Reel ID and opinions

[FloridaFlyer]

I just came into posseion of an older Fin-Nor 3 and was wondering what anyone here can tell me about this reel. I've set up a webpage with several good pictures.

It's scuffed up. Obviously someones workhorse. That's OK with me as I intend to work it also. Just wondered about this reels rep if it has any.

[url=http://www.mercconsulting.com/fin-nor/:f54a3]http://www.mercconsulting.com/fin-nor/[/url:f54a3]

Thanks.

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Ed Mercado
[url=http://www.mercconsulting.com:f54a3]http://www.mercconsulting.com[/url:f54a3]
Web Design for the Treasure Coast.

[Jed]

Ed,
That reel looks like a piece of junk. If you want to get rid of it, email me and I'll send you my address. I'll dispose of it for you for free.

I especiaqlly like the double anti-reverse pawls. Looks like a keeper.

jed

[FloridaFlyer]

I'll be sure to do that Jed. It might take a while, but it's on its way.

Thanks.

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Ed Mercado
[url=http://www.mercconsulting.com:44eeb]http://www.mercconsulting.com[/url:44eeb]
Web Design for the Treasure Coast.

[lee s]

We have a Fin Nor. Don't know if it is older. It IS prettier! It has the drag knob on the spool in the center. NOT good if adjustment is needed while fish is running.....still.
Other than that.....GRAND reel. Wanna trade?
.....lee s.

[D. Micus]

it's junk. i'll give you ten box for it and call you a thief...

[FloridaFlyer]

Yeah, I thought it might be trash Micus, but I wouldn't want you to lose a fish because of me.



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Ed Mercado
[url=http://www.mercconsulting.com:4fe11]http://www.mercconsulting.com[/url:4fe11]
Web Design for the Treasure Coast.



[This message has been edited by FloridaFlyer (edited 06 March 2006).]

[D. Micus]

you know ed, seriously, i've always wanted a fin nor ahab--first time i saw one figured it was my reel, what with my love of the book, moby dick.

[DEcevR]

the only complaints I ever heard about that series Fin-Nors was corrosion at the pawls but I take that with a grain of salt as well being as there are many saltwater fly rodders who only clean and grease their reels once a year.

[Linesidesonthefly]

That is a Fin Nor #3 Direct Drive reel made by the Fin Nor Co. out of Miami Florida. It might be an early model of what would eventually become known as an Ahab. I'd say its no more than 10-15 yrs. old. Given the obvious condition issues I'd say that $300 is a fair estimate of its value.
The biggest complaints against Fin Nor's are their weight. Aside from that Mr. Wood was lightyears ahead of his time when he began making fly reels to exacting tolerances out of 6061 T6 Aircraft Grade Aluminum bar stock. He further pushed the envelope by adding Type two hard Anodizing to the surface of the Aluminum making his product impervious to the salt.
Early Gar Wood reels command the highest of prices among collectors. Search E-Bay for Fin Nor "Wedding Cake" fly reels. It is not uncommon for an early WC reel to fetch $1500.
I say fish it as hard as it was designed to be fish. Gar would be smiling.

[Flats Dude]

Way to go Ed! I'd fish it (but I ain't tradin' my new Marryat for it).
I'm going out and cast a T3 and a top of the line TFO to decide what I'm going to match it up with.
I'm also fixin' to put both boats in the shops this week, the '68 Smoker Craft is going in for a new transom board, and the flats boat is going in for a new poling tower and platform and a tune up, plus I got to go out and find a push pole.