Reel ID needed

[Jim Nedela]

This a custom made tournament reel I picked up a couple years ago. Still searching to find a maker, or just some info on it. Measures 1 5/8" dia, 1 3/4" wide, all aluminum, and spins like a top. Here is a link to a pic. Marked with the initials RTR, and the name Shoal Creek. Any ideas? Thanks, Jim Nedela.

[Tom E.]

Jim, For what little help it might be, I suspect the initials are RRT. When the middle letter is larger than the other two it is usually the last name.
Looks like a fun little reel, tho, with a bit of a homemade look.

[Jim Nedela]

Thanks, Tom-it sure does have a home made look, but it is made very well. Some machinist who made reels? Was not his first one, 4:1 multiplier, large spool, and real prescision. Just has to be some evidence of this maker out there some where. Was owned by a guy who was a champion fly castor in the 1930's. Marvin Hedge-tackle inventor & sales rep. He may have commissioned some one to have it made. I wonder if a reel manufacturer worked with him on designing/building an idea of his?

[Reel Geezer]

Marvin Hedge was from Portland, OR. There are several other very nice tournament reels floating around that were made in the Portland area. ORCA member Clay Hood, who attended our 2004 Convention, owns several reels that were made by a machinist out this way. I don't believe he knows who the maker of his reels was, but they are beautifully made. Perhaps your reel has the same maker? There was a very active group of tournament casters in Portland in the 1930s and 1940s.

[Warren Platt]

Jim,
Have you taken this reel apart? I ask this because I would like to know if there are removable weights inside the spool.
Warren Platt

[Jim Nedela]

Haven't taken it apart yet, but I will do it. I'll let you know how it looks, & take some pix, Jim.