Old Fin Nor Reel

[krisis7]

I have been given this old reel. It is a Tycoon /Fin Nor Golden Regal 20 made in Miami. It is mounted on a old Lott Bros. Rod from West Palm Beach with a Aluminum Aftco Butt and a cork grip/ Rod has all roller guides from aftco as well. What can any of you tell me about this reel, and what kind of value does it have.

[Saltybrad]

I'd say irreplacable.

[GALAZIO]

Kris

Being a big Fin Nor fan myself (and using Ahab 30 W's on many trips along with their OS series spinners), let me ask if you plan on using this reel offshore or use it as decoration? If you are planning on fishing with it, it most likely needs to be "gone through" internally. You won't find too many people that have the experience or patience to work on Fin Nors. I do have a guy in North Carolina that can help you if you are wanting to use the reel. PM me if this is your goal and I'll forward his info.

Also, here's a nice book to add to the collection if you're a Fin-natic...

http://www.finnorfishing.com/pgs/order_book.html

[krisis7]

I cleaned it up a bit, here are more photos.

[GALAZIO]

Looks 100 times better! Did you get intouch with Dave?

[Deep C]

I had two full sets of them and the 12's both. One is in mothballs. One I used for years but they were touchy and needed a lot of maintainence. Finally I got to the point of getting rid of all my working fin- nor stuff. That model in rougher shape than you show went on ebay for about $250 a throw... I regret now letting them go but with over 130 working rods and reels in my collection there was just no room...

[wauwinet]

I had two full sets of them and the 12's both. One is in mothballs. One I used for years but they were touchy and needed a lot of maintainence. Finally I got to the point of getting rid of all my working fin- nor stuff. That model in rougher shape than you show went on ebay for about $250 a throw... I regret now letting them go but with over 130 working rods and reels in my collection there was just no room...

How many of the 130 do you use during a year of chartering? Tackle collecting is a bit of a disease and I've found I have way more tackle than I need. I only have about 25% of your collection, but I find I use the same 10 over and over again.

Is the 130 rods and reels made up of mostly offshore stuff or do you have a bunch of freshwater as well? Do you have an extra garage for it or (Like me) does your car live in the driveway and the tackle lives in the garage?

[certifiedfunds]

I have been given this old reel. It is a Tycoon /Fin Nor Golden Regal 20 made in Miami. It is mounted on a old Lott Bros. Rod from West Palm Beach with a Aluminum Aftco Butt and a cork grip/ Rod has all roller guides from aftco as well. What can any of you tell me about this reel, and what kind of value does it have.

Do you want to sell it?

[Shortfin]

Tom Green is a great resource for these type of questions

http://www.antiquereels.com/

[FESS]

IMHO...the reel is more trouble than it's worth if fishing with it at all...the rod on the other hand looks like a keeper. Not to knock the reel....in it's day it was a cheaper version of their 2 1/2/0 I think....the drag lever is funky and hangs up a lot and seems to get stuck in the free spool position. When dialed in right it can have a very smooth drag though. More of a collectors item than a fishable tool. Reel is a little top heavy and more difficult for stand-up without a fixed gimble or lockable gimble set-up.(imo)

Tommy Greene is a good idea for sure!!

I particularly like the rod...it looks like it has some serious backbone for 30lb tackle. Make sure the wraps on the guides and not loose or checking...a re-epoxy job may be in order. Are any of the chromed brass reel seat connections split or broken? I don't think they make 'em like that anymore...now-a-days they are all aluminum I think.

In it's day it was a less expensive (reel anyway) but top of the line alternative. uessing from 1960's or 70's.
Very nice and a classic of sorts for sure.