Reel Repair by Alan Tani

Hey all!

I was able to take one of my rare 1948 French Rudipech Lasso spin reels out today for a bit of crappie catching action.

 Paired her with a 1960's Garcia Conolon ultralight, also customized with a 1970's Fuji Grip handle and folding guides with ceramic eyelets.

 I have one stock Lasso and one custom.

 This beautiful old girl is the one that I gave a full stripdown and customized with an all alloy finish and polished brightwork.

  I used my letter punches to initial the lead counterweight within the flier.

 Very, very unique reel to use and actually catch fish with.

 A full loop bail and one of  the strangest Bakelite spool drag clicks, ever.

 Amazing reel and easily handles the feisty crappie.

 You could say, Lasso's them with ease!

 Yippie ki- yay

 58 caught with 27 keeper size to fry up!

Lake of the Ozarks, Missouri

 Peace!

Excellent vintage combo, great mess of slabs, and a good report!

Thanks!

Best Regards, Fred

Quote from: foakes on September 24, 2026, 11:17:37 PMExcellent vintage combo, great mess of slabs, and a good report!

Thanks!

Best Regards, Fred

Thanks, as always,  Fred!!

nice report, good to see old reels are still catching fish 

Nice photos—-an eclectic mix of vintage tackle.

Do you find the short and flattened spool to make any difference while casting?

I imagine the new guide train was sized accordingly to match.

Quote from: steelfish on September 25, 2026, 06:52:14 PMnice report, good to see old reels are still catching fish 

That's all I use, friend.

No matter how rare.

Here's my holy trinity of users.

All stripped and restored by myself.

A 1932 Hardy Altex no.2 duplicated downturn duckfoot.


A 1948 Italian Crebbia Brevetto n°424

A 1960 Rogue M150

They don't get much rarer than these three and a blast to use!!

Quote from: cbar45 on September 25, 2026, 07:07:27 PMNice photos—-an eclectic mix of vintage tackle.

Do you find the short and flattened spool to make any difference while casting?

I imagine the new guide train was sized accordingly to match.

 Spool has no ill effect on casting.
 Smooth as silk.

The Garcia Conolon was customized before I got her.

 I did put up a post here on it.

 Search, "Garcia Conolon"

 

Good-looking rod. That fold down stripper guide set out a-ways is what I pictured.

Quote from: cbar45 on September 25, 2026, 09:26:35 PMGood-looking rod. That fold down stripper guide set out a-ways is what I pictured.

 It is a great rod and the unique fuji grip handle completely covers reel foot, protecting finish fully and folding stripper guide is spring loaded, so gives some flex during play.

BACK IN BLACK!

Since I had so much fun lassoing the crappie, Thursday, I decided to take my 2nd,near mint, 1948 Rudipech Lasso out today.

 I also took my custom 1936 Hardy Altex n°2 mk.IIII along, as well.

 Caught 55 to get 30 nice keepers!

 Fried crappie, tonight!

 Use those old girls as intended!! Just sittin on that shelf ain't doin em no good!

 Old school'n!

Lake of the Ozarks, Missouri

Peace!