Penn Reels

[Guest]

Has anyone written a history of Penn reels. I really would like to know more about them as I try to put together a collection. I am willing to do the research if someone will point me in the right direction.
Charlie Mullins, member ORCA

[Reel Geezer]

I've thought for over two years now that Penn is a history waiting to be written. The archives are available, the President is an ORCA member, and we have lots of knowledgeable members to supply reels and information. Why hasn't some member done this, before some professional writer who knows nothing about reels does it?

[Brian F.]

Charlie, Right now the best that is published on Penn is in back issues of ORCA's Reel News but it is limited. I believe there are only 4-5 Penn articles and most are on specific reels, not company history. Since you are already a member, all you need to do is put in an order. Reelgeezer has indexed all of the issues so that you should have no problem finding specific issues.

The other source is the 2005 Penn anniversary catalog which has a pretty extensive article on the company history. You should still be able to find one or maybe order from Penn.

Reelgeezer, as an update, I don't believe the member that was connected with Penn is still there. I just happened to speak with Gary Quick this past week and he informed me the member had left about a year ago. The new regime has acknowledged our interest in their archives but basically handed out a "we'll get back to you". Unfortunately, Charlie, Gary is off-line temporarily but you can try contacting him through the roster. As far as I know, Gary has the most current information on Penn history and he also did many of those past articles I mentioned.

Reelgeezer, you need to talk to Gary and nudge him to work faster!

[Ben]

Hi Charlie, I've been trying to find out a few things for my next book but it seems that no one wants to say to much after the sale. and thats includes Penn! Ben

[Brian F.]

Ben! My sincerest apologies for not remembering to refer to your book on spinning reels. Charlie, if you are interested in collecting spinners, The Wright Price Guide for the Reel Man is an excellent reference for Penn spinning reels. It's available from links accessed from the ORCA site.

[fish collector NZ]

Ben, if you were to write a book on Penn Multiplier reels, I would be one of the first to order one. I live in New Zealand and have a large collection of early Penn reels, so probably have most models that would be covered by the book, but it would be good to have a one stop reference book. If you do write another book and get stuck for photos on rarer models, I could help out, including a Model F.

[Brian F.]

Howdy fish collector NZ, Gary Quick was trying to contact you about information on the Model F that you have. He's temporarily off-line at the moment but please contact me if you are interested in helping develop and consolidate information on a Penn book he eventually plans to write also.

[fish collector NZ]

Hi Brian, I contacted Bruce Davis a few months ago regarding the Model F, I believe he talked to Gary as they are quite good friends. If Gary or anyone else would like to contact me directly regarding early Penn reels, my email address is . Regards Carl

[Gabby]

Have all the early catalogs and a "few" scribbled notes so might be able to add some info or at least help with it..

[Brian F.]

I'll forward both your contact information to Gary and hopefully we can all get on the same page. Thanks for offering to help guys.

[Ben]

Hi Gabby and everyone else. got a question----- I have some notes that Otto died in 1948 is this correct? I do know that his wife Martha became the president of the company untill 1963 when their son Herbert bacame the president until he retired in 2002.
to fish collector-NZ my books are on open face spinning reels but I do have smoe history on the early days of Penn thanks to Gary Quick
Ben