Tuesday 17 January 2017

Cardinal 44


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.

10 comments:

  1. Lovely way to celebrate the life of a late fisherman relative.

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    1. I think he would have liked it, but he was much better at fixing things than me!

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  2. James May the reassembler.

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    1. Bit 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...

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  3. Most 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

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    1. Line manglers? The 44x look great, and they look just as easy to fix up!

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  4. A 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.

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    1. I 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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