3wt Posted August 23, 2011 Posted August 23, 2011 They were kind of just a gimmick. They fell out of style for a reason. And they weight a ton. And they require maintenance. And they serve no real purpose other than reeling up when you want to move to a new spot. Did I mention they weigh a ton? I don't think there is a modern rod out there that you could balance up to one. If it's tough to keep the line tight right after hook up, just strip a couple feet until you have the fish on a good tight line then once you're letting him start to fight get the slack up and get the fish on the reel. This should work until you get a fish that decided to swim right at your feet. Then you might have some slack line to deal with - but just strip some more manually, and get him back on the reel. Once you have the fish on the reel it shouldn't be a problem - just let the drag do it's thing.
Wayne SW/MO Posted August 23, 2011 Posted August 23, 2011 Automatics aren't nearly as popular today as were a long time ago. They weren't a bad reel for fish that don't run, but for trout you want something that you have more control. The Plueger Medalist 1495 or a Martin, both common on E bay for little money, have been around longer than anyone on here most likely. Today's release is tomorrows gift to another fisherman.
junkman Posted August 24, 2011 Author Posted August 24, 2011 Wayne, I think your right. I think I will try to pick up an American made Pflueger 1494. look to be fairly cheep on ebay. thanks guys for all your advice.
junkman Posted August 31, 2011 Author Posted August 31, 2011 Sorry guys but you will have to call me a heretic now for I took the plunge and bought a rod and reel. and you guessed it, a Shakespeare auto reel and a 8ft 4wt rod. But before you burn me at the stake, I will tell you that I bought it from the local rod and reel man including a new box of line for a whopping $17. Figured for that price I could at least use it for practice.
3wt Posted August 31, 2011 Posted August 31, 2011 I'm sure it will make a good boat anchor eventually.
junkman Posted August 31, 2011 Author Posted August 31, 2011 Anchor!! Why it is a classic. It's one of those that you eventually hang on the wall as the center of a collection. Just think of all the stories you can talk about as how them big ones got away LOL.
Wayne SW/MO Posted August 31, 2011 Posted August 31, 2011 You might like it. Don't listen to the "experts", to each his own. Today's release is tomorrows gift to another fisherman.
exiledguide Posted September 3, 2011 Posted September 3, 2011 Sorry guys but you will have to call me a heretic now for I took the plunge and bought a rod and reel. and you guessed it, a Shakespeare auto reel and a 8ft 4wt rod. But before you burn me at the stake, I will tell you that I bought it from the local rod and reel man including a new box of line for a whopping $17. Figured for that price I could at least use it for practice. Let me know how it works for you. I had one a long time ago heavy and too much maintaince left it in a trash can at a strip mine in Southern Illinois. Of course that was 30 to 35 years ago, maybe they are better made now?
hoglaw Posted September 8, 2011 Posted September 8, 2011 I don't own an automatic reel, but we used them fishing small streams in Creede Colorado. They were great for picking up line quickly and moving along. We never fought a fish on the reel up there anyway, at least not in the little bitty streams where being able to manage slack and move along was a nice asset. I wouldn't want one for my primary reel, but they have their place.
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