Learning More about Collecting Antique Fishing Reels

I hope that this website conveys some of the fascination I find with old fishing reels. If you are interested in learning more, first take a look at some of the books listed in the bibliography. But bear in mind that talking with other collectors, whether locally or at swap meets, is the best way to acquire maximum knowledge in a minimum amount of time. Listed below are the major tackle-collector clubs in the U.S. And check out the links to other collectors and sportfishing museums at the bottom of this page.

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Old Reel Collectors Association (ORCA): A rapidly growing club, ORCA has about 1000 members world-wide. Members receive six issues annually of "Reel News," the club magazine, a membership list that includes each member's collecting interests, information on the club's official reel grading system, and more. The club holds annual conventions in various locations. Annual dues are $35 (U.S.), $40 (Canada), or $50 (other), and multi-year memberships are available.
National Fishing Lure Collectors Club (NFLCC)
Florida Antique Tackle Collectors, Inc. (FATC)
Dutch Angling Collectors' Association (DACA)/Vereniging Hengelsport Verzamelaars (V.H.V.)
Canadian Antique Fishing Tackle Association (CAFTA)
Carolina Antique Tackle Collectors (CATC)