matching bait casting reels with rods

[gomphus]

Hi folks,
I'm looking for a resource that would help me pair up bait casting reels with the appropriate period rod.
I'm relatively new to this game (collecting reels, not fishing). I now have about 30-35 inexpensive casting reels that I think are fishable. Most of the reels I've collected won't see water, but some I want to play with.
for example...a $10.00 pflueger Nobby ...just doesn't look right on my Sage fly rod.

I did a site search, but didn't see a resource that matched reels to rods. That said, I'm new to this and may have missed it.

G.

[Harvey]

How is this for a rule of thumb. Before 1952, either steel or bamboo. After 1952 till around 1960, steel, bamboo or fiberglass. After 1960, fiberglass. Matching up the dates of a specific rod, one would have to rely on catalogues to see just what rod was availble at the time of when the reel was made. I am not sure when the last Steel or Bamboo rods were offered so this is just a somewhat calculated guess.
Harvey

[gomphus]

Oh Shoot! Thanks for the info Harvey.

So now I have to explain to my wife why I need to begin collecting old steel, bamboo and glass rods...when I already have (in her words) an huge collection of stupid rods now.

hmmm...okay cool...I can do that.


Okay, now that you have me going down this path...what rod you you use to fish/test ...say a basic Shakespeare professional with?
go slow...I'm a flyfisherman from western canada.

G.

[Harvey]

Gomphus:
No comment on the "Slow fly fisherman from Western Canada" It is much better than being a "Half Fast Fly Fisherman"

If you are talking about the #1845 Shakespeare Professional, They were made from 1938 till 1950. You have two choices. Here is a suggestion: From what I read, you are going to attempt to fish with them somewhat. Upgrade to a Fiberglass rod. You stand a better chance of not breaking it over Bamboo. Also, Find you a steel rod in good condition and try it. You will be pleasantly surprised with the action. Try to find a fiberglass Shakespeare Howard Process Wonderod in the length you desire. Of course, I kinda lean tward Shakespeare over other makers) For a Steel rod, either a True Temper, Orchard Inds. of a Ohio Fork & Hoe rod. (I know the "OL' Geezer will direct you toward a Bristol rod but they are any different, so to speak.) Early Fiberglass rods in EX shape will run you in the neighborhood of $50.00 while you can pick up a good steel one for maybe $15.00.
Hope this helps a little and please let us know the outcome.

Now the wife! Just do what Kobe did, buy her a five caret diamond and go fishing while she shows it to her friends!

By the way, If not a member all ready, Come join ORCA and enjoy the experience.
harvey

[SWIM JIG]

ok Gomphus, Now for some solid tips! I too loke steel rods,and no they wont atract a strike frome the sky anymore than Glass rods or graphite rods etc! Harvy you advised him corectly and I too prefer the STEEL rods and tru temper or american fork and hoe are (the best) my oppion, Try to get one with square sides as all round ones bend a bit too easy. Next always carry a few cotton QTIPS! this allows you to check the condition of the line guides, if the cotton fibers drag and stick to the Qtip, then you will need a new guide! that will cost on the average instaled $10.00 each as most early rods were wire wound and soldered. If you do it yourself and with thread , the guide will run at least $4.00 plus thread expoxy and your time! Stay away from tubular steel they kink too easy. as for Bamboo ! they brake and splinter with age. a rod should be no taller than you, or at least 5ft 10in. and if that rod feels good in your hand then buy it! As for line (never use that plastic mono filliment its a shure way to ruin a reel, those early rods used fabric line! Once you get the outfit balanced , you will enjoy it. As for the wife? take her fishing and get her ,her own rod and reel and teach her to fish! She will then see how much fun it is and when she catches her first fish take her PIC! ah live is so beautiful ! Now go fish as thats where I am headed On lake erie for walleye and some yellow pearch. Your Ohio Conection Col. Milton Lorens AKA SWIM JIG

[gomphus]

Harvey/SWIM JIG
Thanks for the great advice guys… Oh! and thanks for the info on the rods too!
I’ve honestly never even seen a steel fishing rod. The learning curve is steep with you guys.
Seriously, I do appreciate the info. I have just gotten into collecting casting reels in the last couple of years. I’m not sure why I like ‘em…they’re just…umm…cool.
(Geez…I hope no one in my fly fishing club sees this).

Anyway, my plan is to buy a few rods that match the reels over the winter, and then try them out at the cabin in the spring. Thanks again for the info.


Harvey:
I discovered and joined ORCA in April this year. I’ve just been lurking and enjoying the members wisdom and insight.
That said…this whole 5 caret diamond thing is causing me some concern…is a 5 caret cubic zirconium a suitable replacement? How about some of those red jewels from the side plate of a Pflueger?

SWIM JIG:
I took my wife fishing with me about 20 years ago. AND I took the picture. She skillfully caught and landed the 120-foot Douglas fir, that was behind her. You should have seen the arc in that rod! She gets cranky when I show that picture. Yes, we still go fishing together. But, now I fish… Maureen reads until I’m done.
Works for me. I hate cleaning them 120 foot trees.


G.

[Harvey]

Glad to help and welcome aboard! And on the 5 caret cubic zirconium, just remember, "If it won't scrach glass, it doesn't show class."
The fir tree reminds me of the story of the guy that spent $700.00 for a rod, $250.00 for a reel, bought waders, line, backing, a vest, flys and all the other things to make his fishing trip a trip to never forget. When ask by the tackle shop owner later about what he caught, his reply was, "My straw hat twice and a mighty oak tree" but it was a very enjoyable trip.
"H"

[SWIM JIG]

GOMPHUS while looking for reel parts I came across these sites by one person, never saw so many steel rods at low prices go to 7109471091 and 7109471898 some fork and hoe, etc check all his auctions too many to list here, the steel rods are giv a ways some need a repair on the cork handle etc, however for what I saw you could get many of them for less than the price of one new modern junk rod! Your Ohio Conection the deciding state Col. M. Lorens aka SWIM JIG

[Richard Lodge]

I agree this was an excellent issue. Of course, with you and me appearing in the esteemed pages of ye olde Reel News, we do come across like we're "fishing" for compliments, don't we? Sort of preaching to the choir to tell our buds on the Reel Talk board how much we like the issue. But I do agree with you about Phil. That rascal can't leave the editorship at the top of his game. Heck, there's not a politician or editor in America who can do that! You either get booted out of office (if you're a pol) or you get booted out of the newsroom (if you're an editor), and that's only when you p--- off the publisher. ORCA doesn't even have a publisher, so he doesn't have a way out. I, for one, vote for Phil to stay in that editor's seat until the Cubs win the World Series. It took the Red Sox only 86 years, so maybe the Cubbies are due in another decade or two?

[gomphus]

Thanks SWIM JIG! yep...I've been all over the internet since you and Harvey pointed me in the right direction...it was southish by northeastwestern right? ...anyway I've also got 7109663878 on my scope.
I think I'm drinking from a firehose now...sheesh, sometimes you have to dig for a scrap of info...this isn't like that.
I'm not sure about buying something off of ebay that I'm totally ignorant about...but I'm coming up to speed.
I really appreciate the info!

PS> I got my copy of REEL NEWS today..."Awesome"!
This board, and the folks that are keeping the show running rock! Thanks Guys!

G.