Go-Ite Fishing Reel-ROD Question

Terry McBurney · Post by **Terry McBurney** » Wed May 10, 2006 6:23 am

I was at an antique show last week and someone asked me a question about what kind of rod was used with a Go-ite "Indiana-style" reel? I have seen copies of old Go-Ite ads that picture just the reel with no mention of a balanced rod to go with the reel. Any ideas? Thanks.

Jim Schottenham · Post by **Jim Schottenham** » Wed May 10, 2006 8:26 am

Hi Terry,
Looking through an old Go-ite catalog, they post a large NOTICE that indicates the Go-ite can be used on a standard casting rod (it's what they recommend in fact) or what they call a "drop seat" rod, or casting rod with recessed real seat. I have 5 different boxes, and they show both standard and drop seat rods with the reel mounted for casting. You could order a special Fly Rod housing to use as a fly reel - these are really rare, I've only seen one in 10 years of chasing Indiana reels - and that would mount on a fly rod like any other fly reel. The deluxe model that looks like the starship Enterprise was pictured on a drop seat rod.
The catalog also lists 7 different Go-ite Bamboo rods, likely built by someone other than Go-ite.
I'll try to find an old picture I have of a Go-ite box top...
Jim
**Found it...I knew I kept this picture on the server for a reason!

Here's the fly reel version...if anyone has another one of these, I'd love to hear from you!

Terry McBurney · Post by **Terry McBurney** » Wed May 10, 2006 9:20 am

Jim,

Thanks for the great answer plus the photos answering my question on what kind of rod was used with a Go-Ite reel.

Richard Lodge · Post by **Richard Lodge** » Wed May 10, 2006 9:30 am

Jim: That really DOES look like the Starship Enterprise. Now we know where Gene Roddenberry got the idea. Go-Ite should have patented the design to keep it away from TV programs of the future.
I've never heard of a Go-Ite fly reel/rod setup. Do you have any photos that would show that? Is it a smaller Go-Ite reel or just a way to use a Go-Ite reel on a fly rod? I'm confused.

Jim Schottenham · Post by **Jim Schottenham** » Wed May 10, 2006 4:12 pm

The Go-ite fly reel is pictured in the second photo on the right. It's basicly a 4 1/2" spool that came with a line guard and garnix guide. The price was $5.50. For another buck and a half, you could buy the "Combonation Fly and Bait" set-up, which for $7.00 came with a spare standard reel seat, the one most Go-ite reels are found with. These feet would be marked with the Flint, Michigan markings.

Reelman · Post by **Reelman** » Wed May 10, 2006 4:26 pm

Here is a picture of the two different foot designs.

Go-Ite Fishing Reel-ROD Question

Go-Ite Fishing Reel-ROD Question

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Go-Ite Reel ROD Question

Richard...