New Member from California, USA

[Foakes]

Thanks for approving my application to become a member.

My name is Fred, and my wife and I live in the Sierra Nevada Mountains of California at 4500’.

Have been retired for 7 years.

For 45 years, I have been a fishing reel mechanic as a sideline.

Worked on every type of reel that came across the bench — however, my passion has always been quality spinning reels from the 50’s through the early 80’s.

Particularly D.A.M. Quick.

About 18 months ago, I decided to just specialize in DAM Quick, Penn, ABU/Zebco Cardinals, and Mitchell spinning reels.

This was an easy decision — because of buying out nearly every old tackle/repair shop that closed up in the last 30 years. Have possibly the largest inventory of DQ parts that I know of anywhere in the world. Around 400,000 parts.

Numbered and organized.

Same with Penn, Mitchell, and Cardinals to a lesser extent. Possibly 500,000 parts in the two shops.

Also always have on hand a few hundred DAM Quick reels, maybe 100 Penns, 400-500 Mitchell’s, and 50 or 60 Cardinals.

Specialize in service, repair, and restoration of these spinning reels from the “Golden Age” of spinners when quality materials, craftsmanship, and toughness of equipment were foremost.

I have used a few cane poles/rods — but to be honest, my favorite rods are vintage glass rods such as Fenwick, Wright McGill, Conolon, and others.

I am also a Moderator on the Alan Tani Reel Repair site. We are possibly the largest non-profit fishing tackle repair site in the world. We accept no advertisement, are free of pop-ups — and generally get 2M+ unique hits a month.

One purpose in joining the Traditional Fisherman forum — is to possibly be of help in answering questions and providing 40+ years of experience with quality vintage spinning reels.

However, my main purpose would be to learn some new things and ideas.

I will try to see how to post a few photos of the shops — and will also try to do a donation online this morning to help offset costs associated with running a website of your magnitude.

All the Best,

Fred

[Liphook]

Welcome aboard Fred ! I've spent many an hour on ATs excellent site and I'm sure you'll be a very welcome addition to the huge knowledge pool that is TFF

[OldRod]

Welcome Fred. That's quite a CV (resume) you have there, and I hope you find the forum interesting.
I am sure your knowledge will be put to use here.

[Mark]

Welcome to the forum Fred.

[Foakes]

Thanks for the warm welcome, Gentlemen!

Best, Fred

[Wanderer]

Hello and welcome Fred.
That's a very impressive inventory.

[Cat]

Excellent! Welcome.

[Dave Burr]

Welcome to the forum, I know there are advocates of the D.A.M. reels on the site that will be intrigued by your collection.

[Wallys-Cast]

Welcome aboard Fred. What a superbly organized collection.

Wal.

[Wally Roy]

Welcome Fred, love your collection and workshop.