I just got a good deal (free is a very good price!) on an old Garcia fiberglass bait cast rod, with a pistol grip . I am guessing it is a relic from the seventies, but in reasonably good shape. But when I go to fit my current reels (mostly Pfleuger's), the low reel profile does not allow them to mount on the reel seat. The forward portion of the reel is too low to clear the large "locking block"  which retains the reel foot to  the reel seat.

Does anyone have experience with this issue? I am wondering if I might need a "round reel" to actually fit this older rod?

More than likely it was built for the old spincast reels.

 

A round reel should work.  I have one of those with an Abu 5000D on it.  

4 hours ago, Bankc said:

A round reel should work.  I have one of those with an Abu 5000D on it.  

 

That should work.  I believe the old style with the shorter reel seat should fit.  It took me a minute to find it but......

 

There is one of these on Ebay.

 

Now you need a free round reel.

Tom

2 hours ago, FishTank said:

 

That should work.  I believe the old style with the shorter reel seat should fit.  It took me a minute to find it but......

 

There is one of these on Ebay.

 

Fish Tank, yes that appears to be the type of rod I have. They used a large "block" to clamp the reel foot to the reel seat, I am not sure why. a slender piece of steel would have worked just as well.

 

Tom, yes it seems I never reach the point where I don't need more gear. My sister gave me the rod, as she had gotten it from a friend. I am guessing getting one for free is a very remote chance.

Can anyone recommend a "round reel" of decent quality that is a reasonable price? Preferably Garcia. I might consider E-bay, but it is always hit or miss on whether you are getting a good deal, or a piece of junk.

But I am determined to learn bait casting.

And thanks for the info, gents!

the trick is finding one without 40 years of old grease inside.  

Or, buy an old one and completely rebuild it - not difficult on these reels - plan on buying a pinion gear, and you can get parts Many places - e-replacement parts, Dad's Ole Tackle, Mike's (Canada).  

If you want an heirloom quality reel that's raced out and ready to fish, might look through inventory at Don Iovino

http://www.iovino.com/index.php/reels.html?dir=asc&order=price

Might also search some of the parts suppliers for rebuilt reels ready to fish.  

Put a WTB ad in the BR Classifieds?  

Very cost effective - a new round Ambassadeur, Millionaire, or Lew's.  

(not as classy as an old one)

The Gods are smiling this week! While digging through a box of extra gear, I found an old Ambassadeur Mag ll that I had long since forgotten about. And it fits the new rod! It is not a "round reel", but it is not a modern teardrop nacelle either. I have no idea how to categorize it. I have no idea on the inherent quality of this reel, but the rod itself is definitely second rate, so it seems a good match. I don't know what size line it is designed for either. I am guessing both the rod and reel are circa late 70's, so it appeals to my enjoyment of fishing with archaic junk!

of course we want to see photos of both...

 

here, random rod and reel porn