Another Hurd Super Caster Post

[Retired Guy]

Now that I've gotten my Hurd Super Caster to be able to cast as the name of this reel implies,
I'm thinking about taking it completely apart so that I can powder coat the reel itself.

Some may scoff at the thought of altering an antique fishing reel like this but, I'm not really the collector type.
Nearly every piece of fishing or outdoor gear I own was acquired to serve a purpose. My Hurd Super Caster is no
different.

I want to be able to take it fishing and then brag about having caught fish with this old fishing reel. If I wear it out then, it will have gotten worn out serving its' purpose; although, I really don't foresee that happening since my more modern rods and reels are mainly what I fish with.

I just like the thought of being able to catch fish with a seventy or eighty-year-old fishing reel. Even better still would be catching a bass with this reel and a couple of old fishing lures I have hanging on my storage room wall. How many people can say they've ever done that. I mean, outside of the folks on this ORCA forum.

I've mentioned all of this to ask; is there a way to safely removed the metal rod itself from the aluminum reel?
I've read some posts that suggest that there have been some fishermen who have had the rod fly out of the reel-seat when they tried casting out a bait or lure. If this is so, there must be some trick to removing the metal rod.

Is it threaded on or is it press-fit into place? I'm not going to force it either way. If I can't safely separate the rod from the reel, I'll just leave it as it is but, I really would like to powder coat the aluminum part of the rod and then re-blue the metal rod, just to make this unique old fishing reel look even more unique.

Retired Guy.

[40fordflathead]

I don’t know how the rod and reel separate. My question is why do you need to powder coat the reel to fish with it. Just wondering.

[Retired Guy]

I don't "Need" to powder coat the reel in order to fish with it.
I WANT to powder coat the reel and then take it out fishing.
I did a simple google search asking the same question and I came across an old post on another antique fishing reel forum that kind of described how to do it. I have yet to try it though.
I'll have a bit more-free time on my hand in the upcoming few days. I'll take a closer look to see if I can safely remove the steel rod from this reel then.
If I can't do it without making any kind of permanent alterations to it then, I'll leave it as it is.
Thanks for taking the time to post a comment.

Retired Guy.

[40fordflathead]

Got it thank you.

[charleyb]

Hi Retired Guy,
The rod has a 'rib' of sorts formed into what would be the top
(holding the reel upright). Best way to separate is to stand the rod/reel
on its base (handle) and put some penetrating oil (Kroil?) into that area where the rod
enters the reel. Let it sit (couple hours) then try moving the rod 'side to side' (be gentle)
to break it free. If no luck, repeat as needed. Hairdryer type heat may help.
It can take a while depending on how long the pieces have been together.
Once freed, it will be obvious the intent of Hurd (a lock company).
Then, when using, if the rod seems a bit loose add some aluminum foil as
a shim of sorts. Then when done fishing, separate the two for storage, even if brief.
Hope this helps a bit, best of luck,
Charley
ps: Never had a rod come out when in use myself, however, have heard (quite funny) stories!

[kyreels]

There are four Hurd publications in the Library, including catalog, parts replacement list, insert, and user maintenance tips. I was surprised to see that the combo had at least 4 rod lengths along with 3 stiffness for each length. Quite a big variation for casting usage (at least 12 combinations). You could buy different rods, so it must have intended to replace them. I always thought the True Temper handle and rod were designed pretty well for easy swapping of rods, but it does take some strength and technique.

[Retired Guy]

Hi Retired Guy,
The rod has a 'rib' of sorts formed into what would be the top
(holding the reel upright). Best way to separate is to stand the rod/reel
on its base (handle) and put some penetrating oil (Kroil?) into that area where the rod
enters the reel. Let it sit (couple hours) then try moving the rod 'side to side' (be gentle)
to break it free. If no luck, repeat as needed. Hairdryer type heat may help.
It can take a while depending on how long the pieces have been together.
Once freed, it will be obvious the intent of Hurd (a lock company).
Then, when using, if the rod seems a bit loose add some aluminum foil as
a shim of sorts. Then when done fishing, separate the two for storage, even if brief.
Hope this helps a bit, best of luck,
Charley
ps: Never had a rod come out when in use myself, however, have heard (quite funny) stories!

This was helpful. Thank you very much.
I did come across an old article describing basically the same thing on some other antique fishing gear forum but, I haven't gotten around to actually attempting it.

I did notice the "Rib" you mentioned though. I wondered how exactly that rib held the rod in place. I guess I'll find out if I'm successful in removing the rod from the reel.

Tim M.
Retired Guy

[Retired Guy]

There are four Hurd publications in the Library, including catalog, parts replacement list, insert, and user maintenance tips. I was surprised to see that the combo had at least 4 rod lengths along with 3 stiffness for each length. Quite a big variation for casting usage (at least 12 combinations). You could buy different rods, so it must have intended to replace them. I always thought the True Temper handle and rod were designed pretty well for easy swapping of rods, but it does take some strength and technique.

I came across some similar information about the different rod types that these Hurd Super Casters came with. It stands to reason that a person could be able to swap from one rod to another. This must be akin to a light action, medium, heavy or medium heavy action rods.

If I were to guess, I'd say that the rod on my reel is a medium action, although, I don't know if these old rod/reel combos had these types of designations.

If I'm successful, I'll post a photo of my powder coated Hurd Super Caster.
Thanks for taking the time to reply to my inquiry.

Tim M.
Retired Guy.

[Midway Tommy D]

This guy puts the rod on the reel and a couple minutes later pops them right apart. He even talks about the rib & groove so that it only goes together one way.

[Retired Guy]

Thank you for that link.
It was an interesting video.

I did a quick google search of dollar values from the 1940s compared to today's dollar values. I was kind of shocked at what came up in that search.

"About $769.18
$45 in 1945 is equivalent in purchasing power to about $769.18 today, an increase of $724.18 over 78 years."

This kind of sounds like the Hurd Super Caster was a well-to-do fisherman's fishing rod/reel.