Anybody see a squidder with a leaf spring? I took this guy apart without looking and noticed no spring on the dog. found a flat spring stuck in the grease. I have to tell you it took a few minutes to figure how to put it back.
Don't own any Squidders Vic, but I've seen these on several older Penn reels. Don't know if they're better or worse than a spring, but for me easier to work with.
That made me smile from memory of the same experience.
Hi -
It would seem you have a pre 1950 Squidder - Penn used that leaf spring in their reels until about 1950, and then changed to that pesky little spring!
If you put up a picture of the counterweight/handle the reel came with we should be able to tell if it is a pre, or post war model.
Quote from: Deepennz on April 06, 2026, 07:42:14 PMHi -
It would seem you have a pre 1950 Squidder - Penn used that leaf spring in their reels until about 1950, and then changed to that pesky little spring!
If you put up a picture of the counterweight/handle the reel came with we should be able to tell if it is a pre, or post war model.
Pictures. I noticed the stand doesn't have a part number stamped on it.
Hi,
Penn used that smooth counterweight on their reels from mid/late 1941 until late 1946 - so your Squidder is at least 80 years old!
If you want a more accurate dating than that take any line off the spool and check the spool/arbor. Prior to WW2 Penn produced all their plastic spools with a little ridge where the arbor and flange meet.
After WW2 all their spools had a smooth, rounded profile.
That reel looks to be in good condition - "She's a Keeper!'
Cheers
Martin
Thanks Martin.I appreciate it.