Info needed -- Ohio Tool Spinning Reel

[mtcm76]

I am new to this hobby and I have been picking up a few reels here and there. Thus far I am only collecting spinning reels and I try to pick up things that are different and unfamiliar to me.

I recently purchased this reel on EBay but know nothing about it. Not worried if I overpaid as I bought it not for value but only that it is different.




Can anyone give me any information on this reel. Possibly the year(s) of manufacture. I do not see an anti-reverse or brake on this reel like I do on other spinning reels. I assume this reel does not have an brake or anti-reverse on it.

Now regarding that lever on the back of the reel and runs to the front of the reel. I am not sure what this is used for. What is its purpose?



Any information would be greatly appreciated.

[Midway Tommy D]

Mike,

They were originally designed and marketed by Ashaway Line & Twine of Rhode Island & New Jersey and manufactured from the late 40's, i.e. 47-48, through the early/mid 50's. There are 2 models, the Slip Cast, and the larger Surf Cast which has a black body. The reel is basically stainless steel, except for the spool, which is aluminum. Ashaway contracted with Ohio Tool Co to manufacture the reels and Ohio Tool manufactured some reels with their Ohio Tool name stamped on them. Both companies' reels are identical and parts will interchange.Values are also the same for comparable models from both companies with the Surf Caster usually bringing a little more. The reel sits on top of the rod rather than under so a casting rod is feasible. The lever is used to hold/retain the line with your thumb while casting. Open the bail, retain the line by pressing down on the thumb lever and cast like a spin casting reel. The line then free flows out just like an open face spinning reel. Crank and the bail closes to wind in line. I think they are an awkward contraption to try to cast but their design was in the early US spinning days and you didn't have to also buy a spinning rod to use them. I suppose on could get proficient after a while but I don't have the patience. Pyramid Manufacturing Co of Cleveland, Ohio produced a reel similar to the Slip Cast for a couple of years in the 50's after OTCO stopped production. The Pyramid reel is harder to come by and generally brings at least twice the price.

FYI, if you'd like to get the Tell All Spinning Reel Bible, i.e. "Wright's Spinning Reel Reference & Value Guide", PM Ben Wright (Ben) and he will set you up with the best multi inclusive open face spinning reel reference ever printed.

Tom

[stidog]

Wow, that was some great info!

[mtcm76]

I agree Larry. Thank you Tom for the information. I will have to hook up with Ben about his book when the budget allows. New allocation of spending money for my hobby doesn't hit until the end of the month.

Regarding that lever, that is very awkward. I guess after using spinning reels for so long I can't imagine 1) trying to use one on the top of the reel, and 2) pressing the lever similar to using a push button reel. Funny but I tried several years ago to get my father-in-law to use a spinning reel and he had been using the push button reels for so long he just couldn't addapt. I know he would really have had issues with this.

[Don Champion]

I would imagine the lever could also be used to feather the line at the end of a cast although I prefer to use my finger for that task.

[jimbofish]

Funny but I tried several years ago to get my father-in-law to use a spinning reel and he had been using the push button reels for so long he just couldn't addapt. I know he would really have had issues with this.

I had the same issue with my father and spinning reels. Mom and I bought him an outfit that he tried a few times and packed away. He preferred his pushbuttons and level-winds. On the plus side, I eventually inherited a nearly mint Mitchell 304 and Heddon rod.

My uncle, who always fished with us, did adapt to spinners, but he turned the reel up and rewound backwards! I never understood how that was easier.

To be perfectly honest, spinning reels have always frustrated me, but I came to love closed face under-rod reels like Shakespeares and Zebco triggerspins.

A little metal polish should make that Ohio Tool reel shine! I'd put some used line on it and at least try it out on real fish.

[Midway Tommy D]

To be perfectly honest, spinning reels have always frustrated me, but I came to love closed face under-rod reels like Shakespeares and Zebco triggerspins.

My daughter uses under-rod trigger-spins and refuses to adapt to an open face. I keep trying to explain that for single hook live bait trolling rigs, which is MN law except for manufactured worm harnesses and lures, that she won't get any kinks, snags, catches or have to feed line when she gets a bite. Just drop your index finger with an open bail to release and the line flows out smoothly. Typical offspring, she won't listen.

I'd put some used line on it and at least try it out on real fish.

Here you go, casting instructions and the rest of the user manual. Good luck and don't throw it in the lake out of frustration:

I would imagine the lever could also be used to feather the line at the end of a cast although I prefer to use my finger for that task.

Not according to #4 Don. I suppose, though, anything is possible a with little, or in this case a lot, of practice.

BTW Mike, there is no anti-reverse or click and drag adjustment is with the knob on the spool.

Tom

[mtcm76]

Tom, that is awesome information. Thanks so much. Since learning what that lever was for I started checking it out last night and I can see where it can be pretty frustrating. The bail has to be in a certain position in order to depress the button or the bail will not open.

I will check put the instructions now and see what I was doing wrong.

[jimbofish]

Those instructions are very cool, especially the use of the spelling of bale. Perhaps this reel is where my uncle learned to his spinning reels upside down.

What's the purpose of the little square tab on the trigger?

[Midway Tommy D]

the little square tab on the trigger?

External bail trip.

Tom