Classic reels

[Dave Westburg]

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I love my JW Young "Thistle".

Am a huge Fan of the JW Young Martin Thistles. The line ring gives them some extra weight which helps balance my big sharpes bamboo spey rods...

 

[singlehandjay]

Am a huge Fan of the JW Young Martin Thistles. The line ring gives them some extra weight which helps balance my big sharpes bamboo spey rods...

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Thats one of my favorite runs!! This reel is being paired up with a Bruce and Walker Powerlite 15' 7-9-3 That Gene is building for me.

 

[jlee]

View attachment 134899View attachment 134900This was made by Bengt Morner in Sweden. You can put it into freespool by turning the handle opposite the retrieve direction. Then on the underside of the handle is a leather pad that when you press the handle to the spool, it acts as a drag. He did this to allow Atlantic salmon to run past bridge abutments where he fished. He was an automotive engineer. I have emails from him explaining this and how to maintain the reel.

Just Curious, do you use the reel? I have one that I am thinking about useing one steelhead this year.

 

[Grayone]

Just Curious, do you use the reel? I have one that I am thinking about useing one steelhead this year.

I tried to use it, but it is right hand wind. I am a left hand wind guy for 60 years. It created to many problems for my meager brain. The reel works fine, I would would reel the wrong direction at the wrong time.

 

[Dez]

Not as classic as some of the ones posted in this thread but I love it - 90s Orvis CFO IV in green - one spool for 3WT and one for 5WT

 

[Rye_Tyler]

Twins, Hardy Kerr’s Perfects 3 1/8

 

[Zak]

Twins, Hardy Kerr’s Perfects 3 1/8
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Nice library! That Stewart and Allen "Flies for Trout" book is one of my favorite reference books.

 

[Rye_Tyler]

Nice library! That Stewart and Allen "Flies for Trout" book is one of my favorite reference books.

Maybe we need to resurrect the “tomes” thread.. There’s not much better than a good book or a new one to add to the library.

 

[Russell]

I've seen Bill Archuleta is having a rough time with age and all. I wish him well. I thought I'd post a few classic perfects that I have that Bill touched to allow them to chase steelhead with me for quite a few years now. He made new reel feet for me on a 4" and a 3 3/4" to fit the modern reel seats of todays rods. The 4" I have had paired with a sage 8150 for years. Also I have a original taupo perfect that had its winding plate broken. Bill helped move the handle for me and clean up the crappy welds I had. Still catching fish and some day they will move on. Hope the story of who worked on them follows them.

 

[skyriver]

Let's call it a modern classic. My first quality reel was a Cortland LTD 80 that I paid $39.99 for in like 86? I still fish it, a long with 2 extra spools I've accumulated along the way.
Well, I couldn't pass on this NOS that has never been used. And I paid $10 less than the one in 86!
Nostalgia hitting me hard today. Can't wait to break it in.

 

[Zak]

Let's call it a modern classic. My first quality reel was a Cortland LTD 80 that I paid $39.99 for in like 86? I still fish it, a long with 2 extra spools I've accumulated along the way.
Well, I couldn't pass on this NOS that has never been used. And I paid $10 less than the one in 86!
Nostalgia hitting me hard today. Can't wait to break it in.

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That was my first fly reel, and now my son uses it!

 

[Roper]

I've seen Bill Archuleta is having a rough time with age and all. I wish him well. I thought I'd post a few classic perfects that I have that Bill touched to allow them to chase steelhead with me for quite a few years now. He made new reel feet for me on a 4" and a 3 3/4" to fit the modern reel seats of todays rods. The 4" I have had paired with a sage 8150 for years. Also I have a original taupo perfect that had its winding plate broken. Bill helped move the handle for me and clean up the crappy welds I had. Still catching fish and some day they will move on. Hope the story of who worked on them follows them.
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I’m curious, what are the six rounds for?

 

[skyriver]

That was my first fly reel, and now my son uses it!

They just keep going! Mine has never let me down. And once you put backing on them they're about the right weight for any modern graphite or fast glass rod.

 

[Russell]

I’m curious, what are the six rounds for?

I unloaded at my tying desk after returning from a Montana fishing trip. Still sitting there. For Bear if needed. I should probably put them away.

 

[Roper]

I unloaded at my tying desk after returning from a Montana fishing trip. Still sitting there. For Bear if needed. I should probably put them away.

You’re not getting off that easy we wanna know caliber and load.

 

[Russell]

You’re not getting off that easy we wanna know caliber and load.

44 Magnum 320gr hard cast. They have been the load I have carried in a S&W 629 3" barrel for years for Bear and Moose protection. Carried it in Alaska, Montana and eastern Idaho. I have been glad to have it with me on occasion but thankfully I have never had to use it.