An Honor

[Roger Schulz]

Yesterday I was truly honored to received a phone call from Mr. Thomas Catucci. Mr. Catucci is the son of Walter Catucci who is the son of Pliny Catucci. If you are a student of Meisselbach and Messelbach-Catucci fishing reels you will see the excitement I had in receiving this call. This past spring I did an article on Pliny Catucci and his work with A. F. Meisselbach and the many patents they developed for fishing reels. I provided a copy of the March Reel News to the Catucci family after I found an address on the internet. Tom Catucci's father, Walter, was interviewed by Phil White back in the mid-1990s. He met Tom during the interview. Phil provided a copy of his 1995 book to the Catucci family. I mentioned to Tom, that after consultation with Phil White this past Spring, that I have decided to do a new comprehensive book of the history of A.F. Meisselbach and Pliny Catucci and the reels they developed. I hope to have the book completed in early 2022. The book will incorporate the research Phil has done during the past 40 years and new information. The book will include color pictures of all the Meisselbach and Meisselbach-Catucci reels. Receiving this call makes me want to double my efforts in researching these great two people. To me it was like receiving a call from Pliny Catucci. Steve Vernon once told me that many times the inventors of the fishing reels we all love is probably more interesting than the fishing reels themselves. I will agree with Steve. We as ORCA members need to continue to look at the history of the great reels we collect. We also have a responsibility to share this information via the Reel News with our fellow collectors. What Phil White has done for me in selling a large portion of his collection of Messelbach fishing reels to me and giving me his vast and extensive research files has really made a difference in my quest to do more research. I will forever be thankful for what Phil has done for me.

Roger Schulz

[Mike N]

That’s super news, Roger. Thanks for all you have done and will do preserving that important fishing reel history. You exemplify the best of ORCA.

Mike N.

[RonG]

Put me down for a copy of your book when it's available.

[bettybarr]

It is an honor for the Catucci family, Roger. You are giving them a record of their legacy from a perspective they do not have In the detail you will provide. I am excited for you and to see the book.

[reeltackle]

The honor is ours Roger, to have you as a fellow club member and for all you have done and continue to do for our club.

[Steve]

The honor is ours Roger, to have you as a fellow club member and for all you have done and continue to do for our club.

Ditto. I couldn't have said it better.

[wrong99]

Awesome news! Thanks Roger & Phil.

[kyreels]

Thanks Roger for all you do for Orca. I agree that preserving rapidly decaying history is the most important contribution a member can make.

[leland99]

That sounds like an exciting conversation and thanks for progressing with the envisioned book. And another resounding Thank You for all the contributions and efforts you make for our organization!! Bryce

[Jim Schottenham]

The honor is ours Roger, to have you as a fellow club member and for all you have done and continue to do for our club.

Very well put, Ed. I couldn't agree more.

[john elder]

It's great that you are taking up the banner from Phil and advancing the Meiss-Catucci story! They made such fantastic reels and not just the standpoint from construction, but also invention! I look forward to seeing your book, Roger! Thanks for all you do!

[Wayne B.]

Roger, What an experience to get a phone call from a member of the Catucci family. I understand your excitement!
Thanks for all you do for ORCA.

[Tightlines666]

Good stuff!