By Doug Bucha
Antique Saltwater ReelsThe saltwater reels in this photograph are an Ocean City 609 (left) and a Pflueger 1419 ¾ Templar.
Both reels were manufactured in the early 1930s. The side plates were made of Bakelite, which was a common type of plastic used to manufacture reels during that era.
Most large reels like these are usually worth $15 to $25, which is true for 80% of all reels, large or small, since both companies made several thousand in many models.
However, these reels are exceptions to this rule; they would be worth $100 to $200 each, if in perfect condition. One of the reels has a missing part which cuts its value in half.
Rarity and condition are two things that you have to consider as a reel collector. It is important to have a good working knowledge of reels before collecting them. You can get burned by paying too much for a reel, just because it looks old.
Both of these were found while on vacation along the Alabama Gulf Coast and would be difficult to find in our area.
Remember that if you are in a different part of the country, you may run across reels which change in value according to their region. This would be true of lures as well.
If you have questions, feel free to contact me at ndbucha@yahoo.com.