Inherited reel
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Gnauman
Inherited reel
I have just received a Garcia Kingfisher GK-50 fly fishing reel from my grandfather. I know nothing about this reel. It is brand new still in the box, and has never been used. I do not know if I should use this reel, or keep it as a collectors item. If anybody could give me any information about this that would be great. Thank you!
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el Lawrence
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- Posts: 314
- Joined: Sun Oct 12, 2003 12:19 pm
- Location: The TEXAS Hillcountry...
Though I am not familiar with this EXACT reel, these may give you a clue:
Lawson's price guide lists several other Garcia Kingfisher spin reels at the following price ranges.
GK22 Kingfisher new in box...$15.
GK26 Kingfisher Ex condt. ...$18.
K45 Kingfisher, 9/9 ...$20.
45 Kingfisher, EX ... $15.
Just on a quick skim I don't see many Garcia reels that price really high (most seem to be in the $50. and under range) right now. I think many of them could be what you consider "collectables of the future". So the choice of keeping this reel as is or using it to me would depend on a couple questions. • Do you think you might become a reel collector in the future? • Is Garcia a brand you could see collecting more of? • Do you enjoy fishing and are spinning reels your "weapon" of choice?
If you plan to collect and Garcia is near and dear to your heart then keep the reel as is. If this isn't the place you plan to start a reel collection or you don't really have the collecting bug at all (but were just checking before you used what might be a valuable antique), then by all means USE this wonderful reel and think of your Dad when you do. Be sure to keep it clean and treat it with respect as he obviously kept it nice while he had it. Keep the box and all the parts together so you can retire the reel there when it is no longer in service. Many reel collectors USE reels that are even quite a bit older than this one... many older reels are built to take the use much better than todays reels. So my recomendation is to USE and ENJOY this family heirloom as a tribute to your Dad... maybe show your kids how to fish with it as well...
I have said this before, even though I have reels in my collection that easily pass the four digit mark in value, one of my most valuable reels in MY opinion is a small, used Penn 109 (Lawson's value of between $10. and $30.ish) with peach handles that belonged to my Dad. It sits front and center on the shelf next to reels that far outprice it, in a place of honor.
Lawson's price guide lists several other Garcia Kingfisher spin reels at the following price ranges.
GK22 Kingfisher new in box...$15.
GK26 Kingfisher Ex condt. ...$18.
K45 Kingfisher, 9/9 ...$20.
45 Kingfisher, EX ... $15.
Just on a quick skim I don't see many Garcia reels that price really high (most seem to be in the $50. and under range) right now. I think many of them could be what you consider "collectables of the future". So the choice of keeping this reel as is or using it to me would depend on a couple questions. • Do you think you might become a reel collector in the future? • Is Garcia a brand you could see collecting more of? • Do you enjoy fishing and are spinning reels your "weapon" of choice?
If you plan to collect and Garcia is near and dear to your heart then keep the reel as is. If this isn't the place you plan to start a reel collection or you don't really have the collecting bug at all (but were just checking before you used what might be a valuable antique), then by all means USE this wonderful reel and think of your Dad when you do. Be sure to keep it clean and treat it with respect as he obviously kept it nice while he had it. Keep the box and all the parts together so you can retire the reel there when it is no longer in service. Many reel collectors USE reels that are even quite a bit older than this one... many older reels are built to take the use much better than todays reels. So my recomendation is to USE and ENJOY this family heirloom as a tribute to your Dad... maybe show your kids how to fish with it as well...
I have said this before, even though I have reels in my collection that easily pass the four digit mark in value, one of my most valuable reels in MY opinion is a small, used Penn 109 (Lawson's value of between $10. and $30.ish) with peach handles that belonged to my Dad. It sits front and center on the shelf next to reels that far outprice it, in a place of honor.