No. 20 Best-o-Luck

Question
Hi. I'm just looking for information on one of my vintage reels. I'm just starting a collection of old reels, and this is one of my first that I got from my wife's grandpa.

It's a No. 20 Best-o-Luck level wind. I think it's stainless steel; and has light green handles. Works great!  There is some surface rust, but it's not affecting performance.

I note that there is no anti-reverse or no drag?  One thing I do like, it's made in the USA!

Anyhow, looking for value (no way I would sell it)...is it safe to use, or would I be an idiot?  I'd like to pair with a vintage pole and actually use it for trout or maybe some humpies.

Sorry for sounding dumb....but is the drag on this reel human powered?  Like with my thumb?

Also...from grandpa I have a Roddymatic 700-A, and a True Temper 410.

Thanks!

Bud

Answer
Bud

Best-O-Luck was South Bends economy line of fishing tackle from the 20s thru the mid 30s roughly. The reel is not valuable to a collector. If you decide to fish with it, i recommend disassembling it and throughly cleaning it, then oiling it with 3-in-1 oil. Adjust the end caps until you have a slight side to slide play with the spool.

Depending on how much wear the reel has, will determine how well it will work - how well it will free spin. Also you will need to use braided nylon line (search for it on line), if you use mono-filament, it will over load the spool and split it apart.

As you said, you will need to use you thumb to control the line when casting, takes some practice.

hope this helps

bob

I recommend you use copper wool, steel wool leaves metal particles that rust....also car wax will protect the surface. I forgot to add, since you are going to start collecting you should consider joining ORCA


http://www.orcaonline.org/

on the right side is a button for "Reel Talk", there is a bulletin board to post reel questions, contact other collectors etc.

bob