Antique Equipment for antique anglers - :)

[DanNichols]

My best friend just retired, and I had the idea to refurbish some vintage rods and reels,, spool them up with vintage line, and fish them. The idea was "antique equipment for antique anglers"

I'm happy to say, we were successful.



Me (Dan) with a Shakespeare Wondereel 1920 on a Wonderod:


My buddy with a Shakespeare Professional 1965 on an unbranded "period appropriate:" rod.



We were surprised at how quickly we were able to adjust to the direct drive "knuckle buster" equipment.
Lots of fun and we intend to keep these rigs in the rotation.
Thanks to ORCA for the help and advice.

-Dan-

[Brian F.]

Always fun to use your antique tackle. Several members tried their hand at some pier fishing with some bamboo rods and Penn bay reels at the ORCA National couple of weeks ago.

[Eric J]

Very nice!
Congratulations on the retirement!
I’m o-fish-ally retired now too as of last Friday.

[Shellbelly]

Ditto! So, I Take it your knuckles survived and you had fun. Recently retired as well and going to fish the surf with my brother and nephew later this week. All day-all night-all surf-all wet. Won't be using direct drives (I know, we're wimps) but the 50 year old level wind Penns will get a work out.

[Midway Tommy D]

That's pretty cool. You guys should get together with Bill Sonnet & Warren Platt. Y'all would have a good time together!

[Paul Roberts]

Recently retired too. Waiting patiently (like an angel) to get settled and be able to fish again. In the meantime I’ve collected a few too many old reels. And have been going through each one in turn, getting them ready to fish. Did I say I’ve been as patient as an angel?

[Mike N]

I’ve said it here before: a 1960s fiberglass Shakespeare Wonder Rod multiples the joy of fighting a fish 10X.

Thx for posting.

Mike N

[john elder]

+1 on that one, Mike! Just love that whole series of Shakes rods. Makes a 1 lb bass feel like 5! My only complaint is the sliding band on cork reel seat. Would be fun to modify a few to different setup.

[Shellbelly]

There's magic in those older Wonder Rods. I didn't realize anyone else had felt the multiplying effect they have. Kinda scary when you get over 5 lbs of angry fish on the hook but they just won't break. Love mine with a Peerless #9 for big sheepshead!

[Ron Mc]

I've always preferred fishing NLW because of the added cast distance = cast ease and reliability.

My favorite Thomas Mahogany grade bait rod and Talbot Niangua.


Since you need to dry your silk braid on a line winder, at home, you restore your hand level wind for the next outing.