I have a passion for vintage tackle. I here all the time about the latest and the greatest and the vintage stuff isn't up to the task of catching fish anymore. I believe as long as it catches fish it's still usable. You don't need something new to catch fish. It may not perform like the latest gear but it will still do the job. Don't ever let anyone tell you different.
Mike
Mike, I agree 100%, unless I am fishing for something that is going to hurt me, in which case I want state of the art!
Yes, Totally agree with you both. I have an Australian Surfmaster and an Ocean City 112 which I intend to spool up when I get back home.
Over in Western Australia at present and had the opportunity to fish the beaches off Ningaloo reef. This reef is 300 kms long and hugs the mainland all the way.
Yes, you can cast to it from the shore. Caught some nice golden trevally and flathead.My wife caught the biggest ones as usual.
cheers
Basto
I have the late stuff also. But it's for the big stuff. There is nothing like a vintage reel to modify to bring a sense accomplishment to a person.
Mike
I try and take one vintage set-up on every outing, Still workes fine and there's something to be said for style points.
I fish freshwater only. One reel that I use is 20 years old. The other 20 + reels in my arsenal run from 33 to 50 years old. Quite honestly, IMO, that group of reels, all ABU, Zebco or ABU/Garcia Cardinal fulcrum brake models are more reliable than just about any spinning reel purchased new these days. Also, IMHO, some of the best quality reels ever made, regardless of type, were made between the mid '60s and mid '80s. Starting about 1980 I think overall quality started to decline. I love the looks I get when other fishermen see the reels I'm using. The stares and comments are priceless! 8)
To me, the difference in old and new are the modern conveniences. It's the same with cars. The old stuff will get the job done just fine, but the new stuff is more comfortable to use. I don't miss the drag, don't miss the anti-reverse or the levelwind. But, I do miss the speed and lower profile of modern bait casters.
-steve
The fish haven't changed only the gear we catch them with. Fish don't give a hoot if you use modern tackle or vintage tackle. Well maintained vintage gear will land most fish.
The old stuff (like me) has it's place. Fishing big fish the new stuff has the edge. BUT for other fish many times the old gear has the edge. If I was headed to SoCal to fish on a half or full day trip there will be a couple of Calcutta (wood) rods, with a Penn 259, 99, etc. on them. Usually the reaction to the rods goes something like this...... Do you think those long bent wood rods will be OK? They will probably break, etc. Will when the Barracuda come up way behind the boat, under the Turns and all the regulars are only catching shorts the Calcutta comes into it's own. Throwing a Clyde's or Hex Head feather with the wood has won me many a jack pot. As for fresh water I fish Bass, Trout ,and Pan Fish with Langley Targets, and Streamlites. Try to fish/cast two pound test on a conventional reel, well a Target will do it. Find me a modern conventional that will do it. To date I have not found one, now there is a challenge for you guys. Kidding a side I would not use a new reel for my fresh water fishing.
Do you have any pics you could post showing the Calcutta rod?
I have pictures, BUT I always have a lot a trouble posting them on this site.
Email them to me and I'll post a few if you'd like. 1mf@fuse.net
Thay still work too ;D and catch fish
The Calcutta pictures have been sent to you email.
Quote from: Benni3 on August 06, 2017, 07:56:18 PM
Thay still work too ;D and catch fish
Why is it that vintage lures command such high prices?
Quote from: Decker on August 07, 2017, 01:42:57 PM
Quote from: Benni3 on August 06, 2017, 07:56:18 PM
Thay still work too ;D and catch fish
Why is it that vintage lures command such high prices?
I got them at a estate sale $3.00 each last year,,,,you find them at sales,,,,the bad thing is the vintage rods i past up,,, ???
Quote from: Decker on August 07, 2017, 01:42:57 PM
Why is it that vintage lures command such high prices?
I've wondered the same, Joe. Look in your tackle box. How old is the oldest lure in there? They often don't last long and get snagged and lost. They also lose paint and get chewed up. so an old lure in really good condition has probably not been used much, and not at all in a few decades. Lure collectors are always on the lookout for repainted lures. I think it's about Economics 101, supply and demand. I think the demand side of the equation has also been influenced by the number of collectors increasing as well.
Quote from: sdlehr on August 07, 2017, 03:38:24 PM
Quote from: Decker on August 07, 2017, 01:42:57 PM
Why is it that vintage lures command such high prices?
I've wondered the same, Joe. Look in your tackle box. How old is the oldest lure in there? They often don't last long and get snagged and lost. They also lose paint and get chewed up. so an old lure in really good condition has probably not been used much, and not at all in a few decades. Lure collectors are always on the lookout for repainted lures. I think it's about Economics 101, supply and demand. I think the demand side of the equation has also been influenced by the number of collectors increasing as well.
Right, Sid. Higher loss/damage rate, shrinking supply. Buying old reels saves money, but buying old lures may not. Makes perfect sense.
I have my old tackle box I used for Striped Bass. I haven't opened it since '69. Lures were in good condition if I remember right.
Mike
Quote from: bluefish69 on August 07, 2017, 04:05:47 PM
I have my old tackle box I used for Striped Bass. I haven't opened it since '69. Lures were in good condition if I remember right.
Mike
A gold mine, no doubt! ;D
I fish both vintage and new. But the last three reels I purchased new all had issues. None were cheap reels either and all three were manufactured by different companies. Vintage reels were made in an era where there was pride in making a good product, not just a good profit. All the companies were great in assisting making the issues right.
What to watch for Bagley! heddon,South bend mouse,Winchester spinners $2 or $3 it's like getting a lottery ticket,,,lol :D
Quote from: Decker on August 07, 2017, 01:42:57 PM
Why is it that vintage lures command such high prices?
There are just so so many of us old guys that want them.
steve
;D Just about ever thing i fish with is vintage even the boat and motor . The only thing new is hooks and line .... joe
I just got that same old song today. That the old penn reels don't cut it anymore. Charkbait can't make money on it like they can with the new stuff. Well try and repair a Shimano that is no longer made. Some models don't even last a year before they are changed and no parts available. My opinion Penn decided to go that route to do just that by discontinueing most of their model and going chinese. Let's see if they supply parts for the new version of these reels. We are living in a throw away world and pretend what we have now is better. Time and time again the old penn reels perform just as good as the newer reels. How often do you really need a two speed reel to get the job done. We should give thanks to all the people that make this sight worth while.
Mike
I'm in love with 2 diffrent ladies!
Gotta older, larger, less attractive and slower one, vintage-like me, but I know her so well. And a younger, sleeker, prettier one, still a young relationship, we're still getting to know each other, modeled after a classic, she's a great example of the fine American game of reinventing yourself. The older one's easier to modify and maintain, less expensive, less complicated, more forgiving and does what she does really well. The other prettier, younger one, is expensive, finicky and fussey, but built tougher with structual and functional improvements and she's faster and lighter. Can't decide who I love more... They both have their special place when I'm out kayak huntin. Sure is nice to have options.
A probably early 60's Long Beach 67 and a Cortez Jigmaster "99" reel kit.
because of the memories they recall.
even though the Phillies are having a tough time this year, watching other teams just isn't the same
sitting at my grandmothers feet as a kid watching with her cannot be duplicated. :'( :'(
jay
Invoking memories of Granny brings a tear to m eye. I loved going to her house when I was about 15 and her and I playing Rummy and drinking high balls
I too have noticed that ive sought out all the reels(and then some) I fished with or even saw as a kid.
I did that too. Then I started on my dad's reels and then grandparents. Working my way back in time to a rock and spear.
Pounding high balls with granny, classic.
Here a testament to vintage gear. One minute your fishing for mangrove snapper with your trusty penn 714 and boom 36 inch snook is on the other end.
Quote from: Midway Tommy on August 06, 2017, 05:21:21 AM
I fish freshwater only. One reel that I use is 20 years old. The other 20 + reels in my arsenal run from 33 to 50 years old. Quite honestly, IMO, that group of reels, all ABU, Zebco or ABU/Garcia Cardinal fulcrum brake models are more reliable than just about any spinning reel purchased new these days. Also, IMHO, some of the best quality reels ever made, regardless of type, were made between the mid '60s and mid '80s. Starting about 1980 I think overall quality started to decline. I love the looks I get when other fishermen see the reels I'm using. The stares and comments are priceless! 8)
Hi Tommy
I totally get you on the older ABU cardinals. In the eighties I bought a cardinal 54 and 55. Somehow I let a prominent fishing writer convince me that rear drag spinners were not the best way to go. So I sold them and have come to regret it.
I recently picked up a cardinal 5 in pristine condition for cheap. Was surprised to see a made in Japan sticker on the reel foot and this little reel is made of the right stuff and operates perfectly. Very happy!!
cheers
Basto
Quote from: basto on September 05, 2017, 08:37:41 AM
Quote from: Midway Tommy on August 06, 2017, 05:21:21 AM
I fish freshwater only. One reel that I use is 20 years old. The other 20 + reels in my arsenal run from 33 to 50 years old. Quite honestly, IMO, that group of reels, all ABU, Zebco or ABU/Garcia Cardinal fulcrum brake models are more reliable than just about any spinning reel purchased new these days. Also, IMHO, some of the best quality reels ever made, regardless of type, were made between the mid '60s and mid '80s. Starting about 1980 I think overall quality started to decline. I love the looks I get when other fishermen see the reels I'm using. The stares and comments are priceless! 8)
Hi Tommy
I totally get you on the older ABU cardinals. In the eighties I bought a cardinal 54 and 55. Somehow I let a prominent fishing writer convince me that rear drag spinners were not the best way to go. So I sold them and have come to regret it.
I recently picked up a cardinal 5 in pristine condition for cheap. Was surprised to see a made in Japan sticker on the reel foot and this little reel is made of the right stuff and operates perfectly. Very happy!!
cheers
Basto
From my experiences most rear drag reels work better and are easier to adjust during the catch than front drag reels, but the optimum setup is the fulcrum style rear drag. It seems they offer a much better opportunity for finite drag adjustment as a result of the leverage provided by the brake arm.
Yes, I see that the dial on the 5 is in the same position under the housing as the older original cardinals, whereas the dial or adjustment knob on the 54 and 55 was at the very end of the housing.
Interesting to find that they returned to the original position on the Cardinal 5.
Basto
The terms "vintage" and "old" are relative terms, often being a function of the age of the person using them. I'm 76 and when I hear someone talking about something being "old" that is 20 years old, I shake my head and think my socks are probably older than that-LOL. Every year for the past 30 years or so we have had a tournament in Missouri in which all tackle must be pre-1940. Rods, reels, and lures. It is truly amazing how many nice bass are caught and released each year. The other fact is that after participating in the tournament, many find that the experience is so rewarding that they never go back to contemporary tackle. I do virtually all my fishing with "antique' tackle and enjoy every minute of it. There is a certain pleasure to be taken when an older baitcasting reel is mastered. When asked by others why anyone would want to do this, my standard answer is for the same reason folks hunt deer with a bow and arrow or squirrels with a flintlock. It is just more fun. Attend any antique tackle show and you will find many great reels, rods, and lures that are 50 or 75 years old that are less expensive than the new ones found on the market today.
(http://pic20.picturetrail.com/VOL1314/13758810/24777965/414106485.jpg)
Quote from: Sonnett on April 02, 2020, 12:17:43 AM
The terms "vintage" and "old" are relative terms, often being a function of the age of the person using them. I'm 76 and when I hear someone talking about something being "old" that is 20 years old, I shake my head and think my socks are probably older than that-LOL. Every year for the past 30 years or so we have had a tournament in Missouri in which all tackle must be pre-1940. Rods, reels, and lures. It is truly amazing how many nice bass are caught and released each year. The other fact is that after participating in the tournament, many find that the experience is so rewarding that they never go back to contemporary tackle. I do virtually all my fishing with "antique' tackle and enjoy every minute of it. There is a certain pleasure to be taken when an older baitcasting reel is mastered. When asked by others why anyone would want to do this, my standard answer is for the same reason folks hunt deer with a bow and arrow or squirrels with a flintlock. It is just more fun. Attend any antique tackle show and you will find many great reels, rods, and lures that are 50 or 75 years old that are less expensive than the new ones found on the market today.
(http://pic20.picturetrail.com/VOL1314/13758810/24777965/414106485.jpg)
Thank you for posting this!
I'm not quite as old as you ;) but I do also love using older tackle, although I don't have any that old.
This tournament sounds like a blast! I'd love to just be there to watch even!
That is a beauty of a bass!
Would you mind share some more pictures and info on the gear you're using there?
Thanks!
Here are a few. Most of my fishing is nighttime Bass fishing with topwater, older plugs. I stopped taking pics a few years ago and simply measure them and let them go. All the fish in these pics were released. Rods are Bamboo, tubular steel, solid glass or tubular glass. All the baits are 60 years old or older. The jitterbug is the first model 1939 wood. The reels are Coxe 25N, Pfluegers: Supreme, Skilcast & Summit and the Shakespeare Presidential Sportcast. Today I use the Coxe 25N almost exclusively and occasionally a Skilcast at night. Plugs are Wood Jitterbug, Clark's Water Scout, Shakespeare Mouse, CCBC Plunker and Injured Minnow.
(http://pic20.picturetrail.com/VOL1314/13758810/24777965/414406932.jpg)(http://pic20.picturetrail.com/VOL1314/13758810/24777965/414406931.jpg)(http://pic20.picturetrail.com/VOL1314/13758810/24777965/414406927.jpg)(http://pic20.picturetrail.com/VOL1314/13758810/24777965/414406926.jpg)(http://pic20.picturetrail.com/VOL1314/13758810/24777965/414406928.jpg)
Thanks for posting this, Bill --
Plus the great photos.
I too, use vintage gear but 20-30 years newer -- and mostly spinners for fresh water.
DAM Quick, Mitchell, Penn, & ABU/Zebco Cardinals -- paired with Fenwicks, Wright-McGill, WonderRods, or Garcia Conolons.
I do have around 200-300 baitcasters that are slated for lamps.
And a bunch of older open face spinners from the 50's such as Zebcos, Langley's, OC's, and others -- that I should try out.
You have inspired me!
Best,
Fred
Beautiful Bill. Coxe is known for quality, but I think he made the most handsome reels of all time; the 25N being a great example.
-steve
Quote from: oc1 on April 02, 2020, 06:03:18 AM
Beautiful Bill. Coxe is known for quality, but I think he made the most handsome reels of all time; the 25N being a great example.
-steve
Steve they made many changes in that reel's short life, which was made even shorter with the interruption during WWII. JA Coxe never made any freshwater levelwind reels until moving to Bronson in 1938. He had many ideas that he thought would be an improvement over the reels of the day, but he did not count on the ineptitude of the average fisherman when it came to cleaning and lubrication-LOL. As time went on his reel became more like the average Pflueger or Shakespeare of the day. The other problem was metallurgy. He used german silver on applications on his pre-1951 reels in ways for which it was unsuited. Consequently, we see cracks as well as wear where hard metals move against softer metals. I have owned (don't tell my wife) about 70 of these reels and I repair them for others. We see the same problems over and over and the most common problem is a worn or mangled "pawl spring" (Coxe's term) which is the very fine wire clip that provides enough friction to make the reel re-engage when the crank is turned forward. I mention this as the part is very difficult to find but a great substitute can be fashioned from the spring found in most ballpoint pens. This problem was addressed in 1951 with the introduction of the aluminum-framed Coronet 25. That reel was expensive and knocked out of the competition, as so many others were by the Ambassadeur 5000.
Vintage gear make the best pictures.
Thanks for sharing guys....beautiful!
Sal
I tried to find a few pics of catches on vintage gear...it seems most of my vintage action is on video. The bottom photo is a catch on all vintage components. The rod, the reel, even the lure was a classic early Jitterbug! 8)
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=n8dEJeshsiU
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MJvGoYaqoEU&t=17s
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YFoR1nRA5NM
How do we define vintage? Is it a number? I think I heard 20 years somewhere....well, I use a whole bunch of stuff I bought new in the late 90's, most of which still looks new- Spinfishers, a whole stand of Penn Graphite GS, Senators, Penn 9's, 209, 309, GTI, and Abu's. While it may fit the definition of vintage in that regard, many such as Abu C3, Peers, Senators have had very little done in 25 other than cosmetic or minor changes, so is that really vintage? GS and GTI are very similar to current Penn graphite reels- the 535 Mag and Squall 15 look a whole lot alike... The Peers and Senators, to 99 percent of people not on AT, are the same (and are functionally) as they were 50 years ago, and my Gen 1 Internationals are still decking fish.
I still fish these on a weekly basis- my fav bass reel is a 1973 5500 Abu, the Calcutta's rarely come off the rack. The Peers and Mag 10's are used regularly and my friends haven't the foggiest that that the red ones are older than the black ones. I consider my 310/320 / 330's, and SSM's, my "new reels", lol.
I use a lot of regular old white bucktails on heads I pour....new, I guess, but 100 years old or more in design. And tho a newer make, there's a frog pattern Jitterbug- my fav as kid- that stays hanging in my shop on an Abu 5500 for the pond out back.
Plus a whole slew of 1960's Quicks and Mitchells...
Very cool, thank you!
Quote from: thorhammer on April 02, 2020, 03:53:14 PM
How do we define vintage? Is it a number? I think I heard 20 years somewhere....well, I use a whole bunch of stuff I bought new in the late 90's, most of which still looks new- Spinfishers, a whole stand of Penn Graphite GS, Senators, Penn 9's, 209, 309, GTI, and Abu's. While it may fit the definition of vintage in that regard, many such as Abu C3, Peers, Senators have had very little done in 25 other than cosmetic or minor changes, so is that really vintage? GS and GTI are very similar to current Penn graphite reels- the 535 Mag and Squall 15 look a whole lot alike... The Peers and Senators, to 99 percent of people not on AT, are the same (and are functionally) as they were 50 years ago, and my Gen 1 Internationals are still decking fish.
I still fish these on a weekly basis- my fav bass reel is a 1973 5500 Abu, the Calcutta's rarely come off the rack. The Peers and Mag 10's are used regularly and my friends haven't the foggiest that that the red ones are older than the black ones. I consider my 310/320 / 330's, and SSM's, my "new reels", lol.
correction- 525 Mag, before Chris reminds me :)
I use a lot of regular old white bucktails on heads I pour....new, I guess, but 100 years old or more in design. And tho a newer make, there's a frog pattern Jitterbug- my fav as kid- that stays hanging in my shop on an Abu 5500 for the pond out back.
Plus a whole slew of 1960's Quicks and Mitchells...
Quote from: thorhammer on April 02, 2020, 03:53:14 PM
How do we define vintage? Is it a number? I think I heard 20 years somewhere....well, I use a whole bunch of stuff I bought new in the late 90's, most of which still looks new- Spinfishers, a whole stand of Penn Graphite GS, Senators, Penn 9's, 209, 309, GTI, and Abu's. While it may fit the definition of vintage in that regard, many such as Abu C3, Peers, Senators have had very little done in 25 other than cosmetic or minor changes, so is that really vintage?
Vintage was hijacked and in this day and age is a very misused term. It's original purpose was to define the age of wine, i.e. 1980 vintage, ect., the year it was made. As with a lot of general terms over the last decade or two our society has totally disregarded the real meaning of many of them. If one uses vintage correctly the year it was made, or circa, should be included, but God forbid appropriateness these days. Antique is at least 100 years old and anything newer might be considered collectible, if in fact it is, or retro, period or nostalgic, depending on its circa.
Personally, I try to avoid using vintage unless I include the year. I generally try to use collectible.
In my vintage hands my vintage Newells work really well. Feed them a lot of fresh water at the end of the day and they just keep on catching fish. Funny sometimes when I make remarks about old people I remember that I am about to turn 71. ;D ;D
Dwight
Age is only a number -- and mine is unlisted...
Fish don't know the difference.
It is a great experience to fish with quality older tackle -- that when it was manufactured, part of the mindset was pride in a finished product -- and a job well done.
A capable reel that was designed to last generations -- not disposable -- and constructed of quality materials by skilled craftsmen and engineers.
A reel that makers were not ashamed to engrave their name onto.
Best, Fred
Hey Fred,
Do you have any of those old burgundy shakespeare open face reels? I caught a lot of fish on those when I was young like 50 years ago.
Dwight
Quote from: Newell Nut on April 02, 2020, 05:48:41 PM
In my vintage hands my vintage Newells work really well. Feed them a lot of fresh water at the end of the day and they just keep on catching fish. Funny sometimes when I make remarks about old people I remember that I am about to turn 71. ;D ;D
Dwight
Well, after seeing what you did to that 80lb. Punching bag, I wouldn't be too worried about being 71 if I were you.
That was a hell of a way of getting your frustration out😂.
Quote from: Newell Nut on April 02, 2020, 06:32:49 PM
Hey Fred,
Do you have any of those old burgundy shakespeare open face reels? I caught a lot of fish on those when I was young like 50 years ago.
Dwight
What size are you looking for, Dwight?
Best, Fred
I do not really want one since I do not fish fresh water anymore. I haven't seen one in so many years I was curious to see if you had one. I had an average size one and then I had a little one with a white spool I think. Cute little reel.
Thanks
Dwight
I have a few, Dwight --
They are very fine reels.
Best,
Fred
As requested: a picture of a small sample of surface lures that I typically use as well as a picture of my "high tech" bass fishing outfit. The motor is a 1962 Evenrude 3hp. The good news is it runs like new. The Bad news is I am the original owner---LOL
(http://pic20.picturetrail.com/VOL1314/13758810/24777965/414408539.jpg)
(http://pic20.picturetrail.com/VOL1314/13758810/24777965/413895344.jpg)
I'm really enjoying this thread. The Jitterbug was one of my favorite lures for largemouth back in the 70's. The Daredevil spoon was another.
I have to wonder, when fishing with vintage plugs, do you lose some? What kinds of lengths might you go to to get them back? Still, I appreciate seeing the old gear still doing the job!
As to the question of losing old baits, most float and can be retrieved after the Bass throws them and in any case are easily replaced at antique lure shows where value is placed on condition and rarity. Well worn lures that obviously spent much time in the water (because they caught fish) are available in great numbers for $5 or less. This includes some lures that are 100+ years old. There is something special about taking a bass on a century-old bait. I seldom leave a show without a bag full of old baits to test out. Being wood, each is a bit different and some work better than an identical appearing bait. This old-time fishing is probably not very successful in the deep reservoirs that dominate "modern" bass fishing. This tackle is best matched with shallow, weedy natural lakes, the kind that was available to the average fisherman prior to our period of dam building. The first picture here is of my open tackle box taken about 10 years ago when there were still a few modern lures in it. It is paired with a 1946 Shakespeare Marhoff reel and a True Temper Dynamic seamless tubular steel rod of the same period. The second picture was snapped by a friend of mine while I was having it outwit a local bass, The rod is again seamless tubular steel and the reel is a Pflueger Skilcast, both 1940's vintage.
(http://pic20.picturetrail.com/VOL1314/13758810/24777965/414408624.jpg)
(http://pic20.picturetrail.com/VOL1314/13758810/24777965/414408622.jpg)
I've always grinned at the newest crazes in lures. With the average life span of 15 years for most freshwater species, the majority have never seen any of the old fish getters, so they're all new to them unless you fish the same body of water every day.
I enjoy fishing the old stuff, I think my newest reel is a Baja Special, and some generic Chinese throw always, but once in a while I come across a vintage lure like this Heddon Sonic Dark Horse new in the box. I remember my dad had one like this and was really bummed when he lost it in a snag......I'm not sure if I want to risk fishing it or admire it....Bill
I was advised, as a youngster, that the way to really catch fish, was to fish as close to the snags, as possible, It DOES work, but you get hung up, A LOT. The guy that gave me the advice worked at a tackle shop ???
Speaking of snags. The L&S Bassmaster was a great fish-catching bait for me in the 1950's and early 60's, especially in hard fished farm ponds. It had one bad feature that must have been built into it. It would swim way out of its way to the nearest log or stump and impale itself firmly. In those days I did not have the $1.25 to replace them as fast as I lost them--LOL.
Quote from: Sonnett on April 09, 2020, 12:37:48 AM
It would swim way out of its way to the nearest log or stump and impale itself firmly.
LOL