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.
(http://www.raingarden.us/snap/FM1.jpg)
(http://www.raingarden.us/snap/FM2.jpg)
(http://www.raingarden.us/snap/FM3.jpg)
(http://www.raingarden.us/snap/FM4.jpg)
(http://www.raingarden.us/snap/FM5.jpg)
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
Interesting device, is new to me.
professional version of the Popeil? ;D
Must have been made by Bell & Howell, does it use 16mm or 35mm Film? Too cool an example of historical flubs. RC
Quote from: RC4600 on June 21, 2020, 12:05:55 PM
Must have been made by Bell & Howell, does it use 16mm or 35mm Film? Too cool an example of historical flubs. RC
Hasselblad ?? ;-)
interesting device my friend, thanks for showing it to us
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?
Well there you go,a little more rod & reel history, thanks for posting Steve, interesting for sure, cheers Don.
Quote from: philaroman on June 21, 2020, 06:08:17 PM
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
Interesting. My first look at one. Thanks Steve you never disappoint. More, more off-beat stuff Dominick
Quote from: philaroman on June 21, 2020, 06:08:17 PM
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
That's cool,,,, 8) James bond fishing reel and they do have a use,,, :D 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,,,,,,, ;D
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
They're great for catching "shelf fish" if they're in new condition. :D 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. ;D
Quote from: Benni3 on June 22, 2020, 06:58:53 AM
That's cool,,,, 8) James bond fishing reel and they do have a use,,, :D 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,,,,,,, ;D
James Madison's ponds, ha! i love it!
Here's another in the same vein. The Pocket Fisherman from the early 1970's.
-s
.
hey, I actually still remember "inventor" Ron on TV
didn't he invent the infomercial?
Just Set It
in the deepest darkest corner of your garage/basement
And Forget It
until you can strategically re-gift,
or some eBay optimist wants to pay $200 for it
Cool..!
I have one, maybe two, of the Fishing Machines. One of them the rod is stuck from flipping it out to hard.
Keith
Quote from: Gfish on June 23, 2020, 08:05:52 AM
Quote from: Benni3 on June 22, 2020, 06:58:53 AM
That's cool,,,, 8) James bond fishing reel and they do have a use,,, :D 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,,,,,,, ;D
James Madison's ponds, ha! i love it!
Yes,,,,but Monticello's fish ponds where alot better on another field trip,,,,, ;) and if you Google,,,,Thomas Jefferson Monticello "the fish ponds" you can see why and "natural bridge" wasn't bad either,,,,, :D so yes there's a very good place for this rod and reel and as a kid on a field trip best time ever,,,,,,,,,, ;D
Quote from: Benni3 on June 24, 2020, 02:55:36 AM
Quote from: Gfish on June 23, 2020, 08:05:52 AM
Quote from: Benni3 on June 22, 2020, 06:58:53 AM
That's cool,,,, 8) James bond fishing reel and they do have a use,,, :D 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,,,,,,, ;D
James Madison's ponds, ha! i love it!
Yes,,,,but Monticello's fish ponds where alot better on another field trip,,,,, ;) and if you Google,,,,Thomas Jefferson Monticello "the fish ponds" you can see why and "natural bridge" wasn't bad either,,,,, :D so yes there's a very good place for this rod and reel and as a kid on a field trip best time ever,,,,,,,,,, ;D
You're my hero Benni! 8)
The Pocket Fisherman was in a display case at the IGFA museum in Fort Lauderdale when I visited years ago with a description that it wasn't "legal" to land an IGFA world record with, as the "rod" was too short. I remember Ron pitching it on the tube, slipping it out of the glove compartment to sneak down to a stream at an overpass, apparently he was an avid angler.
Just in case you fell in love with this, you can go to ebay and look up item# 324196507567 and own one today. RC
is that the dreamer that wants like $450?
Quote from: oc1 on June 21, 2020, 07:49:10 AM
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.
-steve
I'd have to move to another state if anyone I knew saw me using one of those. Even worse if they posted a video of it.