Antique Equipment for antique anglers - :)

ORCA Online Forum - Feel free to talk or ask about ALL kinds of old tackle here, with an emphasis on old reels!
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DanNichols
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Antique Equipment for antique anglers - :)

Post by DanNichols »

My best friend just retired, and I had the idea to refurbish some vintage rods and reels,, spool them up with vintage line, and fish them. The idea was "antique equipment for antique anglers" :)

I'm happy to say, we were successful.



Me (Dan) with a Shakespeare Wondereel 1920 on a Wonderod:


My buddy with a Shakespeare Professional 1965 on an unbranded "period appropriate:" rod.



We were surprised at how quickly we were able to adjust to the direct drive "knuckle buster" equipment.
Lots of fun and we intend to keep these rigs in the rotation.
Thanks to ORCA for the help and advice.

-Dan-
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Brian F.
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Re: Antique Equipment for antique anglers - :)

Post by Brian F. »

Always fun to use your antique tackle. Several members tried their hand at some pier fishing with some bamboo rods and Penn bay reels at the ORCA National couple of weeks ago.
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Brian F.
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ORCA Member 1997
Got a spare reel stamped "Pflueger" or a Montague Imperial?
"Caution, objects in reel view mirror are older than they appear."
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Eric J
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Re: Antique Equipment for antique anglers - :)

Post by Eric J »

Very nice!
Congratulations on the retirement!
I’m o-fish-ally retired now too as of last Friday.
Shellbelly
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Re: Antique Equipment for antique anglers - :)

Post by Shellbelly »

Ditto! So, I Take it your knuckles survived and you had fun. Recently retired as well and going to fish the surf with my brother and nephew later this week. All day-all night-all surf-all wet. Won't be using direct drives (I know, we're wimps) but the 50 year old level wind Penns will get a work out.
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Midway Tommy D
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Re: Antique Equipment for antique anglers - :)

Post by Midway Tommy D »

That's pretty cool. You guys should get together with Bill Sonnet & Warren Platt. Y'all would have a good time together!
Love those Open Face Spinning Reels! (Especially ABU & ABU/Zebco)

Tom DeLong, NE
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Paul Roberts
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Re: Antique Equipment for antique anglers - :)

Post by Paul Roberts »

Recently retired too. Waiting patiently (like an angel) to get settled and be able to fish again. In the meantime I’ve collected a few too many old reels. And have been going through each one in turn, getting them ready to fish. Did I say I’ve been as patient as an angel?
ORCA 2020, 2021, 2022, 2023, 2024
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Mike N
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Re: Antique Equipment for antique anglers - :)

Post by Mike N »

I’ve said it here before: a 1960s fiberglass Shakespeare Wonder Rod multiples the joy of fighting a fish 10X.

Thx for posting.

Mike N
Mike N.
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john elder
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Re: Antique Equipment for antique anglers - :)

Post by john elder »

+1 on that one, Mike! Just love that whole series of Shakes rods. Makes a 1 lb bass feel like 5! My only complaint is the sliding band on cork reel seat. Would be fun to modify a few to different setup.
ORCA member since 1999
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Specializing in saltwater reels...and fly reels...and oh, yeah, kentucky style reels.....and those tiny little RP reels.....oh, heck...i collect fishing reels!...and fly rods....and lures
Shellbelly
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Re: Antique Equipment for antique anglers - :)

Post by Shellbelly »

There's magic in those older Wonder Rods. I didn't realize anyone else had felt the multiplying effect they have. Kinda scary when you get over 5 lbs of angry fish on the hook but they just won't break. Love mine with a Peerless #9 for big sheepshead!
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Ron Mc
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Re: Antique Equipment for antique anglers - :)

Post by Ron Mc »

I've always preferred fishing NLW because of the added cast distance = cast ease and reliability.

My favorite Thomas Mahogany grade bait rod and Talbot Niangua.
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Since you need to dry your silk braid on a line winder, at home, you restore your hand level wind for the next outing.
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