Reel Finds at the Nationals?

Post by **Brian F.** » Thu Jul 13, 2006 12:55 am

So fill us all in on how things are going and how much fun you all are having there in Grand Rapids!

Jim Madden · Post by **Jim Madden** » Thu Jul 13, 2006 8:47 pm

Brian, I just got back today, a day early, but most of the guys are still there. I visited room trading Monday night and just drove back to South Bend. I did stay the night yesterday for room trading and the show this morning. ORCA was heavily represented as you'll see as the guys check in the next couple of days. I did find a first model SB 1131 in the 5000 serial range at a very reasonable price, but the best one was an uncataloged fly reel. The thing simple isn't supposed to exist, so that sends me back to the drawing board. I got a nice stand-up window ad for SB reels, a mint first model Cardinal 4, and a marked Shakespeare screwdriver (like the one Harvey found at Lake Gearge.) I also found a couple of interesting Montague reels that the "reelguys" (Jim and Skip) have already spoken for. For the most part, I thought reel prices were sky high! A Stockford was listed for $650 and several SB fly reels in the yellow boxes were tagged $250. I always look for Ambassadeur 4500CS reels in the $100 range to use, but the only one I saw was $250 also. The Cardinal 3's are so hot, now a new 3X (high speed) has been created in Sweden that is the spittin' image of the old three except it's tan and brown, the color of the old 4X. There never were any 3x's. The box is the duplicate of the old green 4X box. There is no serial on the foot. The price - you guessed it - $250. Maybe the others saw it differently, but I think the lure guys have begun to appreciate reels a bit more. Jerry S. did latch on to a Jack Welch that gave him a big smile, and all I heard out of Andy was "I've got to quit buying stuff!" I'll have to let him tell you what he bagged. Bill never did find his #6 Meek, and Henry and Bill Land were too busy selling stuff to be able to look around much. Roger and Dave got stuck in "the tower" away from everybody else even though they registered a year early - go figure. It was good seeing so many friends. Jim

Post by **Brian F.** » Thu Jul 13, 2006 9:07 pm

Thanks for the report Jim! Glad most everyone found something to bring home. Looking forward to hearing about everyone's experience.

joe klaus · Post by **joe klaus** » Fri Jul 14, 2006 10:36 pm

Thanks Jim. Good report. Sounds like ya'll had a good time.

I think I'll try the nflcc national next year maybe. I haven't been in about 5 or 6 years.