What is the oldest American made reel? Also, the oldest rod?

Larry Moellman · Post by **Larry Moellman** » Sun Oct 31, 2004 10:35 am

Just wondering what the oldest American made rod and reel were? The Sedalia Democrat newspaper coming down to do a article on my antique fishing tackle this week, and wanted to be sure I answered this question correctly if asked. Thanks for any info! Larry

Harvey · Post by **Harvey** » Sun Oct 31, 2004 12:28 pm

Tell them it was a Cheney reel and Bush rod. That should set well with the The Sedalia Democrat
Just a joke! Steve can answer your questions.
Harvey

Post by **Brian F.** » Sun Oct 31, 2004 1:31 pm

I'll say Snyder and if I'm right, I'll credit Steve's book. If I'm wrong, I'll take all the credit!

Jim Madden · Post by **Jim Madden** » Sun Oct 31, 2004 1:53 pm

Technically, the first American made rod was a whittled section of a choice willow branch cut by an American. It's thanks to him that so many feet have holes. I don't want to take credit for that. Jim

Russ · Post by **Russ** » Sun Oct 31, 2004 9:26 pm

Here's a page I found on Snyder. http://orcaonline.org/images/pixel.gif?snyder.html

Larry Moellman · Post by **Larry Moellman** » Sun Oct 31, 2004 9:30 pm

Thanks for the info! I'll tell them, the first reel was made in the early 1800's, and the first rod, about 15,000 BC by the indians. That'll work!

Reel Geezer · Post by **Reel Geezer** » Sun Oct 31, 2004 9:32 pm

Snyder is credited with making the first American MULTIPLYING reel. I believe there were other makers earlier than him.

Jim Schottenham · Post by **Jim Schottenham** » Sun Oct 31, 2004 10:38 pm

Phil's correct, the first reels were produced somewhere around 1815. Steve covers some of this on his FAQ page from his website:
http://antiquefishingreels.info/FAQgeneral.htm
Jim

Steve · Post by **Steve** » Mon Nov 01, 2004 5:57 am

It's much too early in the AM for this.

Snyder didn't invent the multiplier, but he was the earliest identifiable (so far) American reelmaker.

Rods? Dunno, but I'm not aware of any rodmakers before Sam Phillipe who've been identified, unless we can assume that Conroy was making the rods he was selling.

Post by **Brian F.** » Mon Nov 01, 2004 4:29 pm

Ahaa...Maybe I was partially correct!

What is the oldest American made reel? Also, the oldest rod?

What is the oldest American made reel? Also, the oldest rod?

A guess

Oldest rod

Aha