Are vintage fly reels and/or rods usually still useable?
Oct 27, 2020 17:47:33 #
Came across a few really cool old fly rods and reels (70s and 80s models) at an antique shop this past week. They were known brands like Pflueger and Hardy. I was just wondering if I were to buy them, are they still useable? What was the general quality/durability/functionality of gear back then? Let me know if you guys have any and if you're still using it!
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by josiahrock
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by josiahrock
Oct 27, 2020 17:47:39 #
Absolutely! If you really want to have some fun, find an old bamboo rod, pair it with a vintage reel, wear a shirt and tie, top it all off with a fedora, and head to the river!
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by OdinsBHole
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by OdinsBHole
Oct 27, 2020 17:47:44 #
Oct 27, 2020 17:47:48 #
Depending on What model of hardy it is. It could be worth a pretty good amount of money . I found an old hardy reel in the basement back corner of a thrift shop. They had no idea what it was. So I bought it for ten bucks😂. Its worth a couple hundred bucks at least it even still had the original wool lined case with it.
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by fitzgerald644444
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by fitzgerald644444
Oct 27, 2020 17:47:55 #
I just got a 1970’s st croix fly rod Fiberglass 7ft 7wt been having fun catching trout on it
Old glass is a lil slower then the new rods So a 7wt would=a more modern 6wt
My favorite old school rod is a orvis full flex 8ft 6wt Is more like fishing with bamboo but a lot less cash say 170 vs 700.00 and the glass rods are tough Remember these vintage rods don’t have the warranties like the new rods I also have fished martin reels hardy and pflueger 1494 Try a few and see what you like I think it’s fun fishing older rods
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by chuckH71
Old glass is a lil slower then the new rods So a 7wt would=a more modern 6wt
My favorite old school rod is a orvis full flex 8ft 6wt Is more like fishing with bamboo but a lot less cash say 170 vs 700.00 and the glass rods are tough Remember these vintage rods don’t have the warranties like the new rods I also have fished martin reels hardy and pflueger 1494 Try a few and see what you like I think it’s fun fishing older rods
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by chuckH71
Oct 27, 2020 22:41:28 #
70 and 80s are now vintage ???? LMAO 🤣😂 🤔 next your Gunna say I'm an antique.lol. Bb's an antique but heck man .lol.
Those "old" reels and rods are a little heavier than all the new materials there using today but with a little TLC there still around for a reason. Things used to be made to last. Back in the "old" days lol a $20 rod and a $15 dollar reel was a major hit to the pocket book. The first rod I ever paid for by myself I worked all summer to buy, it was an eagle claw fly spin combo with a fly reel that cost 50 bucks.lol.
Those "old" reels and rods are a little heavier than all the new materials there using today but with a little TLC there still around for a reason. Things used to be made to last. Back in the "old" days lol a $20 rod and a $15 dollar reel was a major hit to the pocket book. The first rod I ever paid for by myself I worked all summer to buy, it was an eagle claw fly spin combo with a fly reel that cost 50 bucks.lol.
Oct 28, 2020 11:33:50 #
I do not consider those OLD. I'm still using the fly rod and reel that I bought in he 1950's.
Oct 28, 2020 14:35:26 #
oldgundoc wrote:
I do not consider those OLD. I'm still using the fly rod and reel that I bought in he 1950's.
Old rod and reels are kinda like me, they have age and wear & tear showing. They are also like me, in the sense that they are still functionable and able to catch fish. The fish don't know the difference, if they did they would never bite the bait in the first place. I will admit new is cool and have some advantages, however, a lot of us average Joe's or Gill's, if blindfolded would never really notice them. Just my opinion.
Oct 28, 2020 21:25:15 #
bottomcoon
Loc: Tahlequah, oklahoma
Where is the line that designates antique from vintage & vintage to modern. When I go on ebay looking for another reel every thing I want is listed as vintage. How long will it be before a reel made in the 80's or 90's becomes antique? I can cast my vintage reels so far my minnows have starved to death by the time I get them reeled back in. I don't need a new reel that will cast even further. A well maintained good quality vintage reel may not have the speed of a modern reel but that doesn't mean it won't work & work well. Tight lines.
Oct 28, 2020 21:40:50 #
bottomcoon wrote:
Where is the line that designates antique from vin... (show quote)
Doesn't really do ya any good casting that far if your Gunna starve your minnows. LMAO 🤣🤣😂😂 never heard it put that way before. That's a heck of a cast.
Oct 28, 2020 22:00:26 #
bottomcoon
Loc: Tahlequah, oklahoma
Egghead wrote:
Doesn't really do ya any good casting that far if your Gunna starve your minnows. LMAO 🤣🤣😂😂 never heard it put that way before. That's a heck of a cast.
That's not too bad a cast for a crippled up old Okie but I'd bet Smokeypig can cast further than me. I just use vintage reels. If I had a good reel I could cast better. Take care Egg.
Oct 28, 2020 22:41:09 #
Oct 29, 2020 08:57:54 #
bottomcoon
Loc: Tahlequah, oklahoma
Egghead wrote:
BC, I'm Gunna use that line.lol. it's a classic.
Glad I could perk up your day Egg. Speaking of Classic, right now I'm putting new line on another Classic, a vintage abu garcia 321 Plus baitcaster. It's in great shape & after a bath in my ultra sonic cleaner & a good lube job it's ready for new line. I'm using mono for it's sea trials as it'll have to prove itself before I put a $20 spool of braid on it. The 4 day rain is supposed to be over today & the forecast is clear & 60 degree weather so I'm going to pester the smallmouth. Tight lines.
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