Antuique Fishing Reel

Question
Hi,
 My grandfather gave me an old Pflueger fishing reel. Really all I know is it looks like a ocean surf fishing reel. There is a leather flap that I'm assuming is used to control the line flow on a cast and there is a brass nob an the left side that activates a clicker that serves as an alarm system I think. Printed on the right side the reel is stamped with the model name: Capital, model number: 1989, and MADE IN U.S.A. In my own research I could only find that it was made around the 1950's to as early as 1935. Is there anything more 'history wise' you could tell me about this reel like where it was made and how many, what it was used for, and some tips on how to prepare it for use?

Thanks for your time!

Answer
Robert,

you have a pretty good handle on the age of the reel. It was used for surf fishing on the ocean. The leather flap acted as a hand operated drag when a fish was taking line out and during casting.

Pflueger (pronounced Flew-ger) was one of the big five fishing tackle companies that started in the late 1800s, making rods, reels, lures and various accessories. There is lots of history and several books on the company.

I don't know the production volume, but the reel is not considered rare to collectors.

To use it, you will need to disassemble and clean it, oil the gears and assess the condition of the reel. If you intent to use it, purchase braided nylon fishing line. If you put monofilament on it, the spool can be damaged from the compression of the line.

The rod should be 8 to 10 ft long for casting in the ocean.

Search on ORCA Fishing Reels, this is the website for the national collectors club to get more info.

Bob


PS if you have any old lures for sale, drop me a line ([email protected])