Does Anyone Know About These ABU Auto Spins?

[foakes]

Found a box of these in storage -- well made vintage reels -- various sizes. 

I think you just press the edge of the front & center ring to release the line for casting.

These are all metal under rod spinning reels.

Best,

Fred

[richard]

 they were very popular in UK for "match fishing "
the idea is to catch as many small fish as possible in a certain time.
12 ft or longer rods ,2lb line sometimes 1lb hook link, and a very sensitive float(bobber) weighted down with tiny split shot.
You could retrieve and cast out quickly by pressing the spool center one handed(same reason the mitchell "match" had that auto bail thingy'.
Different types of maggots were used ,dyed red etc .You might bait up (chum) with a catapult,and keep a few maggots in your mouth so they were active even in winter!!
Popular in canals,lakes ,and rivers......the ABU 506 was the classic.
Light lines were less likely to tangle behind the spool....happy days

[Midway Tommy]

Fred,

They're still quite popular and have a good following. There are a lot of people that prefer the semi closed face underspin to an open face spinner. You should be able to peddle them fairly easily if they're in good working condition.