✅ SOLVED Does anybody know anything about old fishing reels?

[creskol]

I ventured out for a stroll along a creek and spotted this lying on a sand bar. So, in the ice waters, I waded out to grab it.
This has a very heavy cast body and all that I could find on it is "Great Lakes" followed by 3 stars and the numeral 1.
Below that it says Lexington, Michigan USA.

Anybody know how old it might be? I can't seem to find a match on a Google Search.

 

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[dozer dan]

I also did a search and came up empty. From memory I’d date it post 1970’s And a budget reel.

 

[creskol]

I also did a search and came up empty. From memory I’d date it post 1970’s And a budget reel.

Thanks for trying, I'm not sure a budget reel would have a heavy cast body, but then I know nothing about fishing reels.

 

[DizzyDigger]

Didn't find that exact reel, but did find a site with some good information about Bronson Great Lakes fishing reels. You may find a lead there that will help you get an ID on it.

https://www.fishingtalks.com/i-have-a-great-lakes-fishing-reel-model-c-60-with-the-lake-and-trees-desig...-39871.html

 

[eyemustdigtreasure]

Didn't find that exact reel, but did find a site with some good information about Bronson Great Lakes fishing reels. You may find a lead there that will help you get an ID on it.

https://www.fishingtalks.com/i-have-a-great-lakes-fishing-reel-model-c-60-with-the-lake-and-trees-desig...-39871.html

Spinning reel
They ALWAYS get snarled up…! 😁
Lexington Kentucky..?
Try that for your Google search

 

[Charlie P. (NY)]

Not your spin-cast model, but an ad from Great Lakes of Lexington.

 

[crashbandicoot]

I ventured out for a stroll along a creek and spotted this lying on a sand bar. So, in the ice waters, I waded out to grab it.
This has a very heavy cast body and all that I could find on it is "Great Lakes" followed by 3 stars and the numeral 1.
Below that it says Lexington, Michigan USA.

Anybody know how old it might be? I can't seem to find a match on a Google Search.View attachment 2005863

Great Lakes Imperial Whirlaway reel. Budget reels often have a thick body to prevent the pig metal from breaking. it was once red with a chrome bezel.

 

[Plug N Play]

Got a little nibble, but my stringer's empty.

 

[crashbandicoot]

Got a little nibble, but my stringer's empty.

That one was titled Great Lakes Imperial Whirlaway,seems to be a match for Creskols. I don,t know if that,s the correct name or not.

 

[creskol]

Got a little nibble, but my stringer's empty.

NICE .. Thanks! Can you please tell me the source for that photo?

 

[crashbandicoot]

NICE .. Thanks! Can you please tell me the source for that photo?

Mine came back for a yahoo search for the named reel.Source was picclick.com.

 

[Plug N Play]

Yeah, creskol ... let's see. This ...

... redirected me to this ...

Great Lakes Whirlaway 75 Fishing Reel Rod

GREAT LAKES WHIRLAWAY 75 Fishing Reel Rod - FOR SALE! 265515573059

picclick.com

... at which point I admitted I'm not very good at fishing.
It may be somewhere in all that mess ?

 

[Back-of-the-boat]

Is it saveable or is it all trashed inside. It reminds me of Zebco reels I have had, but it was probably what Zebco designed the 101 and 404 off of. It looks like an early 50's or 60's fishing reel.

 

[creskol]

I had sent the info off to an antique reel collector and here is his reply:

“The Great Lakes Model 1 spincast reel was manufactured in the 1950’s for stores like Montgomery Wards, Sears & Roebuck, and J.C. Penny. You don't often see them branded with just Great Lakes. That is unique. Paul”

 

[smokeythecat]

I had a similar one from the 60's or 70's. Loved it.