Heddon Mark IV Auto Fly Reel Repair

[Midway Tommy D]

I need to take apart a Heddon Mark IV Model 11 Automatic Fly Reel to repair it. The line won't pull out without actually using your finger to push sideways on the spool while turning it and the rewind spring won't continually engage. The manual tightener will turn but the lever/button won't release the spring, when depressed, to reel line in.

Anyway, never taken an automatic apart before so I was wondering if there are any suggestions or tips I should know before I start pulling it apart so it doesn't end up like a Jack-in-the-Box with parts bouncing off the walls and ceiling and then into the carpet, which I most likely will never find or figure out how they're supposed to go back together correctly.

Tom

[OzarkRiverRat34]

Did you ever attempt this? I got a fly rod from my grandpa that was my great grandfathers. I’ve lived in Colorado and just gotten into fly fishing in the last 6 months to a year. This rod looks like it’s never been used. The case was caked with dust. I want to give it a good inspection before I go use it. Any advice? I’m not sure the name of the rod I have on it but the reel is the heddon mark IV like you had this post. Would love to hear any advice!

[Midway Tommy D]

Yeah, I got it fixed. Did a complete service while I was at it. I just went ahead and carefully dove into it making sure the spring didn't come flying out. It really isn't that complicated, just a little tedious & time consuming. There are now a couple of helpful YouTube videos on taking apart auto fly reels that weren't available back when I worked on mine. The Shakespeare autos are the same as the Heddons so you can start there. Good luck & be careful with that spring.