pop-n-bugg 0 Report post Posted October 6, 2024 I have a Martin 66 on the way. Got it, loaded with line that appears to be in great condition, with shipping and tax for a little over $30. i have a soft spot for the old Martin reels. I have an old Martin 63 that I have had since the late 80's. it has brought in a ton of fish. I am starting to fancy the old, vintage Martin and Pflueger reels over the new, modern reels. They just speak to me more and bring back a lot of memories from yesteryear. Hopefully it will arrive tomorrow as it is supposed to. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
vicrider 0 Report post Posted October 8, 2024 I hear ya' all the way man. I've had the Perfects and the Lightweights and the Sage and Orvis but I still think the fishability of the old Martins and Medalists are as good as any and they can be bought for the cost of replacing a screw on one of my Cascapedias (my favorite Hardy after having them all). I've even cleaned up and checked out a couple of old Martin automatics and a Garcia and a Perrine and may just give them another shot for bass fishing rods if I ever get out and use them again. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
pop-n-bugg 0 Report post Posted October 9, 2024 15 hours ago, vicrider said: I hear ya' all the way man. I've had the Perfects and the Lightweights and the Sage and Orvis but I still think the fishability of the old Martins and Medalists are as good as any and they can be bought for the cost of replacing a screw on one of my Cascapedias (my favorite Hardy after having them all). I've even cleaned up and checked out a couple of old Martin automatics and a Garcia and a Perrine and may just give them another shot for bass fishing rods if I ever get out and use them again. Last night I replaced the backing and line on the reel and gave it a good cleaning. I had a little surface rust on the foot. It is ready to go now, just have to find a new rod to put it on. I don't think there was anything wrong with the line that came on it but it was probably an 8wt, at least. Went back with a WF6F. I think it has a lot of years and a lot of fish left in it. Everything operates smooth and everything is tight. I checked all of the screws and such just to be sure. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
BobHRAH 0 Report post Posted October 11, 2024 How about a photo? Thanks, Bob H Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
pop-n-bugg 0 Report post Posted October 13, 2024 On 10/11/2024 at 3:41 PM, BobHRAH said: How about a photo? Thanks, Bob H Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
niveker 0 Report post Posted October 13, 2024 Nice reel. I like the blue collar classics, mainly Medalists and Gems, but I have one or two Martins that I have never lined. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
pop-n-bugg 0 Report post Posted October 13, 2024 7 hours ago, niveker said: Nice reel. I like the blue collar classics, mainly Medalists and Gems, but I have one or two Martins that I have never lined. Martins bring back a lot of memories from yesteryear. Fun times growing up and memories of fly fisherman that have passed on. I have 3 Martins (63, 66 and an auto), a Pflueger 1494, a Shakespeare, 2 White Rive and an Echo. The Martin 66 and Pflueger see more time than any others. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Gene L 0 Report post Posted October 14, 2024 My first fly reel was a Bronson. Along with a hardware store cane rod and a level floating line, I thought I was a hero. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
PhilErup 0 Report post Posted October 14, 2024 On 10/6/2024 at 2:31 PM, pop-n-bugg said: I have a Martin 66 on the way. Got it, loaded with ling that appears to be in great condition, with shipping and tax for a little over $30. i have a soft spot for the old Martin reels. I have an old Martin 63 that I have had since the late 80's. it has brought in a ton of fish. I am starting to fancy the old, vintage Martin and Pflueger reels over the new, modern reels. They just speak to me more and bring back a lot of memories from yesteryear. Hopefully it will arrive tomorrow as it is supposed to. I love the nostalgia of vintage gear. The Martin 66 sounds like a great addition to your collection, especially since you have such a history with the 63. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
pop-n-bugg 0 Report post Posted October 15, 2024 20 hours ago, PhilErup said: I love the nostalgia of vintage gear. The Martin 66 sounds like a great addition to your collection, especially since you have such a history with the 63. Absolutely. Vintage Martin reels are just so reliable and when these reels were new, they were a lot of bang for the buck and readily available just about anywhere that sold fishing supplies. Most fly fishers have used a Martin or Pflueger at one time or another. I love the build quality and simplistic nature of these vintage reels. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
niveker 0 Report post Posted October 15, 2024 15 minutes ago, pop-n-bugg said: I love the build quality and simplistic nature of these vintage reels. Exactly, the pre-'tactical' days of fly fishing. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
pop-n-bugg 0 Report post Posted October 15, 2024 Plus, I have seen some of these "CNC Machined Aluminum reels bend from a very minor fall. The old Martins and Pflueger's say, "Hold my beer". Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
