The Traditional Fisherman's Forum

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I've had this Higgins 500 reel and it's user manual for a year or so.The manual describes its automatic feature whereby a backwards turn of the handle opens the bail arm.Mine didn't,thinking perhaps there was an auto version and a standard version.Also I thought it odd that it didn't have an antireverse.Furthermore,the internal spool clicker was broken.So,I found another one in the US being sold as spares/repair and snapped it up mainly for its spool clicker.Opening it up I was mortified to find it also had a broken spool clicker.Possibly a design fault.Then I discovered something else.While fiddling with the 'new' spares reel,I turned the spool backwards and hey presto,the bail arm opened !!! My reel had obviously been taken apart before because I found a large washer in the wrong place thus preventing its auto bail function.It now operates as per the manual.Here's the funny bit.As I said,the spares reel was purchased from the US solely for the spool clicker......which was broken.Cost of reel £25.....Shipping....£20.My business acumen is brought into sharp relief and that's why I haven't got a Bugatti Veyron.........yet.....Russ(ShyTangler) TTFN.

At least you got your original reel to work…..

Not heard of one of those before. Is it made in the US?

Wow! Russ, what a cool looking reel!! You have some very nice reels in your (now somewhat smaller) collection.

Coral Maestro wrote: ↑Mon Dec 18, 2023 4:27 pm Not heard of one of those before. Is it made in the US?

Hi and yes,made in the US circa mid 1960's.

Rockape wrote: ↑Mon Dec 18, 2023 6:23 pm Wow! Russ, what a cool looking reel!! You have some very nice reels in your (now somewhat smaller) collection.

Yes my reel collection is 99% gone but I still have 7 Mepps and 25 Centaure reels.I'll definitely keep the Higgins 500 too.With its auto bail and nylon gears,a lovely little machine.