if you could have one book on Reels... which one?

Wask · Post by **Wask** » Mon Oct 30, 2006 3:22 pm

Im looking for an ID book on old reels that will give me some info as to what is collectible and what is not and ballpark on values and stuff.

Looking for something with lots of manf. and lots of info..

Any help is greatly appreciated.

THANKS!

Matt

ABUBO · Post by **ABUBO** » Mon Oct 30, 2006 4:04 pm

Hi Wask,
If you are talking about spinning reels only then I'd say Ben Wright's book "The Wright Price Guide for the Reel Man" (see info here: http://orcaonline.org/ ) but you will have to get the supplement book too to be updated. On the other hand, if casting reels have to be included I don't have a clue - sorry.
Regards,
Bo

Ron Mc · Post by **Ron Mc** » Mon Oct 30, 2006 4:55 pm

UK fly reels only?
Phil Waller, um, Volume 1 AND Vol 2.

I don't think it can be done it one book.

And honestly, I believe wide-target books by definition have to be less informative than books focused in on their subject.

but I understand your point.
there are some really good dated books on tackle in general and here's one of them:

http://orcaonline.org/images/pixel.gif?0856673293/
http://orcaonline.org/images/pixel.gif?1879522144/
a couple more
But even these books, p. 2002 are date as value guides.
http://orcaonline.org/images/pixel.gif?1585744859/

and don't forget
http://orcaonline.org/reference_books.htm

I just don't think you're going to find one book and probably should start working on a library, do much cross-referencing, check eby prices...
it's exhausting.

Outtie61 · Post by **Outtie61** » Mon Oct 30, 2006 6:03 pm

I would want one of C. Luckys books. It simply puts the fun back into collecting.

Outtie61

Post by **john elder** » Mon Oct 30, 2006 6:42 pm

Matt: Stu Lawson's compilation of reel prices from auctions/sales lists, is still about the only thing out there that gives us a good handle on relative value of reels...the absolute values have likely changed..most downward, not upward. However, you can get a feel for how common or not a reel is by looking at that book...no real history, pics, or info, tho. Luckey and White both have some pics and Luckey has some info, but not complete. If you want Meisselbach, you can't beat the couple books out by Phil White. If you want Pflueger Pfacts, then Bob Miller's book is great. Steve Vernon's book on Kentucky reels is also EX...that's all in addition to the ones pointed out above.

Wish there was one giant tome that would have it all, but don't think you'll find it!

Reelman2 · Post by **Reelman2** » Mon Oct 30, 2006 8:02 pm

I have to agree with John Elder. I use the Lawson book religiously. It has over 12,000 reels listed in it. Although it doesn't have any pics it does list them by condition and whether they have a box, etc. with them an its' value with such. I don 't have the others that John mentioned but am familiar with the Meisselbach book by Phil White and plan to purchase one in the near future. I am also familiar with Vernon's Kentucky reel book and hope to purchase one of them soon. I am not familiar with the Pflueger book but I am sure it must be good.

Reelman2 · Post by **Reelman2** » Mon Oct 30, 2006 8:10 pm

I have to agreen with John Elder. I use the Lawsons book religiously. It lists over 12,000 reels by condition and whether they have extras like a box etc. It does not have pics however. Although I don't presently own Whites Meisselbach book or Vernon's Ky reel book I am very familiar with both of them and they are really great. I am sure the Pflueger book is probably a good one also.

Reel Geezer · Post by **Reel Geezer** » Mon Oct 30, 2006 8:58 pm

I don 't have the others that John mentioned but am familiar with the Meisselbach book by Phil White and plan to purchase one in the near future.

I have never tried to push my stuff on this forum, but if you, or any of the board members, plan to purchase one of the original Meisselbach books, plan to do so sometime in the next several months. There are less than 20 copies remaining. They do not sell like hot cakes because the book has been around for over 10 years now, but it will sell out, and will not be reprinted.
Phil White

drexelantiques · Post by **drexelantiques** » Mon Oct 30, 2006 9:16 pm

If you want just one book, and plan to use it primarily as a price guide, Lawson's is great. Keep in mind though that It is just a price guide, with a broad range of reels, but not a great deal of info on any given reel, no pictures either.

If you want pictures, and info, then it is going to take more than one book. I would start with Jim Brown's A Treasury of Reels if you can find a copy.

Then Karl White's 2nd volume which has metal baits and reels.

There are some really great books on individual companies, or types of reels.

Jack Bright · Post by **Jack Bright** » Mon Oct 30, 2006 10:38 pm

IMO White`s books leave much to be desired, he shows reels with missing handles, end caps, and wrongly identifies items. When I first started this
hobby I thought his book was great, as I learned more I found his book
misleading to say the least, and most books that combine lures with reels
really lack the expertise of people such as those in this club, Books by the
aforementioneds; White, Vernon, Brown and Lawson are much better to
use as a guide for most American made reels,---Jack

Jim Schottenham · Post by **Jim Schottenham** » Mon Oct 30, 2006 10:57 pm

I can't believe I'm the first in this string to say this, but what about the Reel News? Where else are you going to get:
Photos and more detailed information on reels and reel companies from all the authors listed above and then some - Phil White - Ben Wright - Steve Vernon - Bob Miller - Jim Madden - Stu Lawson - Dr. T. Larsen - Richard Lodge - Brian Funai - Alan Baracco - Bruce Davis - Gary Quick - Harvey Garrison - Len Sawisch - The "Phantom reel professor" Craig Barber - and many more others than I can mention here.
Information on which reel(s) is rare or not, what to look for in a reel, even how to take it apart and put it back together thanks to our own Col. Milt.
The auction report that lists reels that sold for high prices with some pictures, some that were deals, and what seems to be the "hot" items during the 2 month reporting period. Put together a years worth of reports and you have a great snapshot of relative values.
Want specifics on a reel or a reel company? Have you looked at the article listing available in back issues of the Reel News?
http://orcaonline.org/reel_news_index.htm
You'd be hard pressed to find a better source for information.
Don't get me wrong - our members books are great - I have a copy of all the books noted above, and highly recommend each one - but for a one stop shopping source - the Reel News is the way to go!
All for the cost of a membership. How can you beat that!?!?!?!
Jim S

Harvey · Post by **Harvey** » Mon Oct 30, 2006 11:23 pm

ADDENDUM TO SCHOTTIE'S POST.
There also also a list somewhere where what is listed in the other additions of old Reel News edditions. Most are avaiable from our Honoable Sect/ Treas. Roger. Find it aand Check out that list and pick and choose and order to what you have an interest in. they are cheap and also runs the gamet of ORCA over the years. That resourse plus what other books that are listed above will get you a big jump on understanding. In time, you can build a very good collection of what is out there and it will give you something to read when the snow is waist deep
Good luck.
"H"

Reel Geezer · Post by **Reel Geezer** » Tue Oct 31, 2006 9:33 am

I'll third Jim's post. A list of subjects found in the Reel News can be found on this web site (ORCA on Line). Just go here:
http://orcaonline.org/reel_news_index.htm

And Jack, when you say "White" remember that there are two of us, so please ID the one who mis-identifies reels, etc.

Jack Bright · Post by **Jack Bright** » Tue Oct 31, 2006 11:50 am

"Can`t see the trees for the woods " Jim, can`t get over the fact of my blind spot, you are absolutely right, actually it IS the best buy around for a reel collector. ORCA might offer/sell a Pre- printed binder, so we can consolidate
monthly. Possibility ?

if you could have one book on Reels... which one?

if you could have one book on Reels... which one?

.. the Wright book

book

Reel value books

Reel Value books

Lawson's Price Guide to Old Fishing reels.

White`s books

Geee........

Trees and woods/woods and trees ??????