Welcome to “Ask the Expert”

If you have any questions, please let us know!

148 Responses to “Welcome to “Ask the Expert””

  1. karl says:

    Glad you enjoy the blog.

  2. karl says:

    Hi Kenny, Thanks for the inquiry. The 1131 reel was the first that South Bend put out. The 1131A was the second, I suspect this reel was made some where in the 1920’s, which is not very old for a reel. I would value the reel at about $40.00 if it is in good to excellent condition.
    Sincerely, Karl

  3. Reg says:

    I have a Phillipson Powr Pakt fly rod. It has always been stored in it’s bag and aluminum tube appears to be in mint condition. It has two tips and measures 9′6″ in sections of three. Any idea of value/
    thank youvery much

  4. steven garner says:

    i have a south bend wood fishing lure it is red and white it is a top water lure with the box how much do u think it is worth

  5. Karl; I have a copy of “Fishing Tackle Antiques and Collectibles reference and evaluation of pre-1960 taclke”. It does not have a complete “lure index by name” is this a bad copy or was there another addition to be printed at a later date. I would like to have a complete index if it would be possible.

    Earl R. Crowder
    7643 Windom Road
    Shoals, In 47581
    812-709-1699

  6. Emory Cole says:

    I need help with this, please.

    I have an open face spinning reel that has a sticker on
    the side that says “FLIPREEL”

    I think it says that because, the reel has a lever on the
    frame that holds the body of the reel in position.
    If lever is opened the reel body will flip to allow use as
    a left or right handed cranking position.

    What is really unique is that no matter which way the handle is turned the line continues to come in.
    You can be cranking the handle in a CW direction
    and without stopping, start cranking in a CCW direction
    or swing the handle back and forth without making
    a complete circle and the spool continues to turn.

    Any ideas??

    Thanks,

    Emory Cole
    931-388-4521
    Columbia, TN

  7. Scott says:

    I have a vintage 1935 Pflueger Altapic salt water reel. Any idea of how much it’s worth and where best to sell it? I’ll send some pictures to the email listed above in one of your postings.

    Thanks

  8. Lady Chasen says:

    Ah Shoot I thought I had finally found what I was after, but the URL seems to be down. I wonder does anyone know where else I could get info on this.

  9. karl says:

    You are so right the URL was down. Anytime there is a blizzard with ice and snow we cannot
    get anything computer to work. Ask again. Thanks, K White

  10. karl says:

    Hi Scott: Thanks for the inquiry. This reel has a value of approximately $75.00. The best way to sell this reel is to list it on eBay under vintage or antique fishing. We have found eBay gets the maximum value at any one time for an item.

    Sorry for the delay in answering. Snow and Ice close us down.

    Sincerely, Karl T. White

  11. karl says:

    Hi Emory, Thanks so much for the inquiry. This reel is very unique, it probably worth around $50.00 to $60.00. I have this reel in my book priced as such. I have never been able to find out who made this reel. Actually, even though I have the reel I would be interested in it. Because of some of the way the parts are made I am figuring the reelwas made somewhere in the 1950’s to 1960’s. Let me know if you are interested in selling. would love to have it to compare with the one I have.

    Thanks, Karl White

  12. karl says:

    Hi again Emory, You can reach me at 405 277-3636 which is my phone dedicated to tackle inquiries, or at 16931 East Coffee Creek Road, Luther, Oklahoma 73054. eMail is ktwhite@swbell.net. Thanks again, Karl

  13. karl says:

    Hi Earl. Sorry to hear you have problems with one of my books. Can you tell me which publication this is? Can you tell me if it is soft back or hard back, blue or maroon? I have several issues, I do not know which one you have. If it is the soft back, solid blue hardback or maroon hardback I have sold out of these and would not be able to replace. If you are interested in my newest version, I have a 3 volume set, hardback, which comes with a beautiful slip case when you order all three books at one time. Quite a bargain at $69.95 per set with $10.00 shipping for a total of $79.95.
    Just let me know. You can send a check to 16931 East Coffee Creek Road, Luther, Oklahoma, 73054 or you can pay thru Paypal. Books are shipped out the day the check or receipt is received.

    Thanks for the inquiry, Karl T. White

  14. karl says:

    Glad you enjoy… Karl White

  15. karl says:

    Thanks for the kudo’s. I also have a monthly article in “Bassmaster Magazine” called “What’s it Worth”. If you enjoy you should check it out. Sincerely, Karl White

  16. karl says:

    There are many links to old tackle sites and old tackle collectors as well. Just check out Tackle collectors or NFLCC (National Fishig Lure Collectors Club). You will find many many links there. Enjoy, Karl White

  17. karl says:

    Steven, Not much telling what you have. Need lots more information. The eyes will tell the tale. One of the most common lures made by South Bend is the red and white Bass-O-Reno. These were made for many years and really sold well as they did catch fish. Through the years the eyes were changed, first no eyes, then glass eyes, then tack eyes, then decaled , etc. Would be more than happy to help you with this idendification if you could send more info.

    Sincere, Karl T. White

  18. karl says:

    Any idea of the value, you ask; a bunch! This is really a great rod! Very much sought after by the collector, especially in the condition you describe and with the tube, bag and tips. I would give this rod an estimate of $500.00 up. If you were to get this in an auction situation with a couple of rod collectors wanting it, the sky could be the limit. I will give an estimated value of $500.00 plus. Great find!!!

    Sincerely, Karl T. White

  19. mike says:

    Karl,

    I have two Pfluger reels , would like to know what they are worth.
    1st is a Pfluger Supreme in the box, w extra handle and pamphlets box says level wind anti back lash and has a # 1573 on it.
    2nd reel is a pfluger Trump reel , also wth extra handle # 1943 or possibly that could be the year the reel was made. Box says polished diamolite. did see a similar reel on ebay awhil ago that sold for $250. Thanks for any help you can give me!

  20. Bob Mitro says:

    I have a bamboo fly rod from The Thoroughbred Fly Rod Company of Denver, Colorado. The name “Thoroughbred” is on the rod near the handle. It’s a 8 1/2 foot rod with two tips in a cloth sleeve. I know it’s over 50 years old, but have no further information. In your opinion, what would the value of this rod be, and do you have any other information on this item?

  21. karl says:

    Hi Bob, This Colorado rod company exsisted in name only. Wright & McGill Rod Company used the name Old Faithful Rod Company as a marketing ploy. It was through this company they sold bamboo rods rather than their brand name rods. Aladdin Rod Company rods were equal to Wright & McGill rods, the Old Faithful Rod was a lesser quality. Some say these rods were actually seconds. These rods were fitted with lesser grade hardware and packaged in fiber tubes rather than the metal tubes. Local retailers in the Denver area were the most prolific marketers of these rods. There were several models in this line of which your Thoroughbred fits in this catagory.

    This rod would bring at minimum $200.00.

    Thanks for the inquiry, Karl White

  22. Spichael says:

    I acquired a Phillipson fiberglass fly rod from my father’s uncle. I have been looking around for the past couple years, trying to find information about this particular rod. I haven’t yet seen identical. It is a “Phillipson Deluxe” (the words elegantly painted/printed in black on the reddish-brown, cabon fiber-like rod) Just above the cork “P86″ is hand-painted on. Also, the name of my father’s uncle’s mentor is hand-painted on it. It has what i believe is considered the “hammer-handle”. The reel seat is black. It is 2 pieces. I assume the “86″ in the “P86″ means 8′6″. What about the P? I love this fly rod, as it’s action is super responsive (and I am addicted to collectibles and antiques at the young age of 21) but am looking to let is pass to somebody else because I need the money badly. It doesn’t have a tube or sock but is in good condition. If i wear to rate it on a scale of 10, I’d give it an 8. Do you know much about the value of these rods today? I appreciate any response! Take Care.

  23. ABrown says:

    Hi there,

    I have a vintage pflueger hook remover with the double arrow shaped end, one end smaller than the other. Any idea how long these were in production, and when the switch happened from using this type of hook remover to pliers etc?

    Thank you.

  24. Ryan H says:

    Hi Karl. I was wondering if you could help me out. I found a lure in my grandfather’s old fly box and I was hoping you could give me a ballpark estimate. The lure is called the Jitterbug by Fred Arbogast, made in Akron Ohio. It has three patent numbers. They are 2207425, 2261867, and 2429339. The lure is white with a red head, a large silver plate in front, and is about 2″ long. I’ve searched online and couldn’t find it, so you are my only hope! Thanks, Ryan

  25. I was given a rod & reel several years ago. On the side plate of the reel it says “WINCHESTER TRADEMARK MADE IN U.S.A 4356 patented OCT 12,1920 and MARCH 22, 1921. IT IS IN GOOD SHAPE AND WORKS. THE ROD SAYS PREMAX REG.U.S. PAT. OFF MADE IN NIAGARA FALLS U.S.A.

    Any information and approximate value would be greatly appreciated

    Thanks Much
    Gary Trinkner/WI

  26. Don R says:

    Hi Karl. My fishing partner has an old rod we are trying to determine the value of. Have been told it is not worth much at all. Rod is a two piece, Hedden, Golden ‘Mark 50′, # 7644-7, Controlled Flex Action. Any idea of the year model and value of this rod?

  27. Omar Crisp says:

    Karl,

    I have a COMPLETE collection of BassMaster magazines starting with the Spring 1968 issue and continuing through the most recent 2010 issue and believe me, that is a lot of magazines!!!!!!!!

    These are all original and not reproductions or reprints and they all are in very, very good condition.

    I have no idea of the worth but it is indeed a “one of a kind” collection, what would you think it’s worth?

    Thanks, Omar

  28. karl says:

    Hi Omar, I have the same collection since 1965 all are yearly bound. I received a donation receipt of $2,000.00 for my collection. An actual cash value would be less than this. They really aren’t old enough to be of great value with the exception of the first few years they were in print. But thanks for asking.

    Karl T. White

  29. karl says:

    Hi Don, Karl wants to know if the reel seat is on the bottom or in the middleof the handle.

    Thanks, B. White

  30. karl says:

    Hi Gary, Is this a fly reel and rod? Thanks Karl

  31. karl says:

    Hi Ryan, Given the history of the common Jitterbug, it was first produced in 1938 in wood with an aluminum bill. In 1942 they could not get the aluminum because of WW11 so they went to a plastic bill. Toward the end of the war they went to a plastic body and plastic bill, then after the war they went to plastic body with aluminum bill. This is continued through modern times or until they sold their company to Pradco.

    The only ones that have a value are the wooden; however, the fly rod series are rarer than the average. Value would be about $15.00. Thanks for asking.
    Karl T. White

  32. karl says:

    Allyson, It was probably in the the 1950’s to the 1960’s this hook remover was used. Prior to that they had a large wire with a flanged end. Fishermen probably went to use of pliers in the late 1960’s. A value would be about $10.00 for this item. Thanks for asking.

    Karl T. White

  33. walt hickerson says:

    Did Clark’s Water scout ever have an earlier producer?

  34. karl says:

    Hi Rev. Walt: Asked Karl this question, he said, “not to my knowledge”. Do you have more!

    Sincerely hooked on tackle, Karl White

  35. Scott says:

    i would like to know the age and value of my all metal black Zebco model 600 spinning reel?

  36. no not a fly reel and rod It is a level wind reel attached to a 4ft steel rod

    thanks

  37. Jamie says:

    Hi Karl, I was wondering if you could help me with some info? I have acquired a Phillipson P86 HDH 4.5oz fly rod. This rod is in fairly good shape, some wear on the cork and near the bottom of the blank the clear coat finish has bubbled and chipped slightly. I have the original cloth bag and aluminium carrying tube.
    Just wondering about the approx age and worth of this rod?

    Thanks for any info.

    Jamie

  38. karl says:

    Hi Jason, Is the punkin seed plastic or wood also what size. There were 3 to 4 sizes made depending upon the colors. Is the box a two piece cardboard box or a plastic slide top. Also the hardware is a question. Can you send me a picture? Will need more information.
    The fish gripper is a very nice piece to have in your collection, things like these add a lot of color and back ground. Unfortunately there is very minimal value. Karl White

  39. karl says:

    Hi Tim, If it isn’t too much trouble let me know what it brings. Having so much weather here in Luther, Oklahoma have had hard time getting on the ole net. Hopefully better. Karl White

  40. karl says:

    Hi Kris, The blog is a lot of fun except when the wind blows. Disturbs me when I can’t answers back when I know people are waiting. Oh well, the world knows about our Oklahoma weather. Karl White

  41. Jason says:

    /Users/artist/Desktop/Heddon Punkin Seed.jpg

  42. karl says:

    Hi Scott, This more than likely was made by Pennell. The VOL is probably a supply house. I would have to see a picture in order to age it. I will guess at $40.00 to $50.00. I will have to do more research to find out more. If you want to send a picture send to buzzylou@swbell.net Thanks, Karl

  43. karl says:

    Hi Chase, This is probably a 1950’s reel. The value will be $30.00 to $40.00. The Lionel Train company got into the reel business by buying the Bache=Brown company of France, during world war two. Enjoy. Karl

  44. karl says:

    Hi Jason, The fish gripper is only worth about $10.00 to $15.00 at most. But this type of item makes beautiful back ground for displays. The Punkin Seed in bluegill color has a value of $50.00 to $60.00. If the Punkin Seed has a little flap on the belly it would be the first version and would be worth $75.00 to $100.00.

    Karl

  45. karl says:

    Thanks Kris, Lots of fun. Try to keep up between trips. Karl

  46. karl says:

    Hi Tim, Would really be intersted in knowing what this brings. Thanks for writing. Karl

  47. karl says:

    Hi Jamie, This rod is fiberglass, was built in 1952. It sold for $29.95 new. It is worth somewhere in excess of $100.00 at the present time. PHillipson made the blanks for Orvis which were the higher priced rods when new..

    Karl

  48. Aaron G. says:

    Hi. I have an old ice fishing combo that seems to be at least 100 years old. It is wooden with iron strips on it. The wooden sections are about half an inch thick.It is 20 inches long folded up. By loosening a screw, you can unfold it. It has a simple reel on it with cloth line. There is a label that says “George Groschke, 226 Glengary Rd, Schdy. 7, N.Y.” Can you tell me anything about the maker and its age/value? Any help is appreciated.

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