Classic fly fishing reels from the late 19th and early to mid 20th century are some of the more popular collectibles sought by modern angling enthusiasts. American reels and single-action reels are in particularly high demand and represent an opportunity for investors. The Swedish Ambassadeur model is also popular. This article reviews some of the important names in the history of classic fly fishing reels that command the attention of collectors.

19th Century Classic Fly Fishing Reel Makers

The modern fishing reel emerged in Kentucky in the early 1800s. Around 1820, watchmaker George Snyder applied mechanical principles to increase the efficiency of hand-turned reels, inventing the concept of “multiplier reels.” In 1839 his ideas were adapted by fellow watchmakers J.F. and B.F. Meek and their partner B.C. Milam to produce a new type of baitcasting reel. New ideas were soon being applied to fly fishing reels as well.

Vom Hofe is one of the biggest names in the history of 19th-century classic fly fishing reels. The New York vom Hofe family included father Frederick and brothers Julius and Edward. Julius went into business making fishing reels in 1857, and Edward followed ten years later and went on to become even more famous as a reel manufacturer. Over a century later, Vom Hofe’s reels are still esteemed by professional anglers for trout and salmon fishing.

In 1891 Hardy Fly Fishing, which had introduced the hexagonal bamboo rod in 1880, produced its “Perfect” reel model. The design for this model has remained in use with minor alterations to this day, and the original and other early Hardy reels are highly sought by collectors.

20th Century Classics

The Pflueger family of Akron, Ohio left an early mark on the 20th century fishing reel industry. The company was founded by E.F. Pflueger in 1881 as Enterprise Manufacturing Company. In 1883 Plueger began making luminous lures, followed by rubber decoys in the 1890s and an artificial minnow in 1899. In 1900 the company became the first major commercial tackle supplier, publishing a 126-page catalog. Competition from James Heddon began to push Pflueger out of the lure business, but in 1916 the company staked out its reputation as a producer of reels with a new baitcasting model. Its later line of fly reels included the Taxie, sought by collectors. In 1966 Pflueger was sold to Shakespeare Fishing Tackle.

Shakespeare Fishing Tackle had been founded by inventor William Shakespeare, Jr. in 1897, with the aim of improving reel mechanisms. Shakespeare, frustrated with the clumsiness of line retrieval methods of the day, had previously invented a mechanism for winding fishing line evenly back onto the spool, which he called the “level-wind wheel.” His company became noted for its reels, and continued to grow throughout the 20th century and into the 21st.

Shakespeare Ugly Stik

The South Bend Bait Company was formed in 1906 by F.G. Worden of South Bend, Indiana. The company was most noted for its lures, but also produced some reels that are sought by collectors. It continues to operate today as South Bend Sporting Goods.

ABU Garcia, a Swedish fishing supply company with a watchmaking background, popularized its Ambassadeur line of reels in the 1950s and 1960s. The high quality of the Ambassadeur design makes it a favorite with collectors today.

Worthy Reel Resources

Upon Bamboo Fly Fishing Rods and Reels
Antique Reels
Old Reels
B.F. Meek & Sons Reels
The Celebrated Reels of Edward vom Hofe
Hardy
Pflueger
Shakespeare
South Bend
ABU Garcia Ambassadeur

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