Showing posts with label ORCA Reel News. Show all posts
Showing posts with label ORCA Reel News. Show all posts
Thursday, March 7, 2013
Thursday Review: ORCA's Reel News (March 2013)
The most recent issue of ORCA's Reel News recently arrived and reminded me why I like this magazine so much!
It's the yearly double-thick issue with the ORCA membership roll, but it also included a ton of great information, most of it not available anywhere else.
One of the things that Richard Lodge has been doing lately that I think is neat is reprinting some older articles. This issue gives us a cool one from Mike Nogay entitled "Early Fly Fishing with the Kentucky Reel," which was reprinted from the 1992 American Fly Fisher.
I enjoyed my Reels of the Trade article this issue, as it deals with the Trade Reels of E.C. Simmons of St. Louis, one of my favorite trade companies. Simmons sold a lot of cool reels and I tried to picture a representative sample of them.
The great Bob Miller gives us "Seven Decades of the Pflueger Reel: The Fateful 1960s," which chronicles the last decade (six years actually) of Enterprise Manufacturing Co. fishing reels. It brings to an end a really great series by Bob, who is winding up over fifteen years as the Pflueger Pfacts columnist.
Mike Cacioppo gives us his continuing series on Penn reels, and it is indeed excellent. This one covers Penn trade reels, including the Tryon and Schultz trade models.
Jim Schottenham gives us the always great Auction Report. I am always shocked by Jim's ability to catch really rare reels on the internet; he has a truly discerning eye.
Ben Wright gives us the details on the Heddon Spin-o-Matic, as well as reprint of the Spinning Reel Report that debuts here on the Fishing for History blog (and is reprinted monthly in the Fishing for History Magazine).
All in all, it was another strong issue and a reminder why ORCA is the coolest.
-- Dr. Todd
Thursday, December 13, 2012
Thursday Review: ORCA's Reel News (Nov-Dec 2012)
The latest issue of my favorite tackle publication -- The Reel News (Nov-Dec. 2012) -- has just hit the news stands! And it has a ton of great stuff in it.
We start with the dean of fishing historians, the incomparable Steve Vernon. Steve gives us the skinny on Fred Wilkie's patented clutch mechanism, which was used on some amazing nineteenth century New York style reels. It's another in a long line of groundbreaking pieces from Vernon, who (rumor states) is closing in on the final stages of his magnum opus.
Mike Cacioppo gives us another segment of Penn history with the Quick Apart reels. Quick Aparts were popular in the pre-war era, and Penn added its offerings to a very crowded market, and some of them can be tough to find.
Ben Wright gives us a ton of info on two-speed spinning reels. I have always wondered why this idea never got traction, and Ben does a good job explaining to us why.
Bob Miller gives us the 1950s in Pflueger reels. It's a great series he's undertaken, and I love reading about how Pflueger tried to keep up with the changing nature of the tackle industry.
Len Sawisch gives us a lighter piece, "Look What Carl Made Me Do," which is a story about a really neat Shakespeare reel.
My own offering this issue was a history of the trade reels of J.C. Penney. I grew up shopping Penney's and always have had a soft spot for these reels.
If you are not an ORCA member--and at this point I'm just going to roll my eyes if you aren't--you can join us by Clicking Here. The Reel News is lovingly edited by Richard K. Lodge.
-- Dr. Todd
Thursday, September 13, 2012
THURSDAY REVIEW: September 2012 Reel News
THURSDAY REVIEW: September 2012 Reel News
The mailbox had a sweet surprise in store for me--the September 2012 issue of The Reel News, the official organ of ORCA. This issue was packed to the gills with great stuff.
We lead off with a great article by Michael Hackney called "A John Betts Reel" in which he breaks down a hand-made reel from this fly fishing master inside and out. It's a great overview.
Bob Miller outdid himself with "Pflueger FIshing Lines: A Brief History" which is a detailed history of the lines made by Enterprise Manufacturing of Akron, Ohio. It's an awesome article.
Stu Lawson's always interesting column gives us a ton of "Seldom Seen Reels and features the Ercoa, Whirlaway, Flo-Line, and other oddballs I love.
Jim Schottenham's always interesting "Auction Report" showcases a ton of reels that were awesome on eBay. It's always one of my favorite things.
Ben Wright's Spinning Lines column covers a super rare wooden Australian fishing reel in"The Holy Grail of Aussie Spinning Reels"
Mike Cacioppo gives us "The Penn Bay Side, Sea Ford, and Sea Kings: Questionable Beginnings" covering these early Penn reels. It's a well-done article as always.
My own contribution was "L.A.'s William H. Hoegee Co." and it covered this firm's nifty Penguin brand trade reels.
Another great issue from this great organization.
If you are not an ORCA member--come on people, JUST DO IT--you can join us by Clicking Here. The Reel News is lovingly edited by Richard K. Lodge.
-- Dr. Todd
The mailbox had a sweet surprise in store for me--the September 2012 issue of The Reel News, the official organ of ORCA. This issue was packed to the gills with great stuff.
We lead off with a great article by Michael Hackney called "A John Betts Reel" in which he breaks down a hand-made reel from this fly fishing master inside and out. It's a great overview.
Bob Miller outdid himself with "Pflueger FIshing Lines: A Brief History" which is a detailed history of the lines made by Enterprise Manufacturing of Akron, Ohio. It's an awesome article.
Stu Lawson's always interesting column gives us a ton of "Seldom Seen Reels and features the Ercoa, Whirlaway, Flo-Line, and other oddballs I love.
Jim Schottenham's always interesting "Auction Report" showcases a ton of reels that were awesome on eBay. It's always one of my favorite things.
Ben Wright's Spinning Lines column covers a super rare wooden Australian fishing reel in"The Holy Grail of Aussie Spinning Reels"
Mike Cacioppo gives us "The Penn Bay Side, Sea Ford, and Sea Kings: Questionable Beginnings" covering these early Penn reels. It's a well-done article as always.
My own contribution was "L.A.'s William H. Hoegee Co." and it covered this firm's nifty Penguin brand trade reels.
Another great issue from this great organization.
If you are not an ORCA member--come on people, JUST DO IT--you can join us by Clicking Here. The Reel News is lovingly edited by Richard K. Lodge.
-- Dr. Todd
Thursday, June 28, 2012
Thursday Review: ORCA Reel News (July 2012)
Thursday Review: ORCA Reel News (July 2012)
I always look forward to the coming of ORCA's Reel News, and this issue (July 2012) was full of interesting articles.
The feature article this issue was Bill Sonnett's "The Joys of Using Antique FIshing Tackle" which is, as far as I'm concerned, the best primer on using antique gear you will find. As we are currently running a Vintage Tackle Contest here on the blog, which you can read about by clicking here, this kind of article is always of great interest to me.
Michael Hackney gives us another of his analysis of early reels with "The Orvis 1874 Patented Fly Reel." It looks at the groundbreaking and very rare ventilated spool fly reel invented by Manchester's legendary Charles Orvis.
Michael Cacioppo continues his analysis of Penn Reels with "The Penn Sea Hawk." It details this popular Penn surf reel.
Jim Schottenham gives us the Auction Report, which covers all the gems sold on eBay over the past two months. Lots of great reels of late!
My own contribution this issue was a detailed history of Sportmaster fishing reels. Sportmaster was a name used by Supplee-Biddle Hardware and cooperatively applied to fishing tackle sold by a loose confederation of hardware companies.
Bob Miller gives us a great piece on Pflueger reels. "7 Decades of the Pflueger Reel: 1940-1949" details the war years for the Enterprise Manufacturing Company. Very cool stuff as usual!
Ben Wright gives us the skinny on the Orvis 100 Italian made reels, and the Spinning Reel Report which originally is published on this web site finally makes it way into the pages of the Reel News.
Finally, Stu Lawson writes on transitional Pflueger Medalist fly reels. They are very cool, and Stu has some neat stories behind one of them.
All in all, it was a great issue very much covering the many attributes that ORCA has going for it -- there was a reel for every taste in these pages!
-- Dr. Todd
I always look forward to the coming of ORCA's Reel News, and this issue (July 2012) was full of interesting articles.
The feature article this issue was Bill Sonnett's "The Joys of Using Antique FIshing Tackle" which is, as far as I'm concerned, the best primer on using antique gear you will find. As we are currently running a Vintage Tackle Contest here on the blog, which you can read about by clicking here, this kind of article is always of great interest to me.
Michael Hackney gives us another of his analysis of early reels with "The Orvis 1874 Patented Fly Reel." It looks at the groundbreaking and very rare ventilated spool fly reel invented by Manchester's legendary Charles Orvis.
Michael Cacioppo continues his analysis of Penn Reels with "The Penn Sea Hawk." It details this popular Penn surf reel.
Jim Schottenham gives us the Auction Report, which covers all the gems sold on eBay over the past two months. Lots of great reels of late!
My own contribution this issue was a detailed history of Sportmaster fishing reels. Sportmaster was a name used by Supplee-Biddle Hardware and cooperatively applied to fishing tackle sold by a loose confederation of hardware companies.
Bob Miller gives us a great piece on Pflueger reels. "7 Decades of the Pflueger Reel: 1940-1949" details the war years for the Enterprise Manufacturing Company. Very cool stuff as usual!
Ben Wright gives us the skinny on the Orvis 100 Italian made reels, and the Spinning Reel Report which originally is published on this web site finally makes it way into the pages of the Reel News.
Finally, Stu Lawson writes on transitional Pflueger Medalist fly reels. They are very cool, and Stu has some neat stories behind one of them.
All in all, it was a great issue very much covering the many attributes that ORCA has going for it -- there was a reel for every taste in these pages!
-- Dr. Todd
Thursday, May 3, 2012
Thursday Review: The Reel News (May 2012)
Thursday Review: The Reel News (May 2012)
This is a beefy issue full of great articles.
The cover story goes to the wonderful Hurd Supercaster. The article itself, written by the wonderful Terry McBurney, is just an amazing history of this fine casting tool with a loyal and devoted following. There was a time you could pick up a nice Hurd for $50. Not anymore!
Noted Penn historian Michael Cacioppo gives us another fine article on his favorite reels. "The Penn Squidder 140 and Its Descendants" is a great overview of this workhorse reel.
Bob Miller's "Pflueger Pfacts" column details Enterprise advertising and promotion throughout the years, which includes lots of awesome ads.
My own contribution is an article on the trade reels of Farwell, Ozmun, Kirk & Co. of St. Paul, Minnesota. They sold some very cool trade reels.
Regular columnists include Ben Wright, who gave us a nice look at the elusive (and very expensive) Seamaster spinning reels, as well as a spinning reel auction report. Stu Lawson offers up the adventures of a reel nut, and Michael Hackney outlines the Meisselbach Featherlight in his "Reelflections" column.
We also get some welcome additions from Phil Dawson, who wrote a very cool history of line dryers, and Dave O'Rourke, on reels and links to his hometown. Finally, we get a review of ORCA member Tom Green's new book A Net Full of Tails.
If you are not an ORCA member--come on people, JUST DO IT--you can join us by Clicking Here. The Reel News is lovingly edited by Richard K. Lodge.
-- Dr. Todd
-- Dr. Todd
This is a beefy issue full of great articles.
The cover story goes to the wonderful Hurd Supercaster. The article itself, written by the wonderful Terry McBurney, is just an amazing history of this fine casting tool with a loyal and devoted following. There was a time you could pick up a nice Hurd for $50. Not anymore!
Noted Penn historian Michael Cacioppo gives us another fine article on his favorite reels. "The Penn Squidder 140 and Its Descendants" is a great overview of this workhorse reel.
Bob Miller's "Pflueger Pfacts" column details Enterprise advertising and promotion throughout the years, which includes lots of awesome ads.
My own contribution is an article on the trade reels of Farwell, Ozmun, Kirk & Co. of St. Paul, Minnesota. They sold some very cool trade reels.
Regular columnists include Ben Wright, who gave us a nice look at the elusive (and very expensive) Seamaster spinning reels, as well as a spinning reel auction report. Stu Lawson offers up the adventures of a reel nut, and Michael Hackney outlines the Meisselbach Featherlight in his "Reelflections" column.
We also get some welcome additions from Phil Dawson, who wrote a very cool history of line dryers, and Dave O'Rourke, on reels and links to his hometown. Finally, we get a review of ORCA member Tom Green's new book A Net Full of Tails.
If you are not an ORCA member--come on people, JUST DO IT--you can join us by Clicking Here. The Reel News is lovingly edited by Richard K. Lodge.
-- Dr. Todd
-- Dr. Todd
Thursday, April 19, 2012
Review of the March 2012 NFLCC Gazette & ORCA Reel News
Review of the March 2012 NFLCC Gazette & ORCA Reel News
The mail recently brought the latest issues of two of my favorite publications. The first is the NFLCC Gazette (Vol. 34, No. 130--March, 2012). It contains a lot of superb articles, including the cover story by Fred Sweeney on the Creek Chub/Shur-Strike Salesman's Sample Case. It is wonderful to get more background on this legendary find.
Colby Sorrells offers up one of the most popular lures ever made, the Johnson Silver Minnow. With tens of millions of lures sold, it's one of the great successes in the history of fishing.
Steve Scarborough gives us a nice article on a rod-and-reel combo I'd not seen before. Bob Dennis opines on Carolina Lure Collecting, Darwin "The Bomber Man" Stewart writes up a biography of Jack Wendling, Bob Hornstra's nifty article on the Patterson (NJ) Rod and Gun Store, and Lee Bontrager gives us a short piece on Alaska's Own Mary Ann.
Yet another fine issue. The Gazette is ably edited by Jim Fleming down in Music City and more information about the NFLCC can be found by Clicking Here.
Around the same time, we got the latest issue of ORCA's Reel News. This big issue featured a roster of great articles, beginning with Bob Millers' Decade-by-Decade look at Pflueger reels, this time on the "dismal thirties."
My own contribution this month was a detailed article on the fishing reels of the Holiday Sport Stores, a neat post-war company. We also had regular contributions including More Reel Stuff by the great Stu Lawson, who gave us some obscure B&M reels, Mike Cacioppo with the third installment of his great series on Penn (on left-handed models), Jim Schottenham's Reel Auction Report, and Ben Wright's Spinning Lines column on an interesting combo reel.
Another home run of an issue!
If you are not an ORCA member--and by now I'm just going to hold my breath until you are--you can join us by Clicking Here. The Reel News is lovingly edited by Richard K. Lodge.
-- Dr. Todd
The mail recently brought the latest issues of two of my favorite publications. The first is the NFLCC Gazette (Vol. 34, No. 130--March, 2012). It contains a lot of superb articles, including the cover story by Fred Sweeney on the Creek Chub/Shur-Strike Salesman's Sample Case. It is wonderful to get more background on this legendary find.
Colby Sorrells offers up one of the most popular lures ever made, the Johnson Silver Minnow. With tens of millions of lures sold, it's one of the great successes in the history of fishing.
Steve Scarborough gives us a nice article on a rod-and-reel combo I'd not seen before. Bob Dennis opines on Carolina Lure Collecting, Darwin "The Bomber Man" Stewart writes up a biography of Jack Wendling, Bob Hornstra's nifty article on the Patterson (NJ) Rod and Gun Store, and Lee Bontrager gives us a short piece on Alaska's Own Mary Ann.
Yet another fine issue. The Gazette is ably edited by Jim Fleming down in Music City and more information about the NFLCC can be found by Clicking Here.
Around the same time, we got the latest issue of ORCA's Reel News. This big issue featured a roster of great articles, beginning with Bob Millers' Decade-by-Decade look at Pflueger reels, this time on the "dismal thirties."
My own contribution this month was a detailed article on the fishing reels of the Holiday Sport Stores, a neat post-war company. We also had regular contributions including More Reel Stuff by the great Stu Lawson, who gave us some obscure B&M reels, Mike Cacioppo with the third installment of his great series on Penn (on left-handed models), Jim Schottenham's Reel Auction Report, and Ben Wright's Spinning Lines column on an interesting combo reel.
Another home run of an issue!
If you are not an ORCA member--and by now I'm just going to hold my breath until you are--you can join us by Clicking Here. The Reel News is lovingly edited by Richard K. Lodge.
-- Dr. Todd
Thursday, January 5, 2012
Thursday Review: January 2012 Reel News
I am on record as saying one of my favorite days is when the new issue of The Reel News arrives. The latest issue has hit the stands and it is a beauty.
I am LOVING the new color look and higher quality paper. This issue is flat out great.
We get Mike Cacciopo's latest Penn entry on 1932 prototypes. Typical of Mike's thorough research, it is enlightening, interesting, and chock full of photos. On a separate note, I am also happy to announce Mike's new book on Penn reels is slated for a March release from the Whitefish Press. Look for more info soon...
Regular columnists weigh in on great subjects. Ben Wright offers us the second part of Italian spinning reels, Stu Lawson gives us his normal charming column with tidbits of Pflueger fly reel info, and Jim Schottenham gives us a roster of awesome reels in the Auction Report. Bob Miller weighs in on Pflueger boxes over the years, and my own contribution is the history of Bigelow & Dowse's "Big Low" trade reels. Michael Hackney weighs in on odd-ball reels with the very interesting James Reel from Missouri.
Wallace Carney continues his amazing series on early Mitchell history with a look at later Mitchell spinning reels. I hope very much Wallace will continue the series as its amazing. As a note, folks, the Mitchell Mates web forum has moved from its old home and is now located at a new home you can access by CLICKING HERE.
This issues also spotlights two incredibly knowledgeable collectors: Dick Braun, the Zebco guru who gives us Zebco go-withs, and Rick Heitman, who details how his grandfather influences his collecting even today.
If you are not an ORCA member--and at this point I'm just going to continue rolling my eyes if you aren't--you can join us by Clicking Here. The Reel News is lovingly edited by Richard K. Lodge.
-- Dr. Todd
I am LOVING the new color look and higher quality paper. This issue is flat out great.
We get Mike Cacciopo's latest Penn entry on 1932 prototypes. Typical of Mike's thorough research, it is enlightening, interesting, and chock full of photos. On a separate note, I am also happy to announce Mike's new book on Penn reels is slated for a March release from the Whitefish Press. Look for more info soon...
Regular columnists weigh in on great subjects. Ben Wright offers us the second part of Italian spinning reels, Stu Lawson gives us his normal charming column with tidbits of Pflueger fly reel info, and Jim Schottenham gives us a roster of awesome reels in the Auction Report. Bob Miller weighs in on Pflueger boxes over the years, and my own contribution is the history of Bigelow & Dowse's "Big Low" trade reels. Michael Hackney weighs in on odd-ball reels with the very interesting James Reel from Missouri.
Wallace Carney continues his amazing series on early Mitchell history with a look at later Mitchell spinning reels. I hope very much Wallace will continue the series as its amazing. As a note, folks, the Mitchell Mates web forum has moved from its old home and is now located at a new home you can access by CLICKING HERE.
This issues also spotlights two incredibly knowledgeable collectors: Dick Braun, the Zebco guru who gives us Zebco go-withs, and Rick Heitman, who details how his grandfather influences his collecting even today.
If you are not an ORCA member--and at this point I'm just going to continue rolling my eyes if you aren't--you can join us by Clicking Here. The Reel News is lovingly edited by Richard K. Lodge.
-- Dr. Todd
Thursday, November 10, 2011
Thursday Review: Nov. 2011 ORCA Reel News
Thursday Review: Nov. 2011 ORCA Reel News
One of my favorite days is when the new issue of The Reel News arrives. This issue was especially anticipated as it featured the first of a number of historically important columns written by my friend and noted Mitchell reel expert Wallace Carney.
Wallace's column--entitled "Mitchell Mania"--features a great overview of the origins of Mitchell's first reel that should help us finally put the facts together. For a company that has such a long history and devoted following, its astounding how much misinformation is out there. Wallace's columns will help set the record straight.
This issue was loaded with great research. We get the return of Steve Vernon, who's article "Where's Waltco: It Spawned Kitco's Kitsch" is a great history of this Chicago company's connection to a company I wrote about last issue--Kitco, sellers of the awful Arnold Palmer spinning reels.
My own contribution this issue was a short piece on the history of Steinman's Hardware Co. and their Steiny's Best fishing reels. SInce Steinman's was the oldest existing hardware store in America (having served Washington at Valley Forge), it was a fun article to write.
Michael Hackney gives us what I hope is the first of many articles on fishing reel design when he covered the Roach patent swiveling reel. Michael's column is called "Reelflections" and is highly anticipated.
Bob Miller's "Pflueger Pfacts" column begins a seven decade romp through Pflueger history with the Roaring 1920s. I'm always amazed at how Bob can continue to make his column, which is well over a decade old, fresh and interesting.
Ben Wright's "Spinning Lines" gives us more ultra lights from Italy. Its another great article from the spinning reel maven.
Stu Lawson continues his survey of Pflueger fly reels with the Progress, an often overlooked fly reel in the Pflueger archives.
Jim Schottenham's great "Auction Report" is welcomed back with open arms and, as always, covers the many reels I would buy if I had any extra money lying around.
FInally, Mike Cacioppo (the most patient human being on earth, as I've been delayed four months in publishing his awesome book on Penn--FYI it will be out in the beginning of the New Year) gives us a look at early Penn reels. Incredible, incredible stuff.
So let's recap for a moment. Steve Vernon, a great, great reel historian and author of the seminal work on fishing reels. Wallace Carney, the foremost Mitchell reel expert and world class researcher. Michael Hackney, reelmaker extraordinaire and outstanding researcher. Bob Miller, the acknowledged expert on all things Pflueger. Ben Wright, who's forgotten more about spinning reels than most people will know in their lifetime. Jim Schottenham, who's knowledge of what's valuable is unsurpassed, and who is a world-class scholar and writer. Stu Lawson, who's encyclopedic knowledge of reels is surreal and who helped untold collectors with his Lawson's Guides. Mike Cacioppo, the finest Penn scholar I've ever come across.
READ THAT LIST AGAIN. SERIOUSLY. These men have authored a MINIMUM of 20 books on tackle collecting.
Now tell me if you know of any other organization anywhere that brings this much firepower to the table? IN ONE ISSUE? ARE YOU KIDDING ME? I've already worn down this issue to a nub reading and re-reading it!!!
I felt very much like a Sluggo this issue. I better step up my game if I'm going to be in the same pages as these august lights!
If you are not an ORCA member--and at this point I'm just going to roll my eyes if you aren't--you can join us by Clicking Here. The Reel News is lovingly edited by Richard K. Lodge.
-- Dr. Todd
One of my favorite days is when the new issue of The Reel News arrives. This issue was especially anticipated as it featured the first of a number of historically important columns written by my friend and noted Mitchell reel expert Wallace Carney.
Wallace's column--entitled "Mitchell Mania"--features a great overview of the origins of Mitchell's first reel that should help us finally put the facts together. For a company that has such a long history and devoted following, its astounding how much misinformation is out there. Wallace's columns will help set the record straight.
This issue was loaded with great research. We get the return of Steve Vernon, who's article "Where's Waltco: It Spawned Kitco's Kitsch" is a great history of this Chicago company's connection to a company I wrote about last issue--Kitco, sellers of the awful Arnold Palmer spinning reels.
My own contribution this issue was a short piece on the history of Steinman's Hardware Co. and their Steiny's Best fishing reels. SInce Steinman's was the oldest existing hardware store in America (having served Washington at Valley Forge), it was a fun article to write.
Michael Hackney gives us what I hope is the first of many articles on fishing reel design when he covered the Roach patent swiveling reel. Michael's column is called "Reelflections" and is highly anticipated.
Bob Miller's "Pflueger Pfacts" column begins a seven decade romp through Pflueger history with the Roaring 1920s. I'm always amazed at how Bob can continue to make his column, which is well over a decade old, fresh and interesting.
Ben Wright's "Spinning Lines" gives us more ultra lights from Italy. Its another great article from the spinning reel maven.
Stu Lawson continues his survey of Pflueger fly reels with the Progress, an often overlooked fly reel in the Pflueger archives.
Jim Schottenham's great "Auction Report" is welcomed back with open arms and, as always, covers the many reels I would buy if I had any extra money lying around.
FInally, Mike Cacioppo (the most patient human being on earth, as I've been delayed four months in publishing his awesome book on Penn--FYI it will be out in the beginning of the New Year) gives us a look at early Penn reels. Incredible, incredible stuff.
So let's recap for a moment. Steve Vernon, a great, great reel historian and author of the seminal work on fishing reels. Wallace Carney, the foremost Mitchell reel expert and world class researcher. Michael Hackney, reelmaker extraordinaire and outstanding researcher. Bob Miller, the acknowledged expert on all things Pflueger. Ben Wright, who's forgotten more about spinning reels than most people will know in their lifetime. Jim Schottenham, who's knowledge of what's valuable is unsurpassed, and who is a world-class scholar and writer. Stu Lawson, who's encyclopedic knowledge of reels is surreal and who helped untold collectors with his Lawson's Guides. Mike Cacioppo, the finest Penn scholar I've ever come across.
READ THAT LIST AGAIN. SERIOUSLY. These men have authored a MINIMUM of 20 books on tackle collecting.
Now tell me if you know of any other organization anywhere that brings this much firepower to the table? IN ONE ISSUE? ARE YOU KIDDING ME? I've already worn down this issue to a nub reading and re-reading it!!!
I felt very much like a Sluggo this issue. I better step up my game if I'm going to be in the same pages as these august lights!
If you are not an ORCA member--and at this point I'm just going to roll my eyes if you aren't--you can join us by Clicking Here. The Reel News is lovingly edited by Richard K. Lodge.
-- Dr. Todd
Thursday, September 8, 2011
Thursday Review: ORCA's Reel News (September 2011)
ORCA's Reel News (September 2011)
This ain't your father's Reel News!
Some exciting new developments in ORCA are highlighted by the arrival of redesigned and upgraded Reel News, the bi-monthly magazine. Not only are the front and back covers now in glorious color, but the internal pages have been upgraded in quality so the images are much cleaner than ever before. Kudos to new ORCA president John Elder for making this happen!
The issue itself is another big winner. It starts with Bob Miller's always outstanding "Pflueger Pfacts" article, this time it's called "A Guide to Fishing With Early Pflueger Reels." It details the many options a vintage tackle angler has in fishing, cleaning, and maintaining a great old Pflueger reel. Many advanced vintage tackle anglers like Bill Sonnett use Pflueger reels, and Bob shows us why.
My own contribution this month is "Arnold's Awful Reels" which is a tongue-in-cheek analysis of the Arnold Palmer fishing reels distributed by the Keystone Corporation of Chicago, Illinois. As an Arnold Palmer reel in the box recently sold for $420 on eBay I think this is a timely article!
Ben Wright the spinning reel guru gives us an excellent look at the Italian reelmaker Zangi. Since Zangi made many of the ultralight trade reels, this was a great reference article for the reel collector.
Stu Lawson has given us the "The Raised Piller Pflueger Progress" in his on-going survey of Pflueger fly reels. Like all of Stu's work, it's excellent.
Editor Richard Lodge does a nice job of outlining the recent ORCA Nationals in Waupaca, Wisconsin. I had planned to write about this but a family emergency has kept me from many planned things of late, so it was great to revisit this excellent event.
Finally, Mike Cacioppo, author of a forthcoming book on Penn reels (more info on this soon!) gives us a great look at a restoration of a classic Vom Hofe reel. Nice job, Mike, and great color photos on the back cover of the restoration, too!
Finally, we get a great review of Bob Halver's new Airex Book by Ben Wright. He says "the book is highly recommended for all reel, lure and rod collectors, and even Lionel toy train collectors."
All in all a great issue.
If you are not an ORCA member--and why aren't you?--you can join us by Clicking Here. The Reel News is lovingly edited by Richard K. Lodge.
-- Dr. Todd
This ain't your father's Reel News!
Some exciting new developments in ORCA are highlighted by the arrival of redesigned and upgraded Reel News, the bi-monthly magazine. Not only are the front and back covers now in glorious color, but the internal pages have been upgraded in quality so the images are much cleaner than ever before. Kudos to new ORCA president John Elder for making this happen!
The issue itself is another big winner. It starts with Bob Miller's always outstanding "Pflueger Pfacts" article, this time it's called "A Guide to Fishing With Early Pflueger Reels." It details the many options a vintage tackle angler has in fishing, cleaning, and maintaining a great old Pflueger reel. Many advanced vintage tackle anglers like Bill Sonnett use Pflueger reels, and Bob shows us why.
My own contribution this month is "Arnold's Awful Reels" which is a tongue-in-cheek analysis of the Arnold Palmer fishing reels distributed by the Keystone Corporation of Chicago, Illinois. As an Arnold Palmer reel in the box recently sold for $420 on eBay I think this is a timely article!
Ben Wright the spinning reel guru gives us an excellent look at the Italian reelmaker Zangi. Since Zangi made many of the ultralight trade reels, this was a great reference article for the reel collector.
Stu Lawson has given us the "The Raised Piller Pflueger Progress" in his on-going survey of Pflueger fly reels. Like all of Stu's work, it's excellent.
Editor Richard Lodge does a nice job of outlining the recent ORCA Nationals in Waupaca, Wisconsin. I had planned to write about this but a family emergency has kept me from many planned things of late, so it was great to revisit this excellent event.
Finally, Mike Cacioppo, author of a forthcoming book on Penn reels (more info on this soon!) gives us a great look at a restoration of a classic Vom Hofe reel. Nice job, Mike, and great color photos on the back cover of the restoration, too!
Finally, we get a great review of Bob Halver's new Airex Book by Ben Wright. He says "the book is highly recommended for all reel, lure and rod collectors, and even Lionel toy train collectors."
All in all a great issue.
If you are not an ORCA member--and why aren't you?--you can join us by Clicking Here. The Reel News is lovingly edited by Richard K. Lodge.
-- Dr. Todd
Thursday, May 5, 2011
Thursday Review: ORCA's Reel News (May 2011)
Thursday Review
The mails brought the latest issue of the Reel News, and it was a good one!
This was a great issue for Pflueger collectors. We got the second part of Stu Lawson's awesome history of Pflueger fly reels -- this time the underappreciated Pflueger Sal-Trout. Bob Miller gives us the next part of "Pflueger vs. the Backlash" which is about as good as it gets from a reel history point of view. I even threw in my two bits on Pflueger with an article on gold presentation Pflueger reels. It was a fun piece to write.
My regular column on trade reels featured the reels of the Blish, Mize & Silliman company, a firm I was pleasantly surprised to discover was still around today. Not too often I get to cover companies still in existence.
We also got a special treat from noted Forbes columnist Monte Burke, who penned a neat little piece on the passing of Stan Bogdan.
We've been fortunate, also, that Steven K. Vernon has been given us some great early reel history of late. This one is a follow up to his article on the 1826 automatic reel, and we even get a rebuttal letter from Vernon on the Graham Turner controversy which should settle the issue once and for all.
The big feature is the third of three parts on Conroy by Tom Kerr. Nice job, Tom!
Some small articles including Phil White's review of Ben Wright's new book on spinning reels, Jim Schottenham's Auction Report, Tom Eidson's "Cast your Weirdo" and Ben Wright's piece on knock-off Japanese Mitchell 300s round out an outstanding issue.
If you are not an ORCA member--and why aren't you?--you can join us by Clicking Here. The Reel News is lovingly edited by Richard K. Lodge.
-- Dr. Todd
The mails brought the latest issue of the Reel News, and it was a good one!
This was a great issue for Pflueger collectors. We got the second part of Stu Lawson's awesome history of Pflueger fly reels -- this time the underappreciated Pflueger Sal-Trout. Bob Miller gives us the next part of "Pflueger vs. the Backlash" which is about as good as it gets from a reel history point of view. I even threw in my two bits on Pflueger with an article on gold presentation Pflueger reels. It was a fun piece to write.
My regular column on trade reels featured the reels of the Blish, Mize & Silliman company, a firm I was pleasantly surprised to discover was still around today. Not too often I get to cover companies still in existence.
We also got a special treat from noted Forbes columnist Monte Burke, who penned a neat little piece on the passing of Stan Bogdan.
We've been fortunate, also, that Steven K. Vernon has been given us some great early reel history of late. This one is a follow up to his article on the 1826 automatic reel, and we even get a rebuttal letter from Vernon on the Graham Turner controversy which should settle the issue once and for all.
The big feature is the third of three parts on Conroy by Tom Kerr. Nice job, Tom!
Some small articles including Phil White's review of Ben Wright's new book on spinning reels, Jim Schottenham's Auction Report, Tom Eidson's "Cast your Weirdo" and Ben Wright's piece on knock-off Japanese Mitchell 300s round out an outstanding issue.
If you are not an ORCA member--and why aren't you?--you can join us by Clicking Here. The Reel News is lovingly edited by Richard K. Lodge.
-- Dr. Todd
Thursday, January 6, 2011
Thursday Review: ORCA's Reel News (Jan. 2011)
Thursday Review: ORCA's Reel News (Jan. 2011)
We start off the New Year with an issue of ORCA's Reel News -- Vol. XXI, No. 1 to be exact. By the way, the last issue was the final issue of the 20th year of the Reel News! Happy Birthday, and this is a great start to 20 more.
Steve Vernon gives us the always anticipated "Roots o' Reels" column, this time on the bizarre Gyratory reel, sometimes spelled Guy-Ra-Tory Reel. Such an oddball reel, but an influential and interesting design.
Tom Kerr regales us with an awesome article entitled "The House of Conroy," which is a very detailed look at this man's legacy as one of the pioneers of American tackle.
My contribution in "Reels of the Trade" was the final in the trilogy of articles on Milwaukee, Wisconsin trade houses. This one featured William Frankfurth, a very large and prosperous wholesale hardware who sold a ton of tackle under the "Neptune" name.
Bob Miller gave us another solid "Pflueger Pfacts" column, this third in a series called "Pflueger vs. the Backlash," a title that is like an episode of the tv show Chuck. This one features the new design Supreme.
Really wonderful news from Stu Lawson, who appears to be recovering quite nicely and who promises to publish parts of his long-awaited Pflueger fly reel book in The Reel News in 2011.
Jim Schottenham winds things down with his always anticipated "Auction Report." I'm always stunned at how many great reels get sold and I don't ever notice them.
Another great issue. If you are not an ORCA member--and why aren't you?--you can join us by Clicking Here. The Reel News is lovingly edited by Richard K. Lodge.
-- Dr. Todd
We start off the New Year with an issue of ORCA's Reel News -- Vol. XXI, No. 1 to be exact. By the way, the last issue was the final issue of the 20th year of the Reel News! Happy Birthday, and this is a great start to 20 more.
Steve Vernon gives us the always anticipated "Roots o' Reels" column, this time on the bizarre Gyratory reel, sometimes spelled Guy-Ra-Tory Reel. Such an oddball reel, but an influential and interesting design.
Tom Kerr regales us with an awesome article entitled "The House of Conroy," which is a very detailed look at this man's legacy as one of the pioneers of American tackle.
My contribution in "Reels of the Trade" was the final in the trilogy of articles on Milwaukee, Wisconsin trade houses. This one featured William Frankfurth, a very large and prosperous wholesale hardware who sold a ton of tackle under the "Neptune" name.
Bob Miller gave us another solid "Pflueger Pfacts" column, this third in a series called "Pflueger vs. the Backlash," a title that is like an episode of the tv show Chuck. This one features the new design Supreme.
Really wonderful news from Stu Lawson, who appears to be recovering quite nicely and who promises to publish parts of his long-awaited Pflueger fly reel book in The Reel News in 2011.
Jim Schottenham winds things down with his always anticipated "Auction Report." I'm always stunned at how many great reels get sold and I don't ever notice them.
Another great issue. If you are not an ORCA member--and why aren't you?--you can join us by Clicking Here. The Reel News is lovingly edited by Richard K. Lodge.
-- Dr. Todd
Thursday, November 4, 2010
Thursday Review: ORCA's Reel News (Nov. 2010)
Thursday Review: ORCA's Reel News (Nov. 2010)
The mailbox brought a welcome site, the latest Reel News, the bi-monthly magazine of the Old Reel Collector's Association (ORCA).
Bob Miller gives us a wonderful Pflueger Pfacts column entitled "Waste Not, Want Not" in which he opines on the interchangeable parts for Pflueger reels. Another magnificent epistle from the dean of Pflueger reels.
Stu Lawson offers up a welcome column entitled "Scams and Other Fun Stuff" where he tells some tales of woe from his selling days, as well as gives us a great update on his health. We're all thinking of you, Stu!
Charlie Tanner gives us a wonderful article, "The Men Behind Wright & McGill" which is both a history of W&M and their various reels. Nifty job, Charlie!
Ben Wright, the resident spinning reel guru, gives us an article on the Cargem 33 Mignon Ultra-Lite spinning reel. Like all of Ben's work, it is accurate, concise, and easily understandable.
My own contributions this issue included a discourse on one of the rarest Chicago trade reels: Foss Brothers. It tells the fascinating story of a pair of brothers from a wealthy Chicago family who ended up starting a high-end sporting shop that sold some incredible high-end reels.
I also sent in a short little piece on a tour of the French spinning reel factory Centaure from a 1950s Fishing Tackle Trade News. It's a nifty little piece.
Jim Schottenham gives us the eagerly awaited "Auction Report" which just underscores how little I get to see on eBay every month.
Finally, there are three pages devoted to a letter from British tackle writer Graham Turner, who takes great umbrage at British reel historian John Drewett's recent commentary about Graham's latest book.
Another fine issue. If you are not an ORCA member--and why aren't you?--you can join us by Clicking Here. The Reel News is capably edited by Richard K. Lodge.
-- Dr. Todd
The mailbox brought a welcome site, the latest Reel News, the bi-monthly magazine of the Old Reel Collector's Association (ORCA).
Bob Miller gives us a wonderful Pflueger Pfacts column entitled "Waste Not, Want Not" in which he opines on the interchangeable parts for Pflueger reels. Another magnificent epistle from the dean of Pflueger reels.
Stu Lawson offers up a welcome column entitled "Scams and Other Fun Stuff" where he tells some tales of woe from his selling days, as well as gives us a great update on his health. We're all thinking of you, Stu!
Charlie Tanner gives us a wonderful article, "The Men Behind Wright & McGill" which is both a history of W&M and their various reels. Nifty job, Charlie!
Ben Wright, the resident spinning reel guru, gives us an article on the Cargem 33 Mignon Ultra-Lite spinning reel. Like all of Ben's work, it is accurate, concise, and easily understandable.
My own contributions this issue included a discourse on one of the rarest Chicago trade reels: Foss Brothers. It tells the fascinating story of a pair of brothers from a wealthy Chicago family who ended up starting a high-end sporting shop that sold some incredible high-end reels.
I also sent in a short little piece on a tour of the French spinning reel factory Centaure from a 1950s Fishing Tackle Trade News. It's a nifty little piece.
Jim Schottenham gives us the eagerly awaited "Auction Report" which just underscores how little I get to see on eBay every month.
Finally, there are three pages devoted to a letter from British tackle writer Graham Turner, who takes great umbrage at British reel historian John Drewett's recent commentary about Graham's latest book.
Another fine issue. If you are not an ORCA member--and why aren't you?--you can join us by Clicking Here. The Reel News is capably edited by Richard K. Lodge.
-- Dr. Todd
Thursday, September 16, 2010
Thursday Review: ORCA's Reel News (September 2010)
Thursday Review: ORCA's Reel News (September 2010)
The mail brought a welcome gift--the latest edition of the ORCA Reel News. And no news was more welcome than the note from Stu Lawson that his treatment for cancer has been going well. All of us send our best wishes out to Stu, who is one of the truly nice guys out there.
The issue did not disappoint. Bob Halver gives us "The Airex VIC Spinning Reel," a nifty analysis of this ever-popular Airex model. Lots of detail and the kind of work you'll come to expect from the author of a forthcoming book on Airex tackle!
Bob Miller gives us "Think Big! Pflueger's Largest Capacity Reels" about the wonderful Pflueger saltwater models, including the Dixie, Kihoga, Avalon, Sea King, Atlapac and Templar. All fun reels, but the latter two legendary in the big reel world.
Jim Madden gives us "South Bend #1201: A Masterpiece Mechanically and in Beauty." This covers one of South Bend's most rarest models, the first model made with a bakelite spacer. Nifty stuff.
Ed Slane wonders "Where did the Time Go" in his bi-monthly epistle. I did not know that Ed was an airline pilot!
Jim Schottenham gives us the always anticipated "Auction Report," and again, tons of stuff I missed out on. It's always great to see these wonderful pieces.
Finally, RIchard K. Lodge (ORCA's editor) gives us a great article on L.W. Holmes of Oronoque, Connecticut. Most people don't realize Holmes made everything from fly reels to massive saltwater models.
All in all, a great issue! Kudos to editor Richard Lodge for putting this all together.
-- Dr. Todd
The mail brought a welcome gift--the latest edition of the ORCA Reel News. And no news was more welcome than the note from Stu Lawson that his treatment for cancer has been going well. All of us send our best wishes out to Stu, who is one of the truly nice guys out there.
The issue did not disappoint. Bob Halver gives us "The Airex VIC Spinning Reel," a nifty analysis of this ever-popular Airex model. Lots of detail and the kind of work you'll come to expect from the author of a forthcoming book on Airex tackle!
Bob Miller gives us "Think Big! Pflueger's Largest Capacity Reels" about the wonderful Pflueger saltwater models, including the Dixie, Kihoga, Avalon, Sea King, Atlapac and Templar. All fun reels, but the latter two legendary in the big reel world.
Jim Madden gives us "South Bend #1201: A Masterpiece Mechanically and in Beauty." This covers one of South Bend's most rarest models, the first model made with a bakelite spacer. Nifty stuff.
Ed Slane wonders "Where did the Time Go" in his bi-monthly epistle. I did not know that Ed was an airline pilot!
Jim Schottenham gives us the always anticipated "Auction Report," and again, tons of stuff I missed out on. It's always great to see these wonderful pieces.
Finally, RIchard K. Lodge (ORCA's editor) gives us a great article on L.W. Holmes of Oronoque, Connecticut. Most people don't realize Holmes made everything from fly reels to massive saltwater models.
All in all, a great issue! Kudos to editor Richard Lodge for putting this all together.
-- Dr. Todd
Thursday, July 8, 2010
Thursday Review: July 2010 ORCA Reel News
Thursday Review: July 2010 ORCA Reel News
The latest edition of the ORCA Reel News has hit the stands and it is a good one. Coming off the ORCA Nationals in Tennessee in early June, we get a nice retrospective with lots of great photos of this wonderful trip. I really enjoyed myself and hope we can return there in the future.
By far the most important--and moving article--was penned by Stu Lawson, noted collector and author. In his regular "More Reel Stuff" Stu gives us his "Farewell to Fellow Junk Collectors and Friends." In this poignant column, Stu reveals he has Acute Myeloblastic Leukemia (AML) which, he says, has a life expectancy of "weeks to months." What awful, awful news. I truly hope the experimental treatments he is on will fend off the disease and that he will go into remission, and continue to grace us with his presence and work for many more years. Stu, you are in my thoughts and prayers.
Bob Miller gives us a new article on Pflueger. "Pflueger vs. the Backlash, Part 2" gives us the second and final part of his detailed study on the anti-backlash feature. Another nifty article by the Dean of Pflueger researchers. Jim Madden gives us his latest "South Bend Bits" column, this one on the first South Bend Fly Reel box. Jim just keeps finding new and interesting stuff! Jim Schottenham weighs in on an awesome Auction Report.
My own contribution was a detailed study of the H.H. Kiffe firm of New York City and Brooklyn. Kiffe reels are popular and plentiful, and I had a fun time putting this article together.
In addition to extensive convention coverage, a couple of small articles include an obituary for noted Mitchell collector Bill Arp, as well as Walter Catucci (son of Pliny of Meisselbach fame).
Another great issue! If you are not an ORCA member--and why aren't you?--you can join us by Clicking Here. The Reel News is capably edited by Richard K. Lodge.
-- Dr. Todd
The latest edition of the ORCA Reel News has hit the stands and it is a good one. Coming off the ORCA Nationals in Tennessee in early June, we get a nice retrospective with lots of great photos of this wonderful trip. I really enjoyed myself and hope we can return there in the future.
By far the most important--and moving article--was penned by Stu Lawson, noted collector and author. In his regular "More Reel Stuff" Stu gives us his "Farewell to Fellow Junk Collectors and Friends." In this poignant column, Stu reveals he has Acute Myeloblastic Leukemia (AML) which, he says, has a life expectancy of "weeks to months." What awful, awful news. I truly hope the experimental treatments he is on will fend off the disease and that he will go into remission, and continue to grace us with his presence and work for many more years. Stu, you are in my thoughts and prayers.
Bob Miller gives us a new article on Pflueger. "Pflueger vs. the Backlash, Part 2" gives us the second and final part of his detailed study on the anti-backlash feature. Another nifty article by the Dean of Pflueger researchers. Jim Madden gives us his latest "South Bend Bits" column, this one on the first South Bend Fly Reel box. Jim just keeps finding new and interesting stuff! Jim Schottenham weighs in on an awesome Auction Report.
My own contribution was a detailed study of the H.H. Kiffe firm of New York City and Brooklyn. Kiffe reels are popular and plentiful, and I had a fun time putting this article together.
In addition to extensive convention coverage, a couple of small articles include an obituary for noted Mitchell collector Bill Arp, as well as Walter Catucci (son of Pliny of Meisselbach fame).
Another great issue! If you are not an ORCA member--and why aren't you?--you can join us by Clicking Here. The Reel News is capably edited by Richard K. Lodge.
-- Dr. Todd
Thursday, July 2, 2009
Thursday Review: ORCA's Reel News (July 2009)
Thursday Review: ORCA's Reel News (July 2009)
The mailman brought a welcome treat the other day in the form of The Reel News for July 2009. As the ORCA Nationals in Dania Beach, Florida were still fresh in my mind, it was wonderful to revisit the extensive coverage of the show in the pages of this issue.
What a neat issue, especially for those who weren't able to attend! A number of articles filled readers in on what they missed; "A Great ORCA Show in Florida," for example, covered covered the highlights of our great visit to the IGFA, while "Big Fish, Casting Champs, and Cool Displays" detailed the winners of the fishing tournament, casting competition, and Stu Lawson Ugly Reel Toss. "Billinghurst, Pflueger Focus of ORCA Seminars" covered well the two great presentations by Jim Schottenham and Craig "the Pflueger Professor" Barber. Finally, a nice photo essay by Dave Keyeck entitled "ORCA Anglers Reel 'Em" finished up the coverage.
There were regular features as well. Jim Schottenham's always anticipated "Auction Report" outlined many great reels I always seem to miss on eBay. Stu Lawson opined on "Writing A Price Guide" where he released news of his forthcoming updated edition of Lawson's Price Guide to Old Fishing Reels.
Bob Miller wrote on some Pflueger oddities in his "A Few Unusual Pflueger Reels," which covered some truly strange and rare Enterprise reels. Col. Milton Lorenz offered up "The Reel Fix" for the popular Zebco 171.
My own offerings for this issue were "Toy Reels: The Fishing Tackle of F.A.O. Schwarz," which covered the virtually forgotten phase in the famed toymaker's history when they sold high quality fishing tackle. I was fortunate enough to get information on a rare prototype fly reel, which I wrote up as "Harry Wilson's Prototype PowR-Ply Reel." What a neat story and great reel this is.
The ORCA Board also announced that 2010 Nationals would be held near Gatlinburg, Tennessee. I can't wait to go!
All in all another great issue. The Reel News is edited by Richard Lodge.
-- Dr. Todd
The mailman brought a welcome treat the other day in the form of The Reel News for July 2009. As the ORCA Nationals in Dania Beach, Florida were still fresh in my mind, it was wonderful to revisit the extensive coverage of the show in the pages of this issue.
What a neat issue, especially for those who weren't able to attend! A number of articles filled readers in on what they missed; "A Great ORCA Show in Florida," for example, covered covered the highlights of our great visit to the IGFA, while "Big Fish, Casting Champs, and Cool Displays" detailed the winners of the fishing tournament, casting competition, and Stu Lawson Ugly Reel Toss. "Billinghurst, Pflueger Focus of ORCA Seminars" covered well the two great presentations by Jim Schottenham and Craig "the Pflueger Professor" Barber. Finally, a nice photo essay by Dave Keyeck entitled "ORCA Anglers Reel 'Em" finished up the coverage.
There were regular features as well. Jim Schottenham's always anticipated "Auction Report" outlined many great reels I always seem to miss on eBay. Stu Lawson opined on "Writing A Price Guide" where he released news of his forthcoming updated edition of Lawson's Price Guide to Old Fishing Reels.
Bob Miller wrote on some Pflueger oddities in his "A Few Unusual Pflueger Reels," which covered some truly strange and rare Enterprise reels. Col. Milton Lorenz offered up "The Reel Fix" for the popular Zebco 171.
My own offerings for this issue were "Toy Reels: The Fishing Tackle of F.A.O. Schwarz," which covered the virtually forgotten phase in the famed toymaker's history when they sold high quality fishing tackle. I was fortunate enough to get information on a rare prototype fly reel, which I wrote up as "Harry Wilson's Prototype PowR-Ply Reel." What a neat story and great reel this is.
The ORCA Board also announced that 2010 Nationals would be held near Gatlinburg, Tennessee. I can't wait to go!
All in all another great issue. The Reel News is edited by Richard Lodge.
-- Dr. Todd
Thursday, May 14, 2009
Thursday Review: ORCA's Reel News (May 2009)
Thursday Review: ORCA's Reel News (May 2009)
Another outstanding issue of The Reel News has dropped and it's, as always, an excellent one.
We lead off with Part 2 of the much-anticipated and much loved survey of the Los Angeles Big Game reels of Joseph A. Coxe, by Dr. John Elder. Wow. This stuff is so good it's almost scary. In just two issues Elder has pretty much doubled what we know about Coxe. It is really outstanding stuff, showing the internal workings of the reels as well as some historical background.
My own contribution this issue was a survey of "Brooklure" fishing reels sold by Spiegel Inc. of Chicago. These reels are among the most undervalued out there, which is odd because they are certainly more scarce than other trade houses. My hope is this article will spur a few collectors to gather Spiegel Brooklure reels.
Charlie Tannes has "A Reel Dilemma" and needs our help identifying and researching his FR-333 Thunderbird casting reel. Ed Slane profiles fellow ORCA collector Tom Greene in "Reels and Friendship in the Back Room."
Regular columnists were out in force. Jim Schottenham gives us the always anticipated "The Auction Report," which is a constant reminder that no matter how carefully you watch eBay, something always escapes you. Ben Wright gives us "Shakespeare's Unique Drive Gear System" in his Spinning Lines column.
Stu Lawson pretty much blew every Pflueger collector's minds with his "Pflueger Advertising: The Missing Years" which profiles three Pflueger and E.A. Pflueger ads I had not seen before (no small feat, I might add). Unreal. Bob Miller's excellent Pflueger Pfacts column "Interocean: Forty Years of Glory (With a Couple of Minor Interruptions)" details this often overlooked reel.
Col. Milton Lorenz gives us "The Silstar Series Reels" in his neat Reel Fix column, an absolute bedrock staple of the magazine. Finally, Alan Baracco returns with his Langley Revolutions column. "The Spinator and Spindrift" details these two popular models of spinning reels.
The Reel News is deftly edited by Richard K. Lodge. If you're not a member of ORCA (and wow, if you're not, I thought I KNEW you, man) you can join up by Clicking Here.
-- Dr. Todd
Another outstanding issue of The Reel News has dropped and it's, as always, an excellent one.
We lead off with Part 2 of the much-anticipated and much loved survey of the Los Angeles Big Game reels of Joseph A. Coxe, by Dr. John Elder. Wow. This stuff is so good it's almost scary. In just two issues Elder has pretty much doubled what we know about Coxe. It is really outstanding stuff, showing the internal workings of the reels as well as some historical background.
My own contribution this issue was a survey of "Brooklure" fishing reels sold by Spiegel Inc. of Chicago. These reels are among the most undervalued out there, which is odd because they are certainly more scarce than other trade houses. My hope is this article will spur a few collectors to gather Spiegel Brooklure reels.
Charlie Tannes has "A Reel Dilemma" and needs our help identifying and researching his FR-333 Thunderbird casting reel. Ed Slane profiles fellow ORCA collector Tom Greene in "Reels and Friendship in the Back Room."
Regular columnists were out in force. Jim Schottenham gives us the always anticipated "The Auction Report," which is a constant reminder that no matter how carefully you watch eBay, something always escapes you. Ben Wright gives us "Shakespeare's Unique Drive Gear System" in his Spinning Lines column.
Stu Lawson pretty much blew every Pflueger collector's minds with his "Pflueger Advertising: The Missing Years" which profiles three Pflueger and E.A. Pflueger ads I had not seen before (no small feat, I might add). Unreal. Bob Miller's excellent Pflueger Pfacts column "Interocean: Forty Years of Glory (With a Couple of Minor Interruptions)" details this often overlooked reel.
Col. Milton Lorenz gives us "The Silstar Series Reels" in his neat Reel Fix column, an absolute bedrock staple of the magazine. Finally, Alan Baracco returns with his Langley Revolutions column. "The Spinator and Spindrift" details these two popular models of spinning reels.
The Reel News is deftly edited by Richard K. Lodge. If you're not a member of ORCA (and wow, if you're not, I thought I KNEW you, man) you can join up by Clicking Here.
-- Dr. Todd
Thursday, March 19, 2009
Thursday Review: ORCA's Reel News (March 2009)
A review of the ORCA 2009 Reel News
The latest issue of The Reel News, the official publication of ORCA, has hit the mailboxes and it is a good one.
We lead off to a really cool article by Mark E. Baker about the making of the S.E. Bogdan poster that was so incredibly well received last year. For those who haven't had the pleasure of seeing one, they are gorgeous.
Ed Slane contributed another neat article on fishing in Florida, this one entitled "The Trout are Bigger in the Bahamas." Ed's remembrances of fishing history are a great contribution to the magazine and one of the things that differentiate it from other publications of its type.
My own selection this issue was "Congressional Reels: The Reels of Supplee-Biddle Hardware Co.," which was an expanded version of the short section on reels I published a few years ago in The NFLCC Magazine. Editor Richard Lodge miraculously was able to include pictures of 24 different Congress reels.
Michigan's own Terry McBurney gives us a great article in "Lawyer, Architect, Auto Builder and Reel Maker: Charles H. Wisner, Renaissance Man." This great, great article about the man behind one of the neatest (and rarest) reels around allows us a glimpse at the reel maker as an actual individual--and a well-rounded one at that. Judge Wisner was truly a fascinating character.
Bob Miller--whose highly anticipated History of the Pflueger Akron & Summit Casting Reels went to press today, gives us the skinny behind an overlooked Pflueger reel in "Norka: Even Spelled Backwards, a Great Little Reel Made in Akron!." Like all of Bob's work, its meticulous in its details and entertaining to read.
Jim Madden offered up one of my favorite kinds of articles for his South Bend Bits column: a reel mystery, in this case, two South Bend reel mysteries.
Regular columnists include Ben Wright, who contributed an article entitled "Early Shakespeares and their Unique Drive-Gear Systems," Jim Schottenham who pens the highly anticipated "Auction Report," Stu Lawson who wrote "San Diego Area Tackle Swap Meet" for his More Reel Stuff column, Col. Milton Lorenz gave us the Zebco 40 Series Reels in his "Reel Fix column, and Richard K. Lodge opines on the big Lang's move to the virtual world.
Phew. Seem like a lot? Well, IT IS. And if you're not a member of ORCA, I ask again--in all seriousness--why not? Every single issue of The Reel News has information that can help you in any area you collect, from rods and lures to ephemera and misc. items. If all you got from this issue was how to spot a Yale surf reel marked Congress, you might have been able to pick up said reel, which would sell for $200 or more, off of eBay for $15. I know, because in the month leading up to the article I did just that.
The Reel News is capably overseen by Richard K. Lodge. You can learn more about ORCA and join by Clicking Here.
-- Dr. Todd
Thursday, January 8, 2009
Thursday Review: ORCA's Reel News (January 2009)
Thursday Review: ORCA's Reel News (January 2009)
The New Year's mail brought a welcome friend--the latest edition of ORCA's Reel News (Vol. 19, No. 1). This edition brought some great articles.
First and foremost is one of the most important articles in the last ten years on fishing reel history: Steven K. Vernon's detailed history of Jabez B. Crook, reelmaker. In "Jabez B. Crook: Pioneer Reelmaker," an informative and ground-breaking article, Vernon tracks down one of the most mysterious of the early American tacklesmiths. It is a must read for anyone interested in 19th century tackle. Additionally, Vernon cracks open some Crook reels in "On the Trail of Old Crooks" and helps teach us how to identify them. Spectacular work here.
My own contribution this month was "Oklahoma Trade Reels and Fishing Tackle" which exposited on trade tackle from the Sooner state. Oklahoma Tire & Supply Company (OTASCO), TG&Y, Andy Anderson's, Looboyle's, Watters Sporting Goods, and Richards & Conover are all covered in this article.
Jim Madden offered up a great article entitled "The First South Bend Reel Box" in which he chronicles his decade-long search for this elusive piece. A must read for any South Bend fan.
Ben Wright gives us "ABU Garcia's Newest Cardinal Spinning Reel" which covers the launch of the Cardinal 3E.
Robert Miller's always anticipated "Pflueger Pfacts" article brings us a discourse on Pflueger surf reels--so often overlooked and some of the great bargains to be found on eBay.
Howard Coleman brings us a review of Lang's recent auction in "In Spite of Tough Economy, Prices Hold Up" which was great reading as it was dead on with my own thoughts on the matter. Jim Schottenham's "Auction Report" highlighted some great reels, some of which I somehow missed on eBay. Finally, Col. Milton Lorenz gives us the scoop on fixing the Pflueger Sea Queen, Sea Kast, and Sea Lion reels.
Another phenomenal issue with much to offer collectors of all kinds. The Reel News is brilliantly edited by Richard K. Lodge. Join ORCA and get in the fun by clicking here.
-- Dr. Todd
The New Year's mail brought a welcome friend--the latest edition of ORCA's Reel News (Vol. 19, No. 1). This edition brought some great articles.
First and foremost is one of the most important articles in the last ten years on fishing reel history: Steven K. Vernon's detailed history of Jabez B. Crook, reelmaker. In "Jabez B. Crook: Pioneer Reelmaker," an informative and ground-breaking article, Vernon tracks down one of the most mysterious of the early American tacklesmiths. It is a must read for anyone interested in 19th century tackle. Additionally, Vernon cracks open some Crook reels in "On the Trail of Old Crooks" and helps teach us how to identify them. Spectacular work here.
My own contribution this month was "Oklahoma Trade Reels and Fishing Tackle" which exposited on trade tackle from the Sooner state. Oklahoma Tire & Supply Company (OTASCO), TG&Y, Andy Anderson's, Looboyle's, Watters Sporting Goods, and Richards & Conover are all covered in this article.
Jim Madden offered up a great article entitled "The First South Bend Reel Box" in which he chronicles his decade-long search for this elusive piece. A must read for any South Bend fan.
Ben Wright gives us "ABU Garcia's Newest Cardinal Spinning Reel" which covers the launch of the Cardinal 3E.
Robert Miller's always anticipated "Pflueger Pfacts" article brings us a discourse on Pflueger surf reels--so often overlooked and some of the great bargains to be found on eBay.
Howard Coleman brings us a review of Lang's recent auction in "In Spite of Tough Economy, Prices Hold Up" which was great reading as it was dead on with my own thoughts on the matter. Jim Schottenham's "Auction Report" highlighted some great reels, some of which I somehow missed on eBay. Finally, Col. Milton Lorenz gives us the scoop on fixing the Pflueger Sea Queen, Sea Kast, and Sea Lion reels.
Another phenomenal issue with much to offer collectors of all kinds. The Reel News is brilliantly edited by Richard K. Lodge. Join ORCA and get in the fun by clicking here.
-- Dr. Todd
Thursday, September 4, 2008
Review of ORCA Reel News, Vol. 18, No. 5 (Sep. 2008)
Review of ORCA Reel News, Vol. 18, No. 5 (Sep. 2008)
The always anticipated Reel News arrived and it was a terrific read. As always, lots of information in it that you simply do not find anywhere else. Really great stuff.
We begin with my favorite article in some time--"A Kovalovsky saved from the Wild Blue Pacific," by John Elder and Brian Funai. Its the story of a rare, rare Kovalovsky reel found in Hawaii that John Elder restored. Pictures of the restoration from beginning to end. If you've ever wondered a) how to restore a reel; b) what the big deal about Kovalovsky reels is, let me tell you this article answers both questions for you. Really, really great job.
Jim Madden's contribution this month is "South Bend Bits: 34 Years With the South Bend #1000 Oreno." This is a great overview of one of the longest serving reels in the South Bend universe.
Ed Slane offers up a really nice article about taking a vintage Edward vom Hofe combo out for a spin, so if you've ever wanted to fish vintage tackle, this would be a perfect article for you. It's also an example of how ORCA has done a great job, as always, publishing articles that help preserve pieces of fishing history.
My own contribution this issue is Part 2 of the Abercrombie & Fitch/VL&A/VL&D family, "Von Lengerke & Detmold Reels." It covers the history of this firm from its origins to its heyday as one of New York's elite sporting goods stores to its eventual purchase by A&F. As all the "Reels of the Trade" articles, it covers ALL aspects of tackle sold, including rods, reels, and lures. Next Issue: Abercrombie & Fitch.
Roger Schulz reviews Phil White's new offering, Shimano Bantams: The First 15 Years. From the sounds of things, it is a really nice book. I'll order a copy and review it myself for the blog.
Along this vein, the always knowledgeable and entertaining Stu Lawson gives us "Today's Reels, Tomorrow's Treasures??" If I could go back in time and buy Shimano reels it would make me a very wealthy man today, so this article is a must if you desire to keep up with collecting trends.
Tim Bahr contributes Part Four of his four-part series on Indiana Reels with "The Marc Reel Company." This series was a delight and one can hope Tim will be a regular contributor.
Robert Miller's always popular "Pflueger Pfacts" colum explores "Unmarked Pflueger Reels (With Names)" which goes over, well, unmarked named Pflueger reels. I'm telling everyone out there right now this article means the difference between a $5 chunker on eBay and a $100 gem. You can't get this information anywhere else.
Col. Milton Lorens gives us the exploded view and info on repairing the Zebco Cardinal 4 in "The Reel Fix." Jim Schottenham's always popular "Auction Report" covers some startling sales of reels over the past two months. Ben Wright contributes "Who Was That Mysterious Man and his Spinning Reel?" which is a profile of Mr. Bache Brown.
Finally, Steven K. Vernon, resident Dean of Tackle Historians, offers us the first stage of the very ambitious Ball Handle Reel Project. "Baby's First Steps" is a great start as it breaks down some super rare reels by men like George Karr.
The Reel News is the official publication of ORCA, the Old Reel Collector's Association. You can join ORCA (and let's face, by now you're so excited you pretty much HAVE to join), by Clicking Here. The Reel News is splendidly edited by the erudite Richard K. Lodge.
-- Dr. Todd
PS JOIN ORCA NOW!!!!!!
The always anticipated Reel News arrived and it was a terrific read. As always, lots of information in it that you simply do not find anywhere else. Really great stuff.
We begin with my favorite article in some time--"A Kovalovsky saved from the Wild Blue Pacific," by John Elder and Brian Funai. Its the story of a rare, rare Kovalovsky reel found in Hawaii that John Elder restored. Pictures of the restoration from beginning to end. If you've ever wondered a) how to restore a reel; b) what the big deal about Kovalovsky reels is, let me tell you this article answers both questions for you. Really, really great job.
Jim Madden's contribution this month is "South Bend Bits: 34 Years With the South Bend #1000 Oreno." This is a great overview of one of the longest serving reels in the South Bend universe.
Ed Slane offers up a really nice article about taking a vintage Edward vom Hofe combo out for a spin, so if you've ever wanted to fish vintage tackle, this would be a perfect article for you. It's also an example of how ORCA has done a great job, as always, publishing articles that help preserve pieces of fishing history.
My own contribution this issue is Part 2 of the Abercrombie & Fitch/VL&A/VL&D family, "Von Lengerke & Detmold Reels." It covers the history of this firm from its origins to its heyday as one of New York's elite sporting goods stores to its eventual purchase by A&F. As all the "Reels of the Trade" articles, it covers ALL aspects of tackle sold, including rods, reels, and lures. Next Issue: Abercrombie & Fitch.
Roger Schulz reviews Phil White's new offering, Shimano Bantams: The First 15 Years. From the sounds of things, it is a really nice book. I'll order a copy and review it myself for the blog.
Along this vein, the always knowledgeable and entertaining Stu Lawson gives us "Today's Reels, Tomorrow's Treasures??" If I could go back in time and buy Shimano reels it would make me a very wealthy man today, so this article is a must if you desire to keep up with collecting trends.
Tim Bahr contributes Part Four of his four-part series on Indiana Reels with "The Marc Reel Company." This series was a delight and one can hope Tim will be a regular contributor.
Robert Miller's always popular "Pflueger Pfacts" colum explores "Unmarked Pflueger Reels (With Names)" which goes over, well, unmarked named Pflueger reels. I'm telling everyone out there right now this article means the difference between a $5 chunker on eBay and a $100 gem. You can't get this information anywhere else.
Col. Milton Lorens gives us the exploded view and info on repairing the Zebco Cardinal 4 in "The Reel Fix." Jim Schottenham's always popular "Auction Report" covers some startling sales of reels over the past two months. Ben Wright contributes "Who Was That Mysterious Man and his Spinning Reel?" which is a profile of Mr. Bache Brown.
Finally, Steven K. Vernon, resident Dean of Tackle Historians, offers us the first stage of the very ambitious Ball Handle Reel Project. "Baby's First Steps" is a great start as it breaks down some super rare reels by men like George Karr.
The Reel News is the official publication of ORCA, the Old Reel Collector's Association. You can join ORCA (and let's face, by now you're so excited you pretty much HAVE to join), by Clicking Here. The Reel News is splendidly edited by the erudite Richard K. Lodge.
-- Dr. Todd
PS JOIN ORCA NOW!!!!!!
Thursday, July 24, 2008
Review: ORCA Reel News May & July
Today we get a double dose of reviews of ORCA's outstanding Reel News.
The first issue is the May 2008 (Vol. XVIII, No. 3) number. There are many really fine articles in this particular issue, which is led off by the always anticipated writings of Steven K. Vernon, who in his "A Ball Handle Proposal" seeks to make some serious research headway on these ever-popular Victorian reels. Tim Bahr offers up Part 2 of his continuing series on Indiana-style reels with "The AA Reel," or the Double A as it was called. This is a very informative series and I hope Tim continues to contribute regularly. My own contribution was a detailed history of a little known Chicago trade house. "Bicycles, Bullseyes and Baitcasters: The John Wilkinson Co. of Chicago" covers the interesting history of this forgotten titan of fishing tackle. Additionally, my review of Ted Bingham's excellent Vom Hofe book was reprinted from the blog. Terry McBurney makes a neat follow-up to his earlier work on Ranger Reel Company with "A Little Known Company: Pioneer Bait & Tackle." It covers the last years of the Ranger reel guys as they transitioned and were eventually put out of business by a tragic fire. The President Jim Schottenham offers up the always-interesting "Auction Report," and Bob Miller gives us the "1969: A Supreme Year" in his anticipated "Pflueger Pfacts" column. Ben Wright penned "The Elusive 1st Version Zebco Cardinal 4" for his spinning reel column, and Stu Lawson offered up "Another Ugly Reel Throwing Contest," a tribute to one of the more anticipated events of the ORCA Nationals. Finally, Col. Milton gives us "The Reel Fix" on how to clean an automatic reel. Sound advice for anyone who's ever cracked one of these babies open and ended up with a pile of coiled metal.
The newest issue is the July 2008 (Vol. XVIII, No. 4) issue. Excellent news begins this issue from El Presidente: my old friend Bob Miller has been made the latest Honorary Member of ORCA! Congratulations to Bob, who has just finished an outstanding manuscript on the History of the Pflueger Akron & Summit reels. He is truly one of the great gentlemen and knowledgeable collectors around. Much of this issue was designed to specifically make me jealous, as I was unable to attend the ORCA nationals in Colorado. Stu Lawson gave a wonderful description of Colorado angling in "ORCA's 2008 Fishing Contest" which, being held on Colorado rivers, made me green with envy. Espen Sjaastad penned one of my all-time favorite pieces on Shakespeare (the Bard) and fishing entitled "Perchance to Fish"--a true classic. Articles like these are what make ORCA so special. A photo essay of Nationals entitled "Rocky Mountain High with ORCA" made me especially sad I could not attend. My personal contribution to this issue, in addition to the tear stains on the cover, was "Von Lengerke & Antoine Trade Reels" which is a detailed look at the reels of VL&A, and the first of a three-part series on VL&A, VL&D, and A&F. Jim Wiegner gives us "A Place in the Park: Golden Gate Angling and Casting Club" which details this very important organization in the history of casting. With the 2008 ACA National Championships about to be held in early August--the 100th anniversary tournament--this was welcome reading. Newly anointed grand pubah Bob Miller gives us "Major Dilemma? Par for the Course" on the overlooked saltwater reel the Pflueger Par. El Presidente Jim Schottenham offers up his always anticipated auction report--which only goes to show to me how many reels are sold I covet but can't afford. Sigh. Tim Bahr gives us Part III on Indiana Reels, on the "The B&H Reel." It seems Indiana reel makers likes to use initials...Finally, Col. Milton gives us a "The Reel Fix: Those Wonderdful Penn Reels."
All in all, these issues should illustrate to you why ORCA is one of the premier organizations of its kind in the nation. If you are already an ORCA member, well, the cut of your jib tells us you are a scholar and a gentleman/lady. If you're not an ORCA member, you can be a Smart Stanley and join by clicking here. That's all I can say. The Reel News is ably edited by Richard K. Lodge.
-- Dr. Todd
The first issue is the May 2008 (Vol. XVIII, No. 3) number. There are many really fine articles in this particular issue, which is led off by the always anticipated writings of Steven K. Vernon, who in his "A Ball Handle Proposal" seeks to make some serious research headway on these ever-popular Victorian reels. Tim Bahr offers up Part 2 of his continuing series on Indiana-style reels with "The AA Reel," or the Double A as it was called. This is a very informative series and I hope Tim continues to contribute regularly. My own contribution was a detailed history of a little known Chicago trade house. "Bicycles, Bullseyes and Baitcasters: The John Wilkinson Co. of Chicago" covers the interesting history of this forgotten titan of fishing tackle. Additionally, my review of Ted Bingham's excellent Vom Hofe book was reprinted from the blog. Terry McBurney makes a neat follow-up to his earlier work on Ranger Reel Company with "A Little Known Company: Pioneer Bait & Tackle." It covers the last years of the Ranger reel guys as they transitioned and were eventually put out of business by a tragic fire. The President Jim Schottenham offers up the always-interesting "Auction Report," and Bob Miller gives us the "1969: A Supreme Year" in his anticipated "Pflueger Pfacts" column. Ben Wright penned "The Elusive 1st Version Zebco Cardinal 4" for his spinning reel column, and Stu Lawson offered up "Another Ugly Reel Throwing Contest," a tribute to one of the more anticipated events of the ORCA Nationals. Finally, Col. Milton gives us "The Reel Fix" on how to clean an automatic reel. Sound advice for anyone who's ever cracked one of these babies open and ended up with a pile of coiled metal.
The newest issue is the July 2008 (Vol. XVIII, No. 4) issue. Excellent news begins this issue from El Presidente: my old friend Bob Miller has been made the latest Honorary Member of ORCA! Congratulations to Bob, who has just finished an outstanding manuscript on the History of the Pflueger Akron & Summit reels. He is truly one of the great gentlemen and knowledgeable collectors around. Much of this issue was designed to specifically make me jealous, as I was unable to attend the ORCA nationals in Colorado. Stu Lawson gave a wonderful description of Colorado angling in "ORCA's 2008 Fishing Contest" which, being held on Colorado rivers, made me green with envy. Espen Sjaastad penned one of my all-time favorite pieces on Shakespeare (the Bard) and fishing entitled "Perchance to Fish"--a true classic. Articles like these are what make ORCA so special. A photo essay of Nationals entitled "Rocky Mountain High with ORCA" made me especially sad I could not attend. My personal contribution to this issue, in addition to the tear stains on the cover, was "Von Lengerke & Antoine Trade Reels" which is a detailed look at the reels of VL&A, and the first of a three-part series on VL&A, VL&D, and A&F. Jim Wiegner gives us "A Place in the Park: Golden Gate Angling and Casting Club" which details this very important organization in the history of casting. With the 2008 ACA National Championships about to be held in early August--the 100th anniversary tournament--this was welcome reading. Newly anointed grand pubah Bob Miller gives us "Major Dilemma? Par for the Course" on the overlooked saltwater reel the Pflueger Par. El Presidente Jim Schottenham offers up his always anticipated auction report--which only goes to show to me how many reels are sold I covet but can't afford. Sigh. Tim Bahr gives us Part III on Indiana Reels, on the "The B&H Reel." It seems Indiana reel makers likes to use initials...Finally, Col. Milton gives us a "The Reel Fix: Those Wonderdful Penn Reels."
All in all, these issues should illustrate to you why ORCA is one of the premier organizations of its kind in the nation. If you are already an ORCA member, well, the cut of your jib tells us you are a scholar and a gentleman/lady. If you're not an ORCA member, you can be a Smart Stanley and join by clicking here. That's all I can say. The Reel News is ably edited by Richard K. Lodge.
-- Dr. Todd
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