Not so fly fishing related but...

[Martin McFly]

I found this little beaut at a Salvation Army, bought it for $ 5, cleaned it, lubed it and all. Do you guys know anything about this little old reel?







Thanks guys.

[hairwing]

Ted Trueblood used one, Vince Marinaro used one, Sid Gordon fished "Top To Bottom" with a white and black pike fly and a dipsey sinker. All were really respected "fly fisherman". You have stumbled into a generational gap. Modern fly fishers have put the skill of casting a level wind bait caster in the past.


As a kid I spent some time (a lot of time) at the bank sorting "bird nests" from my reel, it was an early lesson in frustration and I learnt the patience it takes to be a fisherman digging out the tangled line. Ah... to develop an "educated thumb" that was a goal. I did and it was a pleasure to hear the whrrrrr.... of the reel, and watch the arch of the line headed to god knows where but it was out there and I could click the reel handle and retrieve the cast.


Fly casting presented the same challenges..but I learned. Too often today folks want immediate results but it seems to me it takes a little time.....and a little frustration.


To cast the rod I would suggest a 1/2 to 5/8 ounce plug, turn the handles up, and cast as though you were throwing the plug to the sky. If you are looking to place a value on your find for profit, sorry I can't help. The level wind baitcaster was an important part of my learning to cast a fly rod.

[ScottP]

http://www.bronsonreelphotos.com/bro...-and-info.html

Apparently the Bronson reel company, at one time, was the country's largest reel manufacturer and supplied companies like Sears and Montgomery Wards. Although the Fleetwing is one of their basic designs, some of Bronson's reels are quite ornate; looks like you found yourself a keeper. Now, as hairwing said, start "educating" your thumb.

Regards,
Scott

[Prairieschooner]

Neat old reel; spent many a day untangling one in my youth . Good luck, and enjoy it. I have a couple of Bronson fly reels, one marked Bronson and one stamped J.C. Higgins.

[zaxaca]

Lots of early memories of those level winders. It's all we had growing up in very early 60's. Don't know if they were Bronsons, but looked pretty similar. I think at least 1 or 2 were Shakespeare. All were rigged with braided line, Dacron I think. I put the process of learning how to use one in the same category as learning to shoot doves with a .410!

[Martin McFly]

I will confess, I do toss a lure every now and then and I prefer bait casters over open face reels, this one even comes with a clicker so maybe I'll toss it with bait while I flick flies this Summer. It's very simple and easy to operate...I tell you guys, it was love at first sight.
Maybe I'll be lucky and will find me an old fly reel.

[Betty Hiner]

Saaaa-weeeee-t!! Kewl find!!

[Martin McFly]

Saaaa-weeeee-t!! Kewl find!!

Thanks a lot ma'am. Can't wait to shake off this cold to hit the water again.

[lee s]

Ditto Betty.
We spent many seasons behind an old Pfleuger Supreme. Even the uncles could not get us to convert to their Ambassadors with their drags. Give us direct drive anytime.
Our uncles were super bait slingers.....quite accomplished in that system of pestering steelhead. Our passion was lures, so we often substituted flies at the end of our string, quite successfully, during our "transition time" sooooo long ago. Lots of sweet memories arise with your photos.....thanks! And enjoy your ride.
....lee s.

[Ray Kunz]

This thread surely brings up old times. Almost seventy years ago I was just getting into bait casting with fly fishing interests being postponed until Uncle Sam had no further use for me. Remember when fly tying materials meant Herters? Shops in smaller cities could only get stuff on special order. If you wanted squirrel, fox, rabbit or pheasant you went out and shot one. Hackle came from local chickens. And all Catskill pattern dries called for two feathers because no one feather would be long enough. BUT we had just as much anticipated fun.