Picture this: two parents, four kids, six bikes, and an ambitious plan to ride into DuPont State Forest for an afternoon of fishing. The reality? Fishing rods strapped to bikes, tackle boxes crammed into backpacks, and near-disasters on the trail. We'd arrive at the water exhausted before making our first cast.
There had to be a better way.
Fast and Light Philosophy
We're Mike and Susie McKearin, and we started Crystal Creek Gear here in Pisgah Forest, Western North Carolina. Our climbing backgrounds taught us a simple principle: strip away what you don't need, perfect what you do. Every ounce matters on an adventure.
Mike grew up surrounded by fishing gear – his dad was a fishing gear rep. But years of climbing showed us that the best adventures happen when you're not weighed down by complicated equipment.
Built by a Family, Tested Everywhere
What started in our garage with a 3D printer has evolved into precision-machined hand reels designed and built right here in the USA. Our kids became our most honest product testers. (If a seven-year-old can't figure it out, it's too complicated.)
Today, our GoReels feature anodized aluminum components and injection-molded kits refined through countless hours on the water. They've caught fish in mountain streams, urban ponds, and backcountry lakes across the country.
Why We're Here
We believe fishing should fit your life, not the other way around. Too many anglers skip opportunities because the gear feels like too much work. We're solving that problem – the same one we faced on those bike rides to DuPont.
Hand reel fishing gives you the freedom to fish anywhere, anytime. No setup, no hassle, no excuses. Whether you're hiking past a promising creek or have fifteen minutes during lunch, your fishing gear is already with you.
Join the Adventure
Grab a GoReel, find some water, and discover what fishing feels like when nothing holds you back.
Simple gear. Endless adventures. Fishing that fits in your pocket. Proudly designed and manufactured in Pisgah Forest, North Carolina, USA