Guide to Buying Vintage Fly Fishing Reels on eBay
Whether you want to collect antique fly fishing reels or use a vintage reel the next time you fish a stream, you can find all kinds of vintage fly fishing reels for sale on eBay. Here are some of the main factors to consider when buying a vintage fly fishing reel.
Types of vintage fly fishing reelsBefore buying your next vintage fly reel, consider what type of reel you prefer. You can search eBay by using the following categories when looking for good deals on antique fly reels:
- Fishing type: Do you want a vintage fly reel for salmon, trout, or saltwater fishing?
- Reel type: Are you looking for a single-action click reel or a disc drag wheel?
- Specific brand names: Shop brands like Abu Garcia, Berkley, Eagle Claw, Langley, Meisselbach, Pflüger, Ross Reels, Shakespeare, and more.
If you are a collector looking for old fly reels to add to your collection, cosmetics may be your main priority. Mint condition antique fly reels will have no signs of use and may be certified by an appraiser. You may find near mint or very good condition reels with some minor scuffs and nicks on the spool or the frame. Check the item's description for specifics on its condition.
How to select working vintage fly reels for fishingIf you are a fly fisherman who wants to use a vintage reel in your next outing, there are some signs that suggest how the reel will perform in action.
- Age of model: If an antique or vintage fly reel is particularly old, make sure there are parts available for repairs should the reel stop working.
- Signs of damage: If a reel shows heavy signs of wear, it may be a sign that it won't function as well as you need it to. Check the spool rims to see if the reel might've been dropped.
- Single-action click reel versus disc drag reel: Antique reels tend to be single-action click reels, but there are also disc drag reels, which are comparatively low-maintenance. This makes disc drag reels a safer choice when selecting a vintage reel for use in the field.
There are plenty of replacement parts for antique fly reels for sale on eBay and accessories like bags and carrying cases to complete your vintage collection. You can find drag springs, reel line guides, and replacement parts to fix all types of vintage reels.