Fishing Machine

[oc1]

Made by St. Croix in the late 1970's.  Spincast on 4'10" telescoping rod.  Honestly, St. Croix should be ashamed.  

The weird frame is mostly plastic.  

The lever on top is labeled "Range Finder" but all it does is put some tension on the rotor and then pop loose when line is pulled out.  It is sort of like a bite indicator.











We use this when we need to cast a line up over a tree branch to haul up a rope saw or haul up a block for lifting something heavy.  There are always numerous Fishing Machines available in like-new condition because nobody ever used them more than once; if that.
-steve

[Cor]

Interesting device, is new to me.

[philaroman]

professional version of the Popeil?

[RC4600]

Must have been made by Bell & Howell, does it use 16mm or 35mm Film? Too cool an example of historical flubs. RC

[Gobi King]

Must have been made by Bell & Howell, does it use 16mm or 35mm Film? Too cool an example of historical flubs. RC

Hasselblad ?? ;-)

[steelfish]

interesting device my friend, thanks for showing it to us

[philaroman]

curious...  among decades of awesome rods,
was there even one good reel from St. Croix or Fenwick?
pretty sure they didn't manufacture their own,
but was there anything half-decent under those brands?

[Donnyboat]

Well there you go,a little more rod & reel history, thanks for posting Steve, interesting for sure, cheers Don.

[foakes]

curious...  among decades of awesome rods,
was there even one decent reel from St. Croix or Fenwick?

Not yet...

Surprisingly though -- the times that I have sold these at yard sales -- they go pretty quick and for decent money ($25 - $35).  But I don't think the buyers were very knowledgeable about fishing.

For a better quality combo -- check out the True-Temper Bronson Unispin Under-Rod Reel Combo with the through rod casting release button.  Good quality.  I have one out in the upstairs rod storage.

Best,

Fred

[Dominick]

Interesting.  My first look at one.  Thanks Steve you never disappoint.  More, more off-beat stuff  Dominick

[jurelometer]

curious...  among decades of awesome rods,
was there even one good reel from St. Croix or Fenwick?
pretty sure they didn't manufacture their own,
but was there anything half-decent under those brands?

Fenwick had a fly reel that was well regarded in its time.  It still has a bit of a following.  Look for the "World Class" line with the disc drag.  The one with the anodized frame (gold or black).  Drag knob aligned with the spindle - not the offset drag.   Haven't fondled one myself, so this is all second hand.

-J

[Benni3]

That's cool,,,, James bond fishing reel and they do have a use,,, I had something like that on a field trip and the teacher got so mad at me for fishing James Madison's ponds,,,,,, it just doesn't get any better than that,,,,,,,

[oc1]

There are a LOT of those things still around.  They were purchased or given as gifts because of the opportunity for spur-of-the-moment fishing trips.  But, spur-of-the-moment fishing trips hardly ever happen so they were hardly ever actually used. 
-steve

[Midway Tommy]

They're great for catching "shelf fish" if they're in new condition.  They might work for brookies, creek chubs or bluegill but I don't think I'd trust them on anything heavier. I've never bought one for shelfies mostly because everyone I've ever seen in really good shape the owners have been quite proud of them. The search is still on for a shelfie @ $5 or less.     

[Gfish]

That's cool,,,, James bond fishing reel and they do have a use,,, I had something like that on a field trip and the teacher got so mad at me for fishing James Madison's ponds,,,,,, it just doesn't get any better than that,,,,,,,

James Madison's ponds, ha! i love it!