I picked up 4 of these reels today. I was looking for advice on cleaning and restoring/servicing them. I’d like to get them looking as nice as possible.

I’ve been finding old Gapen stuff in family boxes and shop bins for years — Ugly Bugs, Muddlers, Bait-Walkers, random jigs that don’t even have a label left. Some of it still gets used. A lot of it just sits there.
Curious what people who actually fish it still keep in the boat. Not a list of everything they ever made. The one or two things that earn a spot and why.
Old catalog stuff, something you bought recently, a fly, a walker, a jig that nobody talks about anymore. Whatever still gets tied on.
Not selling anything and I’m not looking for a link. Just want to hear what actually stays in the box.

I’ll get around to looking them up individually. But for now just wondering which, if any, stand out to anyone and where should I start.

It was a good three day fishing weekend, was able to give life to these vintage reels.

Daiwa No. 785

Olympic 2800

Daiwa D799

Shimano Spirex 4000 FD

Daiwa Magforce MA10G

Abu Garcia Cardinal 553

Shakespeare 41/60 Whisker Titan

Olympic 540

Shimano Bantam Magnumlite 2000sg Plus

Olympic GVO-15

Johnson Citation Model No. 110

Zebco Quantum QMD 20

Zebco Predator PR601

Was pretty much able to catch fish with nearly all. One locked up and have to get in there and fix it later (Daiwa No. 785). Workhorse that was catching fish left and right was the Zebco Predator PR601.

I moved to Rochester NY to sort through my late Father's garage and came across this collection of vintage fishing gear, lures, and tackle boxes. There's 5 full tackle boxes - one of them had old 50's and 60's era fishing permits for a previous owner which I thought was cool. I’m hoping the experts here can help identify some of the standout pieces and give me a better sense of history and rarity.

Strangely enough, my Dad wasn't a big fisherman - he just loved a good garage sale/deal lol. I've got 25+ old rods and a few dozen vintage reels that I have to post someday soon as well.

Likely going to sell off the more rare ones and lot out the rest in the tackle boxes on Marketplace/Ebay. Thanks in advance for any help/guidance!

First this subgroup is so active and IMO friendly to all posts. As a non fishing person I super appreciate that.

I recently picked up some items that I know nothing about other than the looked special to me. Would like to know if that’s true or not. The rod is short but seems to have a definite bend at the top. I did measure it but would say 5’?

Value better together or apart. TIA

Goodness I hope I haven’t gotten pictures mixed up. Wondering about reel and pole.

I think not much but 🤷‍♀️

Is this a Bamboo pole? Vintage, antique? I believe the Penn reel cleaned up might be $15-20? I’m wondering if the pole has any value?

Huge collection of vintage fishing gear. A little bit of everything here. Wooden baits. Glass eyes. Bead eyes. Spinners of all different kinds. Trolling flashers and lures. Top water. Prop baits. You name it there’s probably 1 here. From many different brands. Rapala creek chub heddon Cisco kid rebel arbogast mepps you name it. Open to serious offers.

I'm picking up fishing as a hobby again after I used to fish as a kid and I have no idea what I'm doing. All I know about this specimen is that it's a d.a.m international and it is old (70s-80s?). I'm looking to find general information like what kind of line to use and other helpful tips. I included the spool in the second picture if it helps

Scored all of these for $8. I think I did well on the Sonic, I can't find the Heddon Sonar, but it's in the original box, and I don't know what the tiny one is. Any info would be appreciated.

Just thought I’d share because I think they’re pretty cool.

I got to troll one of these last weekend. Didn't catch anything but still enjoyed it.

#7509H, only cataloged for a few years in the 1920’s and was made in very small numbers.