South Bend 800

[Gary Carbaugh]

I just picked up a South Bend 800 and don't know much about it. There is only one listed in Lawsons book so I'm assuming it is a little scarce. When were they made and any other info would be appreciated. Thanks, Gary.

[Jim Madden]

Gary, there's an 800 SmoothCast and an 800 Perfectoreno. I'm assuming you have the Perfectoreno. It's a lot like the earlier #2500 and #1250E reels with the maroon spacers and sculpted pillars, but this model doesn't have the ABL bail that the others did. The reel was only made from 1940 to 1942, so you don't see a lot of them, but they're not as rare as some other SB reels like the 2500. The aluminum spool and cork arbor makes them easy to identify. I've seen them priced from 50-70 dollars in good condition, but they usually go for less on Ebay. You don't see many in mint condition since so many are fished heavily. JIm

[Gary Carbaugh]

Thanks for the help Jim. It is a Perfectoreno model and if you can use it, I'll send it to you for $50 and pay the shipping. Gary. PS, I can also email you some pics.