A lot of you will smile at this, knowing what a great reel I am about to mention. Some of you, like myself, might be surprised as I was.
I purchased a large group of rods and reels last autumn with the intention of making a few dollars as well as adding to my ever growing collection. Stating the obvious, I worked on the “better quality” equipment first to make back my investment. Once they were cleaned and ready for sale, I began working on the “lesser” reels. This included the old push button casters. I have always viewed these reels as a poorer quality, beginners reel. I started to clean up a Johnson Century 100B. As I took the reel apart, after noting the several knobs for adjustments on the outside, I was amazed at the quality and craftsmanship on this little reel! The work that went into this very small framework of a reel blew me away! Not only was there a dual anti-reverse lever, and an external, numbered drag lever, but the handle is actually reversible to accommodate left and right hand retrieve! All enclosed in a very small metal housing! This is one very impressively built reel! I am sure that this is not an isolated case, just the first one my narrow minded way of thinking has been enlightened to! If nothing else, I will no longer “snub my nose” at reels that do not hold my admiration. Three cheers for USA craftsmanship!!
A lowly reel??
Re: A lowly reel??
Johnson reels have developed quite a large following. Their trade reels have gotten really collectable and pretty expensive. There is a really good Johnson collector website.
- Midway Tommy D
- Star Board Poster
- Posts: 3135
- Joined: Sun Jan 20, 2013 11:23 pm
- Location: Eastern NE
Re: A lowly reel??
The Centuries & Citations have caught a lot of fish over the years and they're still out there catching them today. They have stood the test of time.
Love those Open Face Spinning Reels! (Especially ABU & ABU/Zebco)
Tom DeLong, NE
ORCA Member - 2027
Tom DeLong, NE
ORCA Member - 2027
Re: A lowly reel??
The design of the Johnson bait casting reels was ahead of its time. The numerically adjustable drag, the metallic color and the simple, compact design and large bail release, thumb-friendly, button make it almost foolproof to use. It’s always been one of my favs. The Johnson models 40A and 80 have a George Jetson space-age look to them and models in odd colors and great condition are, and likely will be, very collectible.
Mike N.
ORCA Founder, 1990
ORCA Founder, 1990