Hey everyone, I found an old Shakespeare Criterion reel in my basement today that belonged to my grandfather. According to the manufacturer, it was made in 1937. I have done a bit of research on baitcasting, and how the reels operate and such, but my reel seems to be quite a bit different than those that people are instructing with on youtube and such. here is a picture for reference: ( I attached it)

So anyways, my question is this: How do I release the spool right when I am about to cast? all the videos I have watched show the instructor actually pushing a button to release the spool, and there is no such evidence that there is a button at all on my reel. Also, I have read that there are adjustments to be made with the brakes, and I can't find how to adjust them on this model. Thanks for any information!

James

BTW, it is a Shakespeare Criterion model# 1960.

I know absolutely nothing about the reel and am probably talking out of my arse, but I would say that the reel has no clutch release.  Constant free spool.

dayum.

thats a nice reel.

probably doesnt have brakes though... just a spool tensioner.

wait till tmrw and im  sure reelmechanic will tell you all about it.

If you want info on this reel, then contact the people that service them...

Get all the info you need from the guys on this page...

http://www.shakespeare-fishing.com/antiques/info.shtml

thanks for the replies guys

Thats a nice looking reel! My dad has a similar looking old baitacsting reel made by Pflueger.

That reel is controled by your thumb.....no release button. I learned on reels just like that one, about fifty years ago.

Falcon