I’m normally not the type to post any emotional story but I couldn’t help but share. The reel on the right is an early 2000s Shimano bantam that belonged to my father. After he passed a number of years back I’ve been using it religiously and it still casts as good or better than any of the other 10-12 setups I have currently.
Recently, I decided to buy the newest model bantam to add another setup and it finally arrived today. After opening it I had to sit down for a few minutes, shed a few tears, and appreciate what this old reel has meant to me over the years
This reel is a few years younger than I am but has been in the boat with me for my entire fishing lifespan over the last 25 years. I thought it was kind of cool that this reel has caught many of fish in my dad’s hands and has done the same for me for quite some time now. It’s an absolute workhorse that is still in great shape and I don’t plan on retiring any time soon.
Now that I have the new model and a couple of kids of my own, I realize this new reel could be the same for one of my children someday.
Just had to sit back and appreciate the moment. Tight lines, everyone.
Posted by TaintDozer
2 Comments
Your dad had excellent taste in reels.
Those old B series Bantam Curados were some of the best reels ever made. I know they are larger than some newer reels but mine still work better than anything being made today. You’ll probably be able to pass both down to your kids.