After all the logging roads they've bounced down, all the woods they've been walked through, and the thousands of bass they've landed, I finally have a couple Shimano reels that are wheezing and creaking after 40 years.

Shimano should warn buyers: "Buyer beware! These reels won't last forever."

Just try and add up the total feet of line that reel has reeled in, with or without a fish.

It’s mind boggling. Hahaha.

Are ya going to get some new reels?

Are they making anything these days that will last 40 years? I'd try to get them serviced but that's me.

4 hours ago, GRiver said:

Are ya going to get some new reels?

I have a pal who's offered to take a crack at them. He might buy an old reel or two for parts. This won't happen until winter. I only have eight spinning reels and don't want to give up two in the thick of the season, even if they're creaky.

Given how prolific of an angler that you are, the amount of fish those reels have brought in boggles my mind. Shimano Corp. should be giving you a sponsorship 😂

Check your pm.

4 minutes ago, bp_fowler said:

Shimano Corp. should be giving you a sponsorship

I wish, but it would come with catches and not the good catches like this:

No, I'd have to compose social media copy on a regular basis, all of it touting how well Shimano reels perform. Now, they do perform well, but I'd rather use them than jabber about them.

Nice fish and a nice looking area.

I too have 30+ year old Shimano reels that sounded creaky but I know how to fix them. They can be as good as new except for the outsides. Most of the parts are available except for pinion gears for the old Bantams.