This was my Uncle David's reel, and although it was replaced with a more modern version a few times through the years this is the one I remember from fishing with him when I was a kid; an Abu Cardinal 44, 1973 (3rd edition 44) with original teardrop bail.
Sadly my Uncle died a couple of years ago and I found the reel in one of his many tool boxes inside one of his many sheds. It was dirty and hard to turn but I had to take it, perhaps restore it?
Disassembled, cleaned, oiled and reassembled - was all that was needed - they made them to last in Sweden in those days! Spooled up I grabbed a loaf of bread and headed out after my Uncle's favourite species - a chub...
A barbel was first to crash the party but after a bit of wandering about I found what I was looking for. This one's for Uncle D.
Lovely way to celebrate the life of a late fisherman relative.
ReplyDeleteI think he would have liked it, but he was much better at fixing things than me!
DeleteJames May the reassembler.
ReplyDeleteBit scared about cleaning the anti reverse button and the drag knob - didn't want them to split - I'm sure May would have broken them and stood there with a stupid expression while they sent out for more...
DeleteMost deseverd. I have a pair of the newer 44x variants. line manglers. Ought to set about them as you have done with your perhaps better engineerd an d certainly bettere looking reel
ReplyDeleteLine manglers? The 44x look great, and they look just as easy to fix up!
DeleteI'll get em on the bench
DeleteGreat stuff!!
DeleteA fitting tribute and a wonderful reel. I prefer the 66 and use them for my chub, barbel and carp fishing. Built like tanks and a great clutch. Like you say, they built them to last.
ReplyDeleteI like the modern gear but it was a joy to use, great clutch and bail that would have your fingers off! Will be using it regularly now.
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