Someone gave me this reel. It's basically new in the box and looking at the paper work inside, it looks like it's from the early 80's.

I put some line on it and fished it. It retrieves smoothly and casts just fine.

Here's the problem. After casting, it can take anywhere from one revolution of the handle to a dozen or more before the pushbutton engage.

My questions are; Is it worth getting this reel fixed and if so, what rod should I buy to match?

More info. New to bass fishing and fish primarily from the bank and one day hope to buy a kayak to fish the small lake by the house.

It's old, dried up grease. I've serviced plenty of reels from this era. Definitely worth a trip to Mike at DVT if basically new.

Yes a little of the right attention should breathe new life into a reel like that. a Med Hvy / Fast rod that feels good to you is probably the most versatile for baitcasting for bass.

Definitely send it to Mike.  You won't think it is the same reel when it comes back. 

Thanks for the feedback!