I would appreciate your opinion - 100 years of baitcasters

[PfluegerPhanatic]

Howdy folks!

Some of my fishing buddies and I brainstormed the idea to create a YouTube video documenting the history and evolution of the baitcasting reel. I want to make this a proper mini documentary (it will be a respectful analysis of fishing history, not just for views or money), with good video and informative content. We possess all of the camera, microphone, drone, and editing equipment to make this a really solid little production, but what we could use is a little more knowledge.

We are planning on showcasing 10-15 reels, explaining the background and mechanical advancements that were made as the decades progressed. After we do this, we will fish them to demonstrate not only how far technology has advanced, but also how cool we think old tackle is and the value it has today.

While we are all serious pond hoppers, I am the only one that collects old reels. That being said, what I have is mainly limited to the 1940s-1960s as well as several very modern (2015+) baitcasting reels that I use for my regular fishing. We wanted to choose reels that represented a sweet spot between cutting edge of available technology and what the average person could reasonably afford.

Here is a list of the reels we have compiled so far, listed by decade:
1920's: Meisselbach St. Claire - probably not the most accurate but I do have one
1930's: -needed-
1940's: Early Pflueger Skillkast or other Pflueger's (Summit, Akron, Supreme, I have many)
1950's: Shakespeare Direct Drive or Pflueger Supreme with cub drag
1960's: Pflueger Supreme with free spool button
1970's: -needed- Would like to find an Abu Ambassador and an original Shimano Bantam
1980's: Daiwa Procaster with MagForce and a Shimano Bantam Black Magnum
1990s: Shimano Bantam Curado Cu-201
2000's: -needed- Could swap with 90's, but then we need a reel for the 90's
2010's: Daiwa Tatula with T-Wing System and Mag Force
2020's: Shimano Scorpion 21 DC 151 with Digital Control

Finally, I get to my questions.
-Are there any reels that you would recommend we showcase (in addition to or instead of those listed) as good representatives of the aforementioned sweet spot? (We are several sort-of-broke 18-19 year olds; any recommendations need to be affordable and easy to find)
-What would you as a reel collector say are some of the most important innovations in reel design over the years?
-What are some of the most impactful reel designs over the years? (I know that Daiwa, Shimano, and Pflueger are probably overrepresented, but they are what I have on hand. Your input on how I could diversify is appreciated).
-What other information about reel history would you like to see us include in this documentary?

Sorry for the long-winded explanation and thank you for taking the time to read this far! We really want to do this topic justice, and I would appreciate any feedback the ORCA community has!

Have a good one!
-Adam and friends

[klonder]

Have a look at the Bronson JA Coxe model 25 level wind.
Nice combo of materials with inovative free spool and easy takapart design.

[Steve]

-What would you as a reel collector say are some of the most important innovations in reel design over the years?

Virtually ALL of the most important innovations in reel design were invented during the century before 1920. The magnetic brake is a notable exception. Read this.

[colby sorrells]

The Shakespeare levelwind, the Shakespeare Marhoff, Coxe 25N, Langley Lurecast and Plugcast, Ambassadeur 5000 - the "Red Reel" starting in 1953 by the way, Shakespeare Presidental Sportcast the black one, Ambassadeur Mag Force, Lews before Shimano put their name on them, Shimano Curado - the green reel.

No doubt all reel collectors have their list also. As Steve mentioned many of the advancements went way farther back than we often recognize.

Keepin' It Fun!

Colby

[castmaster54]

A very important innovation to help casting control in revolving spool bait casting reels is the centrifugal brake system.
This system is found in the A B U Record 2100 and Ambassador 5000 type reels.
It might also be in the Hardy Jock Scott tournament reels.
This system really helps with backlash control, especially for distance casting!

[Steve]

Centrifugal brakes: see The Reel News, Vol. XXV, No. 1, January, 2015.

[Eric J]

Being a Kalamazooan, I’m partial to the developments and improvements that Shakespeare provided to the sport. It should be remembered that prior to 1896, rods were 12 to 16 feet long with small line guides and the technique for using these rods was very different. William Locher (also of Kalamazoo) invented the short (4 to 5 foot) bait casting rod with large oversized guides. The speed and centrifugal forces that these new rods generated not only resulted in casts of well over 100 feet and an ability to reach both shores from the middle of a pond, but also increased the backlash of the line and better anti- backlash devices needed to be invented. Locher’s partner Tilden Robb invented the finger grip for rods but unfortunately never patented it. Kalamazoo fishing writer Ben Bush sent the idea of the finger grip to the Bristol Rod Company and they quickly patented the idea. Around this same time James Heddon started using and selling top-water plugs which also changed the way we fish.
In my mind, the developments of fishing reels followed the developments of rods and baits, not the other way around. I too think the most interesting period was 1890-1910, but earlier reels are very interesting from a development standpoint and later reels are interesting from a refinement standpoint.

[Roger Schulz]

Never heard of the Meisselbach St. Claire. I would guess it is a Montague.

Roger Schulz

[kyreels]

Any cogent and complete history of American bait casting reels must start with the Kentucky Reel. Along with Steve, I suggest you look at the Fishing Reel History on the orcaonline website. I would be disappointed if example reels did not include:

An early Kentucky Reel in 1900 period
An early Shakespeare reel in the 1910 period
A take-apart reel in the 1920 period
An ABU reel in the 1950-1960 period

[Jim Schottenham]

You might also want to read the book by Emmett Babler on this very subject from 2017:

https://www.amazon.com/History-Baitcast ... 0998973505

I think he covers reels up to and including 2017, so there would be few spots to fill after that.

[PfluegerPhanatic]

The Shakespeare levelwind, the Shakespeare Marhoff, Coxe 25N, Langley Lurecast and Plugcast, Ambassadeur 5000 - the "Red Reel" starting in 1953 by the way, Shakespeare Presidental Sportcast the black one, Ambassadeur Mag Force, Lews before Shimano put their name on them, Shimano Curado - the green reel.

No doubt all reel collectors have their list also. As Steve mentioned many of the advancements went way farther back than we often recognize.

Keepin' It Fun!

Colby

Thanks for your list! I actually use a rebuilt left-handed old green Curado as one of my daily fishing reels; I'm a sucker for the Shimano centrifugal system. I just picked up a Langley Lurecast with a bunch of other reels from a friends barn the other day, it's a beautiful piece! I'll have to do some digging to find the others.

[PfluegerPhanatic]

Never heard of the Meisselbach St. Claire. I would guess it is a Montague.

Roger Schulz

Yes, Montague. I did not have it in front of me at the time of writing.

[PfluegerPhanatic]

Any cogent and complete history of American bait casting reels must start with the Kentucky Reel. Along with Steve, I suggest you look at the Fishing Reel History on the orcaonline website. I would be disappointed if example reels did not include:

An early Kentucky Reel in 1900 period
An early Shakespeare reel in the 1910 period
A take-apart reel in the 1920 period
An ABU reel in the 1950-1960 period

Thank you for the input! I am thinking that this may turn into a series of episodes based on decade, manufacturer, or even reel. The biggest issue that is stopping me from getting into the Kentucky reels is cost. Don't get me wrong, they are stunning reels but spending $200+ on a reel that will spend most of its time on my shelf just is not practical for me right now.

[Eric J]

As my dear old dad once said about collecting:
“You can’t kiss all the pretty girls”.
You also don’t need to own all the pretty reels to study and become an “expert” on them, although hands on experience helps. I’m still talking about the reels.

[kyreels]

Since you are an ORCA member, I would be happy to lend you any reel you need for the video. I would suggest first a B.F. Meek and Sons number 3 to represent the early period Kentucky reels. Choose any other reels pertinent to the periods, and I would be happy to lend you reels. If you are going to do a film that is meaningful, you need the reels. email me for any required reels.

[Rick H]

Adam...(& friends). Reels are one thing and I'm confident you'll get lots of help from the "Big Giant Heads" here on Reel Talk, when it comes to "solid suggestions & knowledge" for your video. For me though, what's more impressive, is your interest and dedication to advancing the exposure of these reels and advancements. At 18-19 years, THAT gets my attention!! Good on you guys !! I therefore am with Matt (kyreels) and will help with loaners where possible. My collection has been significantly pared down recently, but I still have about 120 left on the shelf. Pflueger, Shakespeare, Bronson, Ryobi, Daiwa, & on etc. Let me know if I can help.