Reel Repair by Alan Tani

Fishing Rods => Fishing Rods => Topic started by: Alto Mare on July 24, 2011, 12:41:09 AM

Title: A Few Vintage Rods
Post by: Alto Mare on July 24, 2011, 12:41:09 AM
Hey guys, I know that this site is dedicated to reels, but a reel is not much without its companion. I decided to take down and clean some of my rods today and I thought it was a good idea to take a couple of pictures of the new ones. Some of these rods are not easy to find in new condition today.  Hope you enjoy,
Sal

(http://i1194.photobucket.com/albums/aa364/Lissbannf2/Picture1428.jpg)


(http://i1194.photobucket.com/albums/aa364/Lissbannf2/Picture1420.jpg)


(http://i1194.photobucket.com/albums/aa364/Lissbannf2/Picture1415.jpg)


Title: Re: A Few Vintage Rods
Post by: alantani on July 24, 2011, 12:58:41 AM
whoa !  :o
Title: Re: A Few Vintage Rods
Post by: Norcal Pescador on July 24, 2011, 01:43:05 AM
Wow, Sal -
You have some nice rods there! Have they ever been used? A rod collection to go with your Penn collection perhaps? ;D
Rob
Title: Re: A Few Vintage Rods
Post by: Dominick on July 24, 2011, 02:30:20 AM
Hey Sal:  I especially like the bent butt rods.  You really need those for 3lb fluke ;D. Dominick
Title: Re: A Few Vintage Rods
Post by: Bryan Young on July 24, 2011, 06:56:30 AM
Wow, look at those Fenwicks...with the saddle guides.  I cannot remember who made them, but they were not fun to wrap and align.  I was so glad when I switched to Aftco.  I remember not many people liked Aftco because it only had 2 contact points and the saddle guides had 4.  Well, I guess we know who won that battle...

Very nice collection.  Are they fished or just eye candy?
Title: Re: A Few Vintage Rods
Post by: Alto Mare on July 24, 2011, 10:50:17 AM
Thanks guys, this was just an opportunity to take a few pictures before putting them back. I do not fish with these, I have a few used ones. Dominik, I'm surprised at you, you already know what lurks in the waters here in the NE. By the way, the fourth rod from the left is the exact one that Quint used in the movie Jaws, just kidding ;D,  it is the exact same rod though. Bryan, a perfect exaple of they don't make them like they used to. The saddle guide where much stronger than the Aftco, I've seen these Afto guides on the 130lb Fenglass  bent all out of shape :-\ . Last year I sold my ST Croix Unlimited Class in black and red with the same saddle guides ,I should have kept it  :-\.
Title: Re: A Few Vintage Rods
Post by: broadway on July 24, 2011, 02:31:33 PM
You continue to make me drool over your collections... great rods!  You know I'm a BIG fan of those wood-butt gripped senators... could you imagine "Big Red" on one of those ::) WOW!
Thanks
Dom 
Title: Re: A Few Vintage Rods
Post by: rodent on July 24, 2011, 04:47:56 PM
Saddle guides were made by mildrum,went out of business quite a few years ago.
Title: Re: A Few Vintage Rods
Post by: Tile on July 24, 2011, 09:08:42 PM
Nice rods. Show 'em with reels mounted  :).
Title: Re: A Few Vintage Rods
Post by: Bryan Young on July 24, 2011, 11:27:30 PM
Quote from: rodent on July 24, 2011, 04:47:56 PMSaddle guides were made by mildrum,went out of business quite a few years ago.

Oh yeah, that was it.  Mildrums were my favarite ringged guides, other than Fuji.
Title: Re: A Few Vintage Rods
Post by: Steve-O on August 07, 2011, 06:39:06 AM
I'm drooling!! ;D  What a nice obsession I mean collection! ::)  The wood and chrome remind me of my Dad's old rods.

thanks for sharing.

Steve-O
Title: Re: A Few Vintage Rods
Post by: Harry on August 10, 2011, 04:04:04 AM
Drooling here too......stuck on this page now for 30+ min...Wish i had a few of those old Fenwicks .Your collection puts my rods to shame! :'( 
Title: Re: A Few Vintage Rods
Post by: Alto Mare on August 10, 2011, 10:57:33 AM
Thanks Harry, the trick is to purchase one at a time and sneak one more in when the wife isn't looking ;D. I traveled to get the second and third rod from left, I didn't want the seller to mail them to me, they're my favorite. I'm glad you ejoyed them, take care, Sal
Title: Re: A Few Vintage Rods
Post by: Harry on August 11, 2011, 05:26:30 AM
Now this post has me thinking why on earth did rod manufacturers change from this style, was there anything wrong with these type of rod styles?

I just cant stand these new so called game rods they try to sell over here these days. (light & flimsy)
Title: Re: A Few Vintage Rods
Post by: Tile on August 12, 2011, 08:59:17 AM
The problem with rods destined for game fishing be it in saltwater or freshwater is represented by the hollow blanks on which they are built on. The solid blanks are best suited for this application. Anyone with basic knowledge in rodbuilding can circumvent the problem by removing the ferrule, putting in a solid fiberglass blank and then reglue the ferrule. This creates a rod that can stand up to punishment for years without loosing its power.
Title: Re: A Few Vintage Rods
Post by: blktwr2660 on August 12, 2011, 09:19:23 PM
Hey,Alto,It's me 8) and I just wanted to say those FENWICKS ;D were ment to be fished,thats their destiny.If ever you wanted to make room in your rod locker,I would be more than happy :D to give them a new home(have some Swordfish I would like to introduce them too ;D)E-mail if your interested.
Title: Re: A Few Vintage Rods
Post by: Alto Mare on August 12, 2011, 09:47:12 PM
Sorry mate, they're eye candy only "as Bryan would say". Take care, Sal
Title: Re: A Few Vintage Rods
Post by: Fishead on August 12, 2011, 11:57:19 PM
Those brown fenwicks are really nice,haven't seen one in many years,especially in that good shape.Those 4 footed mildrums were a real pain in the #### to wrap & really didn't roll that well to begin with & when salt caked on them during use,they didn't roll much at all.Granted they were designed in the days of dacron line so maybe the dacron got a better grip on them than mono did.I have 2 of the white 30lb fenwicks with aluminum butts but neither one are in the shape yours are.Very Nice !!
Title: Re: A Few Vintage Rods
Post by: Alto Mare on August 13, 2011, 12:43:38 AM
Thanks Fishead, glad you enjoyed them. From what I hear, yes you're right about the Mildrum guides being a pain to wrap, but, they were very durable, I have seen AFTCO guides like the ones on the 3 Fenlight, to the right of the brown ones, bent all out of shape, I doubt that you will ever see that happen to one of the Mildrum guides. I have a few of the same rods in used condition and the rollers feel the same as these new ones. It's like everything else, they require a little maintenance every now and then, the roller guides are very easy to take apart for cleaning and oiling, I think that the salt caked from neglect ( lazy fisherman). These ones that you see in the picture are brand new, never used, the pictures don't do them justice, these rods look sweet. Take care, Sal
Title: Re: A Few Vintage Rods
Post by: Alto Mare on August 28, 2011, 02:55:10 PM
Quote from: Tile on July 24, 2011, 09:08:42 PM
Nice rods. Show 'em with reels mounted  :).

OK Tile here are a couple: Penn Senator 9/0 on a Fin Nor, 12/0 on a Fenwick, 14/0 on a Fenwick and a 16/0 on a St Croix, enjoy!

(http://i1101.photobucket.com/albums/g431/pescatore1/DSC01647.jpg)
Title: Re: A Few Vintage Rods
Post by: Norcal Pescador on August 28, 2011, 05:07:14 PM
Hey Sal,

Do you have secret cameras installed so you can see us drool?  :D  :D
Verrrryyy nice! I think you and Dom ought to put your collections together for one big photo spread.  ;)

Rob
Title: Re: A Few Vintage Rods
Post by: redsetta on August 29, 2011, 01:25:06 AM
That's epic, Sal - what a line up!
Thanks for sharing.
All the best, Justin
Title: Re: A Few Vintage Rods
Post by: Dominick on August 29, 2011, 08:40:39 PM
Very cool Sal:  I say this as I wipe the drool off of my chin ;).  Dominick
Title: Re: A Few Vintage Rods
Post by: George4741 on August 29, 2011, 11:25:47 PM
Very impressive, Sal.  Thank you for showing them off.  I never tire of seeing old school gear. 

BTW
If I may ask, do you know when Fenwick and Penn quit making those white rods?  I have one of each, although my Fenwick is not nearly as nice as yours.  It has definitely been used.

George

Title: Re: A Few Vintage Rods
Post by: Alto Mare on August 30, 2011, 12:20:16 AM
Thanks guys, glad you enjoyed  them. George, the only thing I'm able to tell you on the Fenwick/Fenglass is that one of my new set came with a lifetime warranty card, and the date is 1984. I do know that after the 90's they where made in China, like everything else. I'm going to guess that the fenglass that was made in USA was in production from the 70's to 90's. About the Penn, I don't know the model you have, if you have the tuna stick, I think that it was in production untill 2005. The tuna stick is an excellent rod that will stand up to anything. After 2005 graphite composition was introduced, stay away from those, I heard of a few busting. Take care, Sal
Title: Re: A Few Vintage Rods
Post by: Harry on August 30, 2011, 03:26:06 AM
Another killa droolin session right now ;) sweet stuff there mate!

Any idea why the 12/0s dont have the picture on the sideplate or is it that i just havent seen one yet?

Harry
Title: Re: A Few Vintage Rods
Post by: George4741 on August 30, 2011, 04:00:20 AM
Sal, thanks for the info.
George
Title: Re: A Few Vintage Rods
Post by: Alto Mare on August 30, 2011, 10:22:33 AM
Quote from: Harry on August 30, 2011, 03:26:06 AM
Another killa droolin session right now ;) sweet stuff there mate!

Any idea why the 12/0s dont have the picture on the sideplate or is it that i just havent seen one yet?

Harry

Hello Harry, I don't have any idea why the later models 10/0 and 12/0 have no etching on them.
Some say that Penn was trying to save on expenses, I didn't believe it, but anything is possible.
The earlier models Senators 10/0 and 12/0 did come with etching. I think Penn stopped producing them around the mid 50's, in my opinion, the etching on those models was much sweeter that other models. Sal
Title: Re: A Few Vintage Rods
Post by: Tile on September 01, 2011, 09:20:27 PM
Didn't had much time lately because I was on a fishing trip in the Danube Delta. Also the reels look awesome mounted on the rods.
Title: Re: A Few Vintage Rods
Post by: Alto Mare on September 01, 2011, 10:16:59 PM
How did you make out Tile? Any pictures?
Title: Re: A Few Vintage Rods
Post by: Tile on September 02, 2011, 06:17:08 PM
It turned out ok and I will open a new topic and post some pics :)
Title: Re: A Few Vintage Rods
Post by: blktwr2660 on September 02, 2011, 06:42:49 PM
Alto,all i have to say is OUTSTANDING! AND THANK YOU(The offer still stands,reels and all) 8)
Title: Re: A Few Vintage Rods
Post by: MauiWes on August 29, 2012, 12:03:09 AM
Absolutely spectacular! Great job with the care you've taken with these rods!
Title: Re: A Few Vintage Rods
Post by: redsetta on August 29, 2012, 12:36:11 AM
QuoteAbsolutely spectacular!
True - and here's another of Sal's many contributions ;) ;D
http://alantani.com/index.php?topic=2937.0 (http://alantani.com/index.php?topic=2937.0)
Title: Re: A Few Vintage Rods
Post by: fishgrain on October 31, 2015, 03:49:24 PM
sweet rods Sal - classic fenwick and penn right up my alley.
Title: Re: A Few Vintage Rods
Post by: fishgrain on October 31, 2015, 04:06:33 PM
this was one of my favorite - 30 class 6' 10" harnell.

(http://i1359.photobucket.com/albums/q795/OceanGrain/IMG_5364_zpsdyyxqb8z.jpg) (http://s1359.photobucket.com/user/OceanGrain/media/IMG_5364_zpsdyyxqb8z.jpg.html)
(http://i1359.photobucket.com/albums/q795/OceanGrain/IMG_5365_zps3zveqztd.jpg) (http://s1359.photobucket.com/user/OceanGrain/media/IMG_5365_zps3zveqztd.jpg.html)(http://i1359.photobucket.com/albums/q795/OceanGrain/IMG_5366_zps3yrm2dk4.jpg) (http://s1359.photobucket.com/user/OceanGrain/media/IMG_5366_zps3yrm2dk4.jpg.html)(http://i1359.photobucket.com/albums/q795/OceanGrain/IMG_5367_zps80m63wn4.jpg) (http://s1359.photobucket.com/user/OceanGrain/media/IMG_5367_zps80m63wn4.jpg.html)(http://i1359.photobucket.com/albums/q795/OceanGrain/IMG_5371_zpsbywx5w06.jpg) (http://s1359.photobucket.com/user/OceanGrain/media/IMG_5371_zpsbywx5w06.jpg.html)
Title: Re: A Few Vintage Rods
Post by: Alto Mare on October 31, 2015, 07:33:05 PM
You got some cool stuff Grob. I think I remember seeing those in one of my penn catalog from the 60's.
Thanks for sharing.
Title: Re: A Few Vintage Rods
Post by: Shark Hunter on October 31, 2015, 09:21:10 PM
Very Nice J.
Title: Re: A Few Vintage Rods
Post by: fishhead69 on October 31, 2015, 09:49:08 PM
Awesome fishing rods. The Fenwick rods with the brown colored blank, Mildrum guides and straight butt are just like the one used in the movie Jaws. They are too nice to fish with.
Title: Re: A Few Vintage Rods
Post by: fishgrain on November 02, 2015, 05:40:46 PM
the butts were really nice - they took heavy use but only showed lite wear. and everything on the blanks so solid. made to last for a very long time.
Title: Re: A Few Vintage Rods
Post by: thorhammer on November 02, 2015, 05:58:54 PM
Wow harnell in that shape is a prize indeed. 
Title: Re: A Few Vintage Rods
Post by: oc1 on December 24, 2015, 11:10:28 AM
Back in the day shark fishing off the beach we would only use Mildrum guides because they had the clearance to pass a splice in 150# Ashaway nylon braid.  Needed the big nylon braid to stand up to sand abrasion and it was often spliced to Dacron backing to reduce the overall stretch.  The splice knot would get stuck in an Aftco guide.  However, if you looked closely Aftco guides were made better with closer tolerances and a nice finish.  The rollers were said to be better metal too.  The Mildrums required a lot of maintenance because blowing sand particles would get under the rollers and if a roller stuck the line would cut a groove.
-steve
Title: Re: A Few Vintage Rods
Post by: Alto Mare on December 24, 2015, 11:44:10 AM
Good information Steve. Do you have any photos from the good old days?

Sal
Title: Re: A Few Vintage Rods
Post by: sdlehr on January 18, 2016, 09:05:28 PM
Quote from: Alto Mare on August 10, 2011, 10:57:33 AM
the trick is to purchase one at a time and sneak one more in when the wife isn't looking

I've started to resort to this type of creativity.... ;D ;D ;D

Sid
Title: Re: A Few Vintage Rods
Post by: LamiTime on February 07, 2016, 09:35:27 PM
Damm nice collection
Any chance you have a Fenwick LB1206
Title: Re: A Few Vintage Rods
Post by: oc1 on February 08, 2016, 07:38:00 AM
This thread arose again and I just found your note Sal.  Somewhere there are some old paper dead fish photos and I am going to make it a mission to find them.  One was with a small tarpon and one with my largest ever catch, an 8'11" lemon shark. The fish ran about ten feet and then went catatonic.  We thought I was dragging in a big wad of sargassum weed or an old tire or something until it was in knee deep water.  I think it was after that I made a rod from with a 36 thread Harnell blank, oak handle and reel seat of unknown manufacture, Mildrum guides off my old solid glass rod, cork foregrip, black 12/0.  Sold it a year or so later to buy a surfboard.  My mother says it all went downhill from there.  Those white rubber Harnell grips in Fishgrain's photos bring back memories too because we used the small five-inch size for casting and tarpon rods.  I think it was Harnell 542 blank and black 4/0 senator for tarpon and a lighter Harnell blank and 140 squidder for more casting distance.  That was on Padre Island and Mustang Island in the late 1960's.
Title: Re: A Few Vintage Rods
Post by: TomT on February 09, 2016, 06:07:55 AM
Back in the 70's I took my son fishing on a party boat out of Virg's landing in Morro Bay, Ca.  I had purchased a new Penn 114h and had added a longer handle and one of those flat bases to fit on the rail--forget anything about the rod but was probably a matching Penn.  I hooked and eventually brought to the boat a blue shark that would have taped out at 10"  He was also "catatonic".  The deckhand thought I was bringing up a rock off the bottom.  There were no electronic cameras in those days and if there were pictures taken, I never saw them. ::)  The lure was cut off about 10' from the boat.  I would like to say it was a lot of fun, but it was really just a lot of work. ;)  Still wish there was a picture available.
TomT
Title: Re: A Few Vintage Rods
Post by: anglingarchitect on March 04, 2016, 02:02:38 AM
Beautiful Rods and Penn collection. I remember Harnell blanks were It for a period back in the day Right?
Title: Re: A Few Vintage Rods
Post by: Alto Mare on March 04, 2016, 04:10:34 AM
Thanks Mark!
Title: Re: A Few Vintage Rods
Post by: reelrepair123 on March 04, 2016, 01:48:14 PM
wow   sal,   very impressive,  real gems there, great rods for a great guy.  harryk
Title: Re: A Few Vintage Rods
Post by: ez2cdave on October 27, 2017, 06:19:04 PM
Quote from: Bryan Young on July 24, 2011, 06:56:30 AM
Wow, look at those Fenwicks...with the saddle guides.  I cannot remember who made them, but they were not fun to wrap and align. 

Those are Mildrum "spraddle foot" roller guides . . .

Tight Lines !