Reel Repair by Alan Tani

I am amazed by the listings of reels from Japan. The board has reels that look pristine but are 10-20x value of USA listers. Its not a few reels but several types as an example. Its this a strategy to reel in fools???

Yes there are some crazy prices on some reels but some bargains also to me at least. I got a very nice shimano conquest DC for a lot less than a similar Calcutta without the DC here.

The electric reels from Japan are priced right but Alan warned me to stay away from them.

Warning, there are customs fee's and some other hidden costs to consider as well.

Steve

I picked up a lightly used JDM Tanacom 500 from Japan for a great price with zero issues.

Yes, some of the prices are "unique". But as the others had said, some bargains can be found. I have purchased two JDM spinners (Daiwa Bradia) and both have been excellent buys, as well as a Shimano Ocea Jigger for SPJ which arrived in three days for a $10 shipping fee. All the reels were the same ones shown in the photos and all were in excellent shape, outside and inside. All three came from different vendors. So far, I have had excellent service from the Japanese sellers. I do read the reviews and try to pick sellers that specialize in fishing gear.

 All those high priced japan listings have "or best offer" option. Often times they will accept a lowball offer that's more inline with the actual value. Sometimes they will give a counteroffer that's still way too high, then I'll go up $1 and they accept

Good advice, Ted —-

With eBay store sellers —- a lot of sellers can just list a ton of items for a high price.

No fees until it sells.

And it might justify the market when it does sell, who knows?

Two things I do know:

Fishing, particularly Bass fishing, is very big in certain circles in Japan.  Lots of money is spent on gear, and only those with deeper pockets can participate.  There are tackle shops that specialize and cater to these anglers.  Maybe some of them are listing these seemingly ridiculously high prices to justify and impress their clients.

Just to join a Rotary Club or a Golf Country Club in Japan —- is only for the wealthy and well-connected.

Second, about 15 or 16 years ago —- a local shop told some Japanese buyers about rods and reels I had.  They contacted me, and then spent 4 hours on a Saturday morning carefully examining and going through around 600 rods.  They finally settled on about 30.  All quality baitcasters from the 60's and some from the 50's.

Paid cash in Benjamin's.  I asked what they were going to do with these rods.  They said they were filling up a 40' storage container to ship back to Japan.  They were buying vintage quality fishing gear made in the US to stock up a couple of tackle shops they owned.

They also were buying certain pairs of Levi's, Levi jackets, Sports Jackets with American team logos, hot wheel die cast toys, and certain vintage military clothing.

I am sure I sold the rods way too cheap —- but I didn't need them.

They came back twice more over the next 18 months and bought 1800 lures and another 2200 lures.

They know their market —- and are wise and careful buyers and sellers.

Above my understanding and pay grade...

Best, Fred

They are probably more fanatic, picky and knowledgeable about their fishing tackle than we are.  I once paid their price for an old reel.  It really hurt at the time, but I can't even remember what it was now.

We love our reels for sure in USA but the Japanese Domestic Market is insane! The anglers i have met in Japan have a few setups. Now can anyone on this board say they have three setups!! Plus they will hot rod reels with aftermarket parts. Ck out hedgehog studios. The after market spools and parts are more than the reels worth!

Quote from: Fishgolfman on December 31, 2024, 02:56:34 PMThe anglers i have met in Japan have a few setups. Now can anyone on this board say they have three setups!!

I assume you mean can anyone say they only have 3 setups?

    Define setups ..

Just three rod and reels! I would not know where to start. I have so many favorites

One thing I find odd about the Japanese listings is, the exact same item is listed by several different sellers, at varying prices. And I do mean EXACT same item, duplicate photos and all. What's up with that?  Makes me think there's a single supplier who allows multiple vendors to list the same reel and first sell gets the sale?

Quote from: nelz on January 02, 2025, 07:13:36 PMOne thing I find odd about the Japanese listings is, the exact same item is listed by several different sellers, at varying prices. And I do mean EXACT same item, duplicate photos and all. What's up with that? Makes me think there's a single supplier who allows multiple vendors to list the same reel and first sell gets the sale?

Yes, there are games being played.

Best, Fred

 I looked thru several Japan Penn listings last night, and one thing I noticed is there are several left hand 9/0's for sale, and the sellers never mention "lefty". They're easy to spot if you see where the front harness lugs are located