Toyman started a thread like this, but it sorta got hijacked by some interesting sidebars...thought I'd start it up again?
It's kinda like picking your favorite kid...just can't really do it. But here's a recent one I picked up that I really like...cute little thing...1/0 Edward Vom Hofe reel! It must be an early one...only has 1/0 on the foot and no model #:
clicker is traditional, but not what is normally seen on later Vom Hofes. Also note that the handle knob is distinct, but there is no evidence it's been changed. Any thoughts/further info on this one greatly appreciated!
This is one of my favorites: A home-made reel that a machinist probably put together on the fly. Seems to be made of stainless steel plates and various recycled reel parts. The gear cover is the most interesting thing. The maker used what looks like a plastic jar or container cover that is molded with "Fellows Cutter" and "The Fellows Gear Shaper Co., Springfield, Vermont". Guess it was the only thing handy at the time. I like to think that this was made by someone during down time between repairing battleships and aircraft carriers coming back from the South Pacific. Maybe I'll never know since the Fellows Gear Shaper Co. was in business from 1869 to 1999.
There's an article on this reel and other reels like this titled "Tractor Reels" in the January 2002 issue of the Reel News, p 4
I don't even own this one, I took it down and removed the corrosion for a friend. But I love Pflueger Golden West. Feels as solid as any reel ever made.
