This page contains a list of books related to fishing reels and their history and usage. Many books are specifically oriented to collectors. The book list is maintained by the board of ORCA and will be periodically revised. Some are no longer in print but available on the used marketplace.
| Book Title | Author(s) | Brief Description |
|---|---|---|
| The Famous Reels of William H. Talbot (2022) | Anderson, Randall A. | Sole source reference for the history and reels developed and made by William Talbot. |
| A History of Baitcasting in America (2017) | Babler, Emmett | A broad history of baitcasting along with the fascinating story behind the facts. The book documents the historical milieu from c1618-2017 that made American freshwater angling a possibility. |
| Frankfort’s Kentucky Reels; Jewels of the Bluegrass (2017) | Barr, Betty & Kleier, Don | History of the Frankfort Kentucky Reel Makers, including the Meeks, Milam, Sage and Gayle |
| Crafting and Casting: The Famed Frankfort, Kentucky Reel (2022) | Barr, Betty & Kleier, Don | This book shares the stories of the six men who made these exquisite hand-crafted reels, how they made them, and what tools they used. |
| Langley Field Tested Tackle (2014) | Barracco, Allen and Sorrells, Colby. | Detailed history of Langley Corporation fishing tackle from 1938 through 1962. Includes reels, rods, lures and misc tackle. |
| Arthur Kovalovsky and sons: a 120-year history of Design and excellence (2024) | Bechtold, John | Incredible documentation of the Kovalovsky family, with details of the reels designed and developed by Arthur and his two sons, Oscar and Lewis |
| Reels and Making Them (2011) | Betts, John | Hand-illustrated book describing the development and production of reels made by John Betts |
| The Celebrated Reels of Edward vom Hofe. Brightwaters, N.Y.: Fishing Stuff, (2007). | Bingham, Ted. | A definitive history of the reels made by one of the most important and most innovative makers in the U.S. |
| South Bend – Their Artificial Baits and Reels, (1985) | Bourdon, Jim. | South Bend catalog information about reels from 1912 to 1952 is compressed into thirteen pages of charts and footnotes. Years of sale of particular models are listed as well. The charts do not cover uncataloged reels nor all the variations that went uncataloged. It is an excellent recource for the years a model was offered. It covers fly, automatic, and saltwater reels as well as baitcast. |
| A Treasury of Reels. Manchester, Vt.: American Museum of Fly Fishing, (1990). | Brown, Jim. | A catalog of the museum’s reel collection, the book contains an excellent, extensive history of the fly reel. |
| Fishing Reel Patents of the United States 1838-1940 (1985) | Brown, Jim | 1st Edition in 1985. List of US Patents related to fishing reels. |
| Ocean City Fishing Reels 1922-1957 (2021) | Cacioppo, Michael. | Detailed treatise of the Ocean City Reel Company and their reels. |
| The Chronological History of Penn Reels, 1932-1957 (Blue); (2014). | Cacioppo, Michael. | The history of Penn year by year, from its founding in 1932 through its 25th anniversary year of 1957. Founded by Otto Henze in the teeth of the great depression, Henze revolutionized the field of saltwater angling, making the sport affordable for the working man by creating brilliantly simple and rugged fishing reels that would stand up to generations of use. |
| The Penn Reel Collector’s Companion and Price Guide, 1932-1957 (Green); (2014). | Cacioppo, Michael. | The Price Guide includes individual listing of every model Penn offered year-by-year from 1932 through 1957, with prices included for every known reel. Considered by many to be “The Blue Book” for Penn reel collectors — this book brings together a veritable treasure of Penn reel information that did not fit the parameters of the first book. |
| A Documentary History of Penn Reels, 1932-1957 (Yellow); (2017). | Cacioppo, Michael. | Contains rare documents and photographs pertaining to Penn history during its first 25 years. It is divided into three sections: Section One, which covers original documents and letters to and from Penn and photos from Penn’s first ledger book; Section Two, which contains a complete set of Penn catalogs from this period; and Section Three, a photographic essay of Penn during this era. |
| Collectible Fishing Reels, (2003) | Caiati, Carl. | Huge pictures of some rare reels are found in the 159 pages of this work. There is a guide with 2003 prices included as well. |
| The Collector’s Guide to Antique Fishing Tackle, (2011) | Calabi, Silvio. | An overview of antique fishing tackle and the types of artifacts. |
| Classic and Antique Fly-Fishing Tackle. New York: Nick Lyons Books, (1997). | Campbell, A. J. | You don’t have to flip many pages in this 344 page book to find information on fly reels. They’re all there covered throughout. |
| Colorado Reels and Old Fishing Tackle, (1994) | Carbaugh, Gary; Spurr, Dick, | This includes unusual sidecasters as well as some spinning reels. |
| The Mitchell Classic 300 Spinning Reel (2010) | Carney, Wallace | Wonderful pictorial and detailed history of the evolution of arguably the most used spinning reel ever made |
| The Fishing Reels of Julius Vom Hofe 1882-1939 (2017) | Champion, D and Larson, T | Soul source reference for the history and extensive repertoire of reels made by this remarkable reel maker |
| Northwest Fishing Reels: Collectors Guide to Reels from the Great Northwest (2017) | Christianson, Russell and Harwood, Tom | Useful description of the reels and reel makers of the Pacific Northwest |
| Hardy Brothers: the Masters, the Men and Their Reels (1998) | Drewett, John. | Detailed history of the Hardy Brothers Company and the men and reels that made it great |
| A conversation with Oscar Kovalovsky. (2012) | Douglas, Robert and Lauve, Larry. | Based on taped interviews with Oscar Kovalovsky, describing his reels and their development |
| Made in Hollywood; The Reels of Arthur Kovalovsky (1985) | Edmisten, R. and Beguhl, P | First detailed descriptions of the reels designed and produced by Arthur Kovalovsky |
| The History of the Tuna Club 1898-1998 (1998) | Farrior, Michael | History of the Men and Tackle of the famous Avalon Tuna Club |
| Collectors Guide to Zebco Reels | Garland, Johnny | Guide is USA made reels rated on rarity from 1-10. It has about 1500 pictures and well over 400 different reels listed. Great book for identifying reels. |
| D is for Dingley: The Master Reelmaker (2011) | Garner, Patrick and Taylor, Brian | Sole source for details of history and reels of this remarkable Reel maker |
| Automatic Fly Reels since 1880 (Les Moulinets Mouche Automatiques Dupuis 1880) (2015) | Grillot, Pascal R. | In French and English. Possibly the most complete compendium of Automatic Fly reels and their makes |
| Bogdan (2006) | Hilyard, Graydon | Wonderful book detailing the life and Fly Reels of Stanley Bogdan |
| A Brief History of Bait Casting, Bass Fishing and the Kentucky Reel (2021) | Hinkebein, William. Lander, Art | Part one contains 53 pages of Bass fishing and Bait Casting in Early KY. Part Two contains 51 pages about the KY Reels and their Makers. |
| Collector’s Guide to Old Fishing Reels, (1991) | Homel, Dan. | Useful reference. |
| Sporting Collectibles. Wayne, N.J.: Stoeger Publ. Co., (1997). | Irwin, R. Stephen, M.D. | Includes a large section on fishing tackle and ephemera. |
| Antique Fly Reels, (1996) | Jellison, Harold and Jells, Howard. | Useful reference of early fly reels. |
| Antique and Collectible Fishing Reels, (1998) | Jellison, Harold and Homel, Daniel. | Useful reference. |
| U.S. Fishing Rod Patents and Other Tackle, (1990) | Kelly, Mary Kefover, | An overview of early U.S. fishing rod patents and reels also. |
| B.F. Meek in Louisville, 1882-1916, two volumes. (2019) | Larson, Todd E.A. | Documentary source book on Benjamin F. Meek and his fishing reel company from its beginning in 1882 to when the company was sold in 1916. Offered in two volumes, but also in a single hardback that combined the two volumes. Volume two contains reproductions of all the available catalogs offered. |
| Lawson’s Price Guide to Old Fishing Reels, (2001) | Lawson, George. | Early compilation of reels values prior to 2001…Over 11,000 reels are listed with prices and particular features. |
| Lawson’s Price Guide to Fishing Reels, 4th Edition (2017) | Lawson, George. And Elder, John | Most recent listing of sales for over 13,000 reels, including fly reels |
| Identification and Value Guide/Old Fishing Lures and Tackle. Krause Publications a subsidiary of F+W Publishing, 8th Edition, (2010). | Lewis, Russell E., Luckey, Carl F. | A pictorial of fishing lures and tackle with descriptions, including some reels made by U.S. makers. |
| Modern Fishing Lures, series of 5 volumes (2002-2007) | Lewis, Russell E. | covers hundreds of reels and reel history, published by Collector Books. |
| Skeletons: Guide to Raised Pillar Fly Reels. (2007) | Lodge, Richard | A detailed treatise on the popular skeleton type fly reels and the companies that produced them. |
| South Bend Fishing Reels, (2002) | Madden, Jim. | This book covers cataloged and uncatalogued reels and variations of models. Front plate, rear plate, and foot markings are documented in charts. It includes a 2002 price guide. |
| The Fishing Reels of South Bend (2015) | Madden, Jim | Best of SB Bits from ORCA Reel News. |
| The South Bend ABL Casting Reels 1905-1934 (2017) | Madden, Jim Sawisch, Len | Soft cover and hard cover. |
| Salt Water Fishing Tackle (1939;’48, ’55) | Major, Harlan | One of the earliest detailed discussion of the reels, rods and tackle for Big game Fishing. |
| Fin-nor, the Legacy Years (2007) | Matthews, Bruce and Pritchard, Ed | Story of the Development of Fin-Nor Big Game reels |
| Pflueger Pfacts (2005) | Miller, Robert | Compendium of Reel News articles on Pflueger reels through 2005. |
| The History of Pflueger Summit and Akron Reels, (2009) | Miller, Robert. | Details of the evolution of two of the most popular Pflueger reels. |
| The History of the Pflueger Supreme, (2006) | Miller, Robert. | Description of the evolution of possibly the most popular reel Pfuleger made. |
| Les Moulinets Mitchell, (1999) | Medts, Luc de, | Very comprehensive study of Mitchell reel – written in French. |
| De Kresz a Moriceau ou L’enigme des “3 cercles”. From Kresz to Moriceau or The enigma of the “3 circles”. (2024) | Mougin, Jean-Pierre | Written in French – Essay on French reels and fishing equipment of the 19th century |
| Those Old Fishing Reels, (1982) | Munger, Albert. | Useful reference |
| Fishing and Collecting Old Reels & Tackle & History with Albert J. Munger (1980) | Munger, Albert. | Useful reference |
| Angling and Casting: A Manual for Self and Class Instruction (1977) | Netherton, Cliff | Great instruction from a master caster. |
| History of the Sport of Casting (1981) | Netherton, Cliff | The history of tournament sport casting, the, people who did it, companies who made equipment. 388 pages including index. |
| History of the Sport of Casting: Golden Years (1985) | Netherton, Cliff | The “Golden Years” of tournament casting fifty years beginning in the early 1900s. Tackle for both fly and plug casting was available and plug casting gained popularity. Dry fly casting and bass bugging also became popular methods. More than 330 illustrations including tackle ads, drawings and photographs of casters, writers, inventors, manufacturers and items of fishing tackle. |
| History of the Sport of Casting, Volume 3: The N.A.A.C.C. Years (2015) | Netherton, Cliff | Tournament casting detaild during the N.A.A.C.C. years (1939-1960). It was a time when the leading casters of the 20th century were at their peak. Dozens of rare photos, articles, and complete records from the national casting tournaments. |
| The Tycoon Tackle Story (2011) | O’Brien, Timothy P. | History of the Gilded Age of big game fishing rods and reels of the Tycoon Tackle Company |
| Cleaning, Restoring and Repairing Antique Fishing Reels (various, 2024 latest 4th Ed) | ORCA – Old Reel Collectors Association | The most complete reference book of tips and tricks for cleaning, repairing and restoring vintage fishing reels. |
| Tournament Fly & Bait-Casting, (1946) | Osten, Earl. | Useful reference |
| Fly Reels of the Past. (1987). | Orrelle, John. | Another fine history of the fly reel. |
| Our Fishing Heritage: Tackle & Equipment. Minnetonka, Minn.: North American Fishing Club, (1999). | Pfeiffer, C. Boyd. | Useful reference |
| Otto Zwarg – The man and His Custom Made Reels (2011) | Pinardi, Norm | History of the Big Game reels developed and sold by Zwarg |
| Heddon Legacy, (2002) | Roberts, Bill and Pavey, Rob. | Detailed description of the reels and lures developed by Heddon |
| Mitchell Collector’s Reference Guide, (2000) | Roberts, Dennis | A go-to reference for Mitchell reel development |
| The Pflueger Heritage Lures and Reels, (2007) | Ruby, Wayne. | Probably the most complete reference book for the lures and reels made by Pflueger |
| The History of A.F. Meisselbach Fishing Reels and A.F Meisselbach-Pliny Catucci Fishing Reels (2021) | Schulz, Roger with White, Phil | A history of A.F. Meisselbach and A.F. Meisselbach-Pliny Catucci fishing reels. This book is an update of Phil White’s previous books on Meisselbach fishing reels with additional new information. This book has the complete history of August Meisselbach and Pliny Catucci and the many reels they invented and manufactured. |
| The Ambassadeur and I, Collectors Study (2000) | Shimomura, Simon | Useful reference, soft cover |
| The Ambassadeur and I, Final Chapter (2002) | Shimomura, Simon | Soft cover |
| The Ambassadeur and I, Final Chapter Collectors Edition (2010) | Shimomura, Simon | Hard cover |
| Small Ambassadeurs: The Legendary Light-Line Fishing Reels (2015) | Sjaastad, Espen. Svensson, Karl-Eric | Comprehensive history and taxonomy of the Ambassadeur 2500C family of reels beginning in 1975. Also covers the 1500C and related small models. Covers modifications and custom tournament reels. |
| Vintage Fishing Reels of Sweden, (2002) | Skupien, Dan. | All about Swedish reels and their development |
| Spinning Reels & Tackle, (1949) | Thommen, George. | Useful Reference fo the spinning reel collector |
| Fishing Tackle/A Collector’s Guide. London: Ward Lock Ltd., (1989, 1991). | Turner, Graham. | The definitive book on British tackle and manufacturers, with an emphasis on reels. |
| Fishing Tackle/The Ultimate Collectors Guide. London (2009) | Turner, Graham. | Graham Turner has completely rewritten his work published in 1989 and expanded on the history of fishing tackle across two centuries. With over 700 pages and more than 1500 illustrations |
| Antique Fishing Reels. Harrisburg, Pa.: Stackpole Books, (1985). | Vernon, Steven K. | Evolution of various reel features through descriptions of U. S. reel patents to 1920. Useful for identifying and dating older reels. |
| Antique Fishing Reels 2nd Edition, Havertown, Pa.: Stue Publishing (2018). | Vernon, Steven K. | The revised edition of his 1985 classic with more than twice as many U.S. reel patents as the first edition. |
| Fishing Reel Makers of Kentucky. Plano, Tex.: Thomas B. Reel Co., (1992). | Vernon, Steven K., and Stewart, Frank M., III. | A history of the Kentucky reel industry from 1810 to 1940. The hand-made Kentucky casting reels are considered among the finest ever built and represent the “cream” of the collector’s “crop.” They owe much of their original popularity to Henshall. |
| Al Foss: The Life and Fishing Lures of the Pork Rind King (2018) | Virden, Kevin | Details not only lures but the excellent baitcasting reels deverloped by Foss |
| Fishing Reels Collecting For All Volume I (1993; reprint 2001) | Waller, Phil | First of two volumes detailing UK reels and reel makers |
| Fishing Reels: Blue Ribbon Edition, Volume II, Collecting For All, (2002) | Waller, Phil. | Excellent second volume of details of UK and Australian Reels and Reelmakers |
| Fishing Tackle Antiques and Collectables. Luther, Okla.: Volumes 1-3 (1990). | White, Karl T. | Primarily about lures, Volume 2 has a section on reels to assist collectors to identify and evaluate reels dated up to 1970. |
| Meisselbach and Meisselbach-Catucci Fishing Reels. Grand Junction, Colo.: Centennial Publications, (1995). | White, Phil. | A definitive history of the Meisselbach companies and their reels. Although the subject may sound a little specialized, virtually all collectors will encounter some of the reels from these prolific companies sooner or later. The book is thorough, carefully researched, and well-written. |
| More Meisselbach & Meisselbach-Catucci Fishing Reels (2006, 2013, 2020) | White, Phil | Binder |
| Winchester Fishing Tackle, A Collectors Guide, (1997) | White, Phil, | Winchester is covered in full. |
| Shimano Bantams, The First 15 Years (2009, 2018) | White, Phil, | The history and documentation for the Shimano Bantam family of reels first introduced in the U.S. in 1978. |
| Tournament Casting Tackle: A History and Collector’s Guide to Tournament Casting Reels, Rods, Weights, Flies, Lines, Oils, Medals and Ephemera. (2024) | Wickham, Matt | Details the casting tackle used in the American and International sport of tournament casting. over 900 photos and descriptions of tournament casting tackle artifacts. It surveys all manufacturers and makers and tells the story through the archaeology of the sport. |
| The Wright Price Guide for the Reel Man – 2nd Ed (1999) | Wright, Ben | Updated from 1st Ed. The spinning-reel collector’s “Bible,” with manufacturers’ histories and a value guide. |
| The Wright Price Guide for the Reel Man. LeRoy, N. Y.: Third Edition, (2002). | Wright, Ben | Updated from 2nd Ed. The spinning-reel collector’s “Bible,” with manufacturers’ histories and a value guide. |
| Price Guide for the Reel Man- vol 1. (2006) | Wright, Ben. | The spinning-reel collector’s “Bible,” with manufacturers’ histories and a value guide. |
| Fly Fishing Treasures (2018) | Woit, Steve | A well written elaborate series of interviews with major tackle collectors, with exquisite photographs of their tackle collections |
| Bait Casting Reel: History and Mechanism. (Japanese Edition) 2024 | Yoshihiro Takenaka | The history and mechanism of bait casting reels for lure fishing. PART 1 traces bait casting evolution into their current form, focusing on the main models made by two domestic companies up until the 1990s. PART 2 explains the mechanism of bait-casting reels up to the present day. |