Old steel rod age? Want a reel to match.

[ohioriverrat]

I wish I could do pictures, but no camera right now (Hmm, it fell in the RIVER!). Anyway,

I have an old all steel fishing rod. It is about 60" from handle to tip. and on the handle casting is marked "True Temper". It's set up for probably some kind of old level wind reel. It is in like new shape; the steel is shiny, the maroon paint is intact on the handle and the cork is perfect. I have no idea of it's age, but if I can find out, I'd like to find an old (read correct) reel to match it's age. It will be used for display only.

Can anyone help without a pic? If not, when I get a new camera, I'll post up a snap.

THX,

Mark

[.RM.]

If my Zebco history serves me....

Around the end of the WWII late 40's early 50's. Those old rods were actually the top end of tank antenna's, manufactured by Zebco® (Zero Bomb Company) for the fishing industry re-brands and house brands.

The reel used for the rod would be older Shakespeare, Pflueger, Wonder Reels, True Temper BC Reels, etc.

Just my old .02¢

Good Luck & Tight Lines!!!

[Uncle Leo]

That's interesting, my Dad had one with an old Shakespeare mounted on it and old Dacron line. Never knew much about it but I learned to cast with that beast at 5-6 years old. Really made me appreciate modern equipment. Bought my own baitcaster in 1975 an old Abu Garica, I thought that was the cats meow after that one.

[.RM.]

Yup have a couple of them sitting on a shelf behind my cash register that I took off of the old metal rods. Like to call them (knuckle buster) because of NO anti reverse, when casted the handle spin in reverse (they still have the old black and gray dacron on them).

Leave the hand in the wrong position and the knuckles get wrapped buy a backwards spinning handle.......

Tight Lines!!!!  

[Daniel My Brother]

I've got one of these, although the handle on mine is more of a hard rubber. It was my Grandpa's and he used it with an old Southbend baitcaster. It doesn't have much monetary value, but then again I'm not looking to sell.

[John B]

Maybe an old Mitchell 300?

[NBR]

My dad had one but if I remember correctly it was yellow. I have an old Shakesoeare Marhoff and another reel that I think is a also a Shakespeare but it says "Master" Precision Built and Model 300 on the gear box side. The Marhoff has 1964 on the end plate but I am positive this was not the build date. We were married in 1964 and I can't recall anyone in the family buying a reel at that time or after that didn't have some sort of a drag and anti reverse.

Neither reel is in prime shape. I am positive they have been worked hard. They do still have the old braided line which could either be braided nylon or silk.

I don't have a clue as to their value but if you have any interest I'll try to find out.

[Raul]

Kool inheritances you guyz get.

Neither my pa nor granpa were fishermen, I 'm the only crazy in the family.

[Uncle Leo]

Kool inheritances you guyz get.

Neither my pa nor granpa were fishermen, I 'm the only crazy in the family.

Raul I was born and raised on the South Side of Chicago, 1.5 miles from Lake Michigan. The Old Boy had to do something to keep us out of trouble. Fishing, baseball and football. Then we discovered girls  

[ohioriverrat]

I found out just a little more about the rod. Father in law bought it just after returning from the Pacific in WW II. He dates it at 1946. Doesn't remember the reel though.

I'm cruising ebay to see what might be available. This thing is only to be a display piece, so function is not as important as it having the correct (ish) look.

Thanks guys. Learned a lot from this thread.

[Wayne P.]

This will go well with that rod. I have one if you would want it.

http://fishingcollectables.com/images/e971.jpg

[ohioriverrat]

PM sent.

[Crestliner2008]

I still have an old Heddon "Pal", 5' foot tubular steel baitcasting rod. It has a Pfleuger "Silkcast" knuckle-buster on top of it. First rig I ever used. My dad showed me how to use it when I was 14. He gave me $1.75 to go buy any lure I wanted. Bought a red head/shiner colored Lucky 13 (wood), which I still have today as well. Caught a few nice bass with that, way back when.

Every once in a while I like to take the rig out and play with it in the back yard. That Silkcast is one smoooooth reel. You spin the handles and it keeps on going and going and going!