First of 2 Pflueger 551's has arrived. From what I can determine, only built 1967-69. Basically a Shakespeare 2062 with a different finish and emblem...and a stylized "P" on the drag knob.
You are correct.
Thanks Tommy! I have at least for the moment started focusing on Shakespeare reels, 1959-1980ish, US production, including private label products like Wright & McGill Eagle Claw and Ted Williams, and of course Shakespeare and Pflueger. I figure that's manageable.
The 2nd 551 just arrived this morning, this one has a plain drag knob, no stylized P emblem. It's also locked up, I took a quick look, something seems to be binding, I'll figure out what when I do a proper disassembly this weekend. I can steal parts off of one of my 2062 parts reels if something is tweaked.
Side view
Front view and other side with funny looking crank handle.
Fixed the 2nd 551...oscillation rod was stuck, not oscillating. Soaked with a little reel oil and it popped loose, working like it's brand new.
Looks like someone did some sort of a crank handle adaption on that second reel. That handle shaft nut looks like it may be from a Mitchell reel handle.
Agreed, strange looking handle. It works but it looks peculiar.
I have an Eagle Claw ECM in shipping too...baby-poop brown variant on the Shakespeare 2062/Pflueger 551.
Love that gray look of the Pfluegers. That cost extra over the Shakespeares, even thought they were basically the same reels.
Frank
I might argue that the shiny maroon Shakespeares looked "fancier" than the dull textured gray Pfluegers, even though the gray was a nod to Pflueger's traditional spinning reel color.
I'm not a fan of any of the matt or dull textured finishes on spinning reels. About the only textured finishes I don't mind are the 00 & O1 Dam Quick series & that's only because they're somewhat shiny, slick & clean up easily.
Quote from: Midway Tommy on August 31, 2025, 01:48:32 AMI'm not a fan of any of the matt or dull textured finishes on spinning reels. About the only textured finishes I don't mind are the 00 & O1 Dam Quick series & that's only because they're somewhat shiny, slick & clean up easily.
Agreed. I do like the hammered finish on several of my earlier Bretton reels though. Silver with a little greenish tinge to it. I just received a Pflueger 550 the other day, and cleaning that textured light gray is no kind of fun.
Quote from: happyhooker on August 27, 2025, 07:27:31 PMLove that gray look of the Pfluegers. That cost extra over the Shakespeares, even thought they were basically the same reels.
Frank
So, given the popularity of the classic Shakes. 2062, are the Pflueger versions cheaper?
Quote from: Gfish on September 08, 2025, 03:40:09 PMQuote from: happyhooker on August 27, 2025, 07:27:31 PMLove that gray look of the Pfluegers. That cost extra over the Shakespeares, even thought they were basically the same reels.
Frank
So, given the popularity of the classic Shakes. 2062, are the Pflueger versions cheaper?
Originally they were more expensive and today, as collectable, they usually bring a lot more than the Shakespeares, mainly because not as many were made so they are harder to find.
It's a nice looking reel the emblem with the fish is what I like.
I forget,help me remember, what is the weak point(plastic part) on some models of Shakespeare spinners.I know it's here somewhere,EB or the other model?I assume the trade reels might have the same issue,just curious if I get a hankering to get one someday...I know what to look for?
Also,
Are spools or any other parts interchangeable between all the trade reels & Shakes?
I won't swear to it, but I think the newer 2052 variants with the simplified black handle have some cheapened internal parts. I don't even own a 2052, but I'm keeping my eyes out for a deal on an older one.
Some of the later models, "D"s, mainly DCs, have a plastic bushing & click gear molded onto the main shaft that the spool rides on/against. Here's an example and fix for a cracked 2052 bushing.
https://alantani.com/index.php?msg=285584
Thanks Tommy, I knew one of the folks who know these things would chime in.
David you have found some gems there I tell you what!
Thanks! this has become a very calming, low-dollar hobby for me and I enjoy just tinkering with these reels.
Another 551 arrived today, seemed a little sluggish, but I took it apart and it had just a light coating of beige grease, which I removed and relubed it. The more I think about it, sitting in the mailbox in 30 degree temps probably led to the sluggish feel, and fresh lube and 72 in the house helped a bunch.
Problem with the current weather pattern is that could describe either of your homes
Quote from: JasonGotaProblem on February 03, 2026, 08:34:49 PMProblem with the current weather pattern is that could describe either of your homes
Isn't that the truth?!? Wild weather this winter. Snowing in Cincy again, but at least it's about 30 degrees and if you stay off I-74 you're probably OK.