The Ashaway Slip Cast reel

[kevinhaney1]

I just acquired an Ashaway Slip Cast reel, which I understand is supposed to be used like a spincast reel. My question concerns the use of the funny thumb lever. If I had to guess, it looks like this probably stops the spool spinning so the drag can be employed, since it doesn't have an antireverse. Is that what it's for, or does it serve some other function?

Kevin

[Midway Tommy D]

I suppose you could try to use it that way but I doubt it would work very well. It's purpose is to hold the line during the casting motion. It takes a lot of practice to be proficient with it.

[kevinhaney1]

Well, maybe that's why it was only produced for a very short time...

Kevin

[Midway Tommy D]

You can read more about them over here.

[kevinhaney1]

Thanks for the link Tommy! Would it be possible for you to email me that Ashaway instruction file so I could print it out?

Kevin

[Midway Tommy D]

Thanks for the link Tommy! Would it be possible for you to email me that Ashaway instruction file so I could print it out?

Kevin

I upgraded my computer a couple of years ago and it didn't make it through the transition. You should, though, be able to open it and enlarge it in that window, or open it in another window, and then save it to file or print it.

[Bill Sonnett]

The thumb-operated lever functions exactly like one's finger on the average open-face spinning reel. This was one of the first mass-produced spinning reels that were designed to sit in the reel seat of the casting rod that everyone already owned, rather than necessitate the purchase of a new spinning rod. Ashaway realy pushed the term "slip-cast" at a time when Americans had not yet made up their minds as to what this new method of fishing (ie spinning) was going to be called. The term "Thread line fishing" was also popular. It was expected that braided line would be used and Ashaway packaged the same braided nylon line on identical spools, labeling some "spinning" line and some "slip-cast" line.