NFLCC National Conclusion

[Reel Geezer]

Hi Everyone: We are currently in Ogden, UT on our way home. Dave Erickson, Roger Schulz and I walked the floor of both hotels on Wednesday and found little of interest. The show opened Thursday morning, and in three tours of the floor I found a couple of nice reels, and a couple to fish with. We took all our quality reels off our table and then sold all remain items for 50% off. We ended up selling nearly 75% of the stuff we had. Selling-wise we had a pretty good show, but most of what we sold were small items - oilers, folding cups, dealer boxes, etc. We decided our show was over on Thursday, and pulled out Friday morning to begin our three day return trip. Maybe Roger can update with news of the Auction and Friday and Saturday sales.

There were 315 exhibitors with about 400+ tables. This is down from 700+ just a few years ago.

[reels4me]

Hi Phl--thanks for the update, really appreciate your efforts of
reporting in, hope everyone else does too--Jack

[john elder]

That's what I read between the lines, Phil. Most of the people that post on Joes try to put a good face on everything, but the prizes they came home with were underwhelming to me ( with the exception of those killer Meek reels that Bill just posted!). I'm sure most of the folks had a good time interacting with everyone there...always fun to commiserate with fellow maniacs. However, a good reality check is a healthy thing, as far as I'm concerned and things don't improve by blowing smoke.

[mortepa]

I agree that there was a definite lacking of high quality/rare reels at this show. Most of the better reels also appeared at the ORCA national. However there were a lot of unseen dandies under the table that were not for sale.

I had the pleasure of handling these Pfluegers, but they were not for sale:
Pflueger prototype for the original "tear drop shaped" 1573 Supreme
Pflueger prototype for the 1st "round style" Supreme, Serial #3
Pflueger Kihoga
Pflueger Adams

Other Standouts:
Phillbrook & Payne fly reel, marbelized HR sideplates, large size
Edward Vom Hofe sea reel 18/0? possibly larger?

I was able to add five new reels to my collection that were Pflueger trade reels. Also a 60 yd RP Progress with the transitional foot.

I heard through the grapevine that there were some high-end Talbots at the show also...although I did not see them.

Lots of lure finds at the show. I think anyone that collects lures found something for their collection.

I had a blast at the show, but probably will wait until the Grand Rapids (2006) show before I go back to the NFLCC national. The ORCA Houston show next year sounds wonderful! Tom Eidson and crew are working hard to organize everything.

It was nice to see all of you at the NFLCC and ORCA nationals this year!

- Paul Mortenson

[Roger Schulz]

I also had a great time at the Nationals. Found a number of reels for my collection which included a Dame, Stoddard and Kendal fly reel, a 4-Brothers Delite, a Conroy and Bisset, a Redifor Reel and Rod Company baitcaster - 4 patents, and a number of other reels. Had a great time visiting with lots of friends. Did not attend the auction since only a couple of reels were included. As Phil mentioned, the number of quality reels were down. It seems like you find lot of low end stuff and a number of high end reels. Very few good $150 - $300 reels in the middle. Since I collect a wide variety of different reels - Meisselbach, Pflueger, Shakespeare, New York reels, etc. I never have a problem finding stuff for my collection. Dave Erickson and I did put together a nice display of over 25 New York ball-handle and S-handle reels for the show. We got lot of nice compliments. My wife Carolyn, did a lot of my selling and Daves.

I think this was my 8th or 9th National and as always, had a great time.

Roger