Anyone have any old rod and reel combos from way back when that is all ratty and beat up, but works so well that they refuse to give it up?

I've got an Abu Garcia Ambassadeur Pro Plus with a great story that I had laying around for at least a year. I seriously doubted its working capacity and alway had it in storage. This year I really got to looking at it and discovered it might be good to try throwing crankbaits with it (5.1:1 gear ratio). This thing is occasionally noisy when you cast it...but I've never thrown a crankbait further...allowing me to cover more water and enjoyi ng the crankbait aspect of fishing a whole lot more. This reel is ugly, has a chunk of plastic taken out of it, I never really gave it a fair shake, but I'm glad I did this year...This thing is an absolute sleeper and ill be heart broken when it fails to perform anymore. Its vintage, so I'm betting ill be able to find the same model replacement pretty cheap(hoping).

Some of my Avids had duct tape holding the reel to the seat, or super glue holding the wraps down. I finally sent them in for repair.  Some are 12 years old.

Well, as far as I'm concerned "old junk" belongs on the wall or in a display cabinet in your man cave,

not on your boat.

But my "old junk" still works, lol.

I understand, but the title is "Ratty Old Outdated Equipment You Refuse To Update".

Last year I inherited all of my dad's gear. Some is on display in my cave and I gave

two lots to a couple of friends who I assisted in creating driftwood displays for their 

offices. None of us will actually fish anything. Everything is featured "as is" and it

really turned out to be impressive!

 

Here is a list of some of the stuff: The first Abadabbadoo Ambassador, Zebco 33,

Flooger Level Wind, Johnson Spinning Reels, Original (50 year old) Floating Rapala,

Lucky 13, Jitterbugs, Lazy Ike, Bombers, Devil's Horse, Creme Purple Worms, Mann's

12" Worms, and a number of "fishing poles".

There's a difference between starting off with old "found" gear, and continuing to use gear that, while ratty, is still as functional as the day you bout it.  Just maybe not as pretty.

But my "old junk" still works, lol.

That's what she says to me too.... sorry I couldn't resist putting my head in the gutter....too!

 

I have a Shimano V Rod that is 10 years old, the lock down for the reel is loose and I've been mulling over if I should send it to Shimano to get a replacement Crucial or if I should just get someone to update the handle and reel seat.  I like that rod, but due to the no exposed blank on the handle like the newer rods I have and the defect, it's out of my lineup.  I still love the rod though and I feel even though it is 10 years old (blank) the overall quality of this rod can compete with my other newer rods. 

I have a big enough problem with the current rigs I've got that are in decent to excellent shape.  They all yell at me, "PUT ME IN, COACH, PUT ME IN!!!"  You pick one up and use it and then all the other rods in the boat sulk for a while and shut up.  The  older, outdated equipment doesn't make the traveling team, or else it would yell at me also.  Who needs that?

I have a big enough problem with the current rigs I've got that are in decent to excellent shape.  They all yell at me, "PUT ME IN, COACH, PUT ME IN!!!"  You pick one up and use it and then all the other rods in the boat sulk for a while and shut up.  The  older, outdated equipment doesn't make the traveling team, or else it would yell at me also.  Who needs that?

First thing that crosses my mind.  I think you need to seek help, if you truly hear them talking to you. 

I submit only this for consideration. And I joke not, this guy catches more fish in public waters than anyone I know, I've seen it with my own eyes.

 

http://www.in-fisherman.com/2012/01/24/midwest-finesse-tackle-rods-reels-and-line/

It isn't age, it's whether I like it or not, I prefer to give something away rather than throw it out.  Only 2 items I don't care for, a B/Pro tourney 2 piece spinning 7' med rod, it's in near perfect condition.  A Shimano tallus blue water rod 7' 25 lb rod used once, with a 7000 reel in real good shape (don't need the reel, have 3 others the same size).  Both rods have been dust collectors for several years, just waiting to find an appreciative home for them. 

I have a big enough problem with the current rigs I've got that are in decent to excellent shape.  They all yell at me, "PUT ME IN, COACH, PUT ME IN!!!"  You pick one up and use it and then all the other rods in the boat sulk for a while and shut up.  The  older, outdated equipment doesn't make the traveling team, or else it would yell at me also.  Who needs that?

Ned Kehde is an excellent author and fisherman like only a true multispecies angler can be.  Interesting choices he makes for rod/reel/line. Thanks for sharing that SissySticks.

 

I for one am perfectly happy with using my old Ambassadeurs and find everything made right now to be over rated.  And theres alot of savvy in using old lures that no one has been throwing for a coons age.

Just had a couple rods repaired (new eye's on the tips) that I have had for 10 to 15 years, have caught literally 1000s of fish on them, I have better for the same tactics, but to many memories to lay em down, altho I only use them in the rivers anymore, they still produce. Like Francho said, they still do the job and do it well, look a little rough, but still give the results I bought them for so I'll keep em around.

I have several old rods and reels that I won´t give away and still use but by no means they are ratty and beat up, I take really good care of my gear because not only do I like taking care of if but also because for me neglecting my gear means it will malfunction preciselly whenI need it to perform flawlessly and I hate malfunctioning gear.

I still have my first low profile baitcaster, a Shimano Chronarch A. It's seen better days cosmetically but still performs great. I've moved it from rod to rod over the years but it's always done whatever job I asked it to. I've thought about supertuning it but I never do, it's still bone stock. I don't fish it much anymore but it does get taken out for a spin from time to time. I don't see myself ever getting rid of it.

 

It has boat rash and scratches all over, I didn't do a great job showing that in the pic but trust me it's there.

I have an old gatorback paired up with a late 80's Shimano Bantam

Some of my Avids had duct tape holding the reel to the seat, or super glue holding the wraps down. I finally sent them in for repair.  Some are 12 years old.

My Avid jerkbait rod has one guide that I rewrapped and epoxied and as of yesterday a new tip. It doesn't look pretty but it still puts tons of fish in the boat for me. 

Most of my gear is at least 5 years old. I find the older stuff still works. I find alot of old rods at yard and estate sales or consignment shops. In fact my best rod was bought at a consignment shop and dates prior to 1990. It is a pistol grip Browning SilaFlex I bought for less than $10.