually reserved for the most expensive Japanese reels. Because it screws directly into the main gear, it eliminates the “play” found in standard hex-shaft handles. When you first set up, ensure it is tight, but don’t over-torque it. For the ultimate finesse setup, use this reel with a 3lb or 4lb low-stretch monofilament; the shallow spool is designed to keep this thin line in perfect condition, preventing the “coiling” that often leads to tangles on deeper spools.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is the 3500 size too small for commercial carp?

While the 3500 has the internal strength and a fantastic drag system to land large carp, it is primarily designed for balance and finesse. If you are consistently targetting double-figure carp at range, the 4500 or 5500 sizes offer more “grunt.” However, for F1s and match-sized carp on light rods, the 3500 is more than capable.

Why are there 9 bearings in such a small reel?

The high bearing count in the 359FD isn’t just about speed; it’s about stability. By supporting the main shaft and gears with 9 bearings, Garbolino has ensured that the reel won’t “flex” or become noisy under the pressure of a hooked fish, maintaining its silk-like feel for much longer than a 3 or 4-bearing reel.

Are the metal line clips actually “safe” for thin lines?

Yes. The twin clips on the Gold series are spring-loaded, meaning they have a slight “give” when the line hits them. They are also polished to a mirror finish, ensuring there are no burrs or sharp edges to nick your 0.14mm or 0.16mm mainlines.

Does it come with a spare spool?

The Match Gold 359FD is supplied with one premium-grade, shallow aluminum match spool. These spools are precision-engineered to provide the best possible line-lay, which is the key to achieving those extra few yards on the cast with light floats. Spare spools are available through our spares department.