I thought I'd use an internet @#$%& house to see what kind of deal I could get on a reel to inspire a rod project. I just won a "Pflueger Trump Reel 1943 jeweled Original Box MINT COND". Vintage (1943+) level wind, bait caster. The photo on the site shows it to be in mint condition.

I'd like to try making a rod to go with it that might reflect the kind of rod it would have been used on back in it's day. (unless it was an el cheapo rod, then I'd just want to make something that should have been used)

Any suggestions?

Jim Hicks



Edited 2 time(s). Last edit at 08/05/2007 02:06AM by James Hicks.

My father bought me my first bass rod in the early 50's and it was made out of steel. The other rods at that time were made out of bamboo and solid fiberglass. I do remember fishing in the 40's though and using cane poles. If I were to build a vintage rod for that reel I would use split cane.

James;
Just a consideration that reel may one day beome more valuable kept in the box. I collect some old lures and have had some of them go up in value 600 to 700% in just 3 or 4 years.

I second Steve's suggestion

I may just keep it in the box but still put a rod together for it. With a little searching I found an H-I conqueror 5' cane, hex shape, casting rod from the 1940s. I don't know it's condition other than "used", or it's value other than $150~$200 to buy it. Would this rod be close to a match for the reel? Would refurbishing one of these rods be within the grasp of a beginner? Or should I go for the steel or fiberglass rods where I have less chance of messing 'em up?

Jim Hicks

Yes; it is something you could do. But then again the rod may be worth more by not fixing it up Just like antiques if your refurbish one you ruin its true value.

Shucks! What good is it buying nice toys if you can't play with them? I'll get the rod just so I have a set and I'll stick 'em in a safe corner somewhere. Perhaps they'll increase in value enough to support my rod building habit :)

Why not display them might look good on your wall.
Example of how they can change in value; I buy a few old lures for a display collection not really a hard core collector just buy some to display. Bought one off @#$%& a four years back for about $30.00 was looking around on @#$%& couple years later and the exact same lure, same color same every thing. Was being @#$%& it was already up to $763.00 with three days bidding yet to go. You just might be right a few years from now it might support your fishing habits.

I have a acquaintance that has been a hard core collector for many years about 7 years ago he sold the majority of his collection to bass Pro Shops and use the profit to build a house on a lake up the street in which the lake lots by themselves sell for an average of $450,000.00 each, so you never know.

Tom Kirkman has a nice collection he could probable share some examples also

You can get Ron Kusse or one of the other cane makers build you a blank and go from there.