I was recently given two reels that I know very little about. One is a bake-a-lite Vernley Trout Reel by Horrocks Ibbotson Co., Utica, N.Y. This reel has some info on the web but not much. Saw one on ebay for $26.00 I think it has it’s original line.
The other reel is a Garcia Kingfisher GK-44 that I cannot find any info about on the web. All I know is it’s made in Japan and has a Courtland 333 DT6F line with backing, leader and tippet.
I know nothing about the mechanics of these two reels and any special care instructions for them. Should I fish these reels or add them to my antique tackle collection? Any information would be very helpful.
The reels and some hooks were given to me by a boss of mine. Her Grandfather recently passed away and she is going through his gear. She told me he had several bamboo rods and at least one expensive graphite rod. She asked me to help find out how much the bamboo rods are worth. I should be getting the information on them Monday.
Oldfrat,
Thank you and good to hear from you again. I must be more tired than I thought because I usually think of such things. Wonder why their site didn’t come up on my google search? I’ll see what I can find out. Again, thank you and hope all is well with you.
Hey there Eric,
Actually both those reels are priceless and we’re here just waitin in the weeds till you offer to give them away due to lack of interest.
Marco,
Nice try! For the record I know these reels are not priceless. All I wanted was some input on these reels as I know next to nothing about them. There are a lot of folks on this board that have a lot more knowledge about fly fishing than me. I chip in only when I feel comfortable that I can give sound advice. That’s all I was seeking, advice. Did I read the tone of your post wrong? I hope you were just being sarcastic because if you think I lack interest in these things you are way off of the mark. Guess I should have posted this in another catagory. If I am guilty of posting this in the wrong area then I apologize.
Unless you have the box they came in and they are in excellent shape you may as well fish with them. As you have seen on ebay they do not garner high prices. If you are young enough to sit on them for another 40 or 50 years I’d say add them to your collection. Unless extremely rare condition is everything and having the box the reel came in can often double the price.
I once had a new condition AbuGarcia reel in box with papers and a few years ago sold it for $125. NOT one made in Japan…but in…where was it…Sweden ?
Or if you have a reel collection that is missing these particular models…entirely up to you…Never hurts to ask…Bob
Thanks, Bob. I think I will put the Vernley in my collection and fish the Kingfisher. It should fish well on my 5/6 wt rod and can give my Red.Fly a break.
Mark,
I am so very sorry that I took your post the wrong way. I have nothing but respect for you and I was wrong. I let my emotions get the better of me. You and the kind folks on this board do not deserve that. I apologize and hope there are no hard feelings. BTW, you’ve got mail.
I purchased a “new in box” H-I Vernley several years ago. I built a 3wt bamboo and was looking for a classic reel to use with the new stick. The Vernley fit the bill and I use every week . . . it’s one of those that’s meant to be fished.
Not much to know mechanically with this one. Sand or dirt are about the only concerns and, if you rinse it out and keep it lubed, should work just fine for you.
Are they really that rare or perhaps that bad?