Here is a Johnson "Crappie Pro," for those who are unfamiliar with them. I first learned of these (and their cousin, The Country Mile) when I saw them in a book on pan fishing. The name itself intrigued me, along with the description...
"Reels like the Johnson Country Mile and Crappie Pro really are hybrids that combine the looks and features of closed-face spin casting reels with open face spinning reels."
I got this one off ebay today, in great condition for $18.50, shipped to my door:
@ David and Dwayne, since you guys are so fond of the country mile, im replacing one of my old stand by metal gear 33s with a country mile i dug up to give it a try. putting it on a b n m sharpshooter....we'll see.
good choice, but unlike most I love old 33's. I like spincast reels on crappie long poles. Because all you really need is something to hold line. once I find depth of fish, I want line to stay there. Seems that if I bump the reel, I dont lose dept like I would with spinning reel
@ Dwayne - I like the Zebco 33, too - I have one I just cleaned up and put back to working. For a heavier duty reel, or an all around model, I think it's fine. While I reckon everyone ought to have (or have tried) a 202, if I had to pick only one Zebco, it probably would BE the 33.
It is for lighter rigs/lighter lines that I go with the older, "big-mouth" Johnsons. They are handier for a light weight rig and the open spool cap seems to cast a little better. Since I fish light or ultralight for bluegill when casting, I gravitate to them.
I. Heavier action (catfish/bass) - Medium action rod and Zebco 33.
II. Light action (bluegill/crappie) - Light, fast action rod and Johnson Country Mile/Crappie Pro.
I have two Bass Pro Shop Uncle Bucks Crappie stix rods .They are 5 ' light action rods and they pair ok with the Johnson Crappie Pro 230 and Johnson Country Mile reels.
Maybe you're right Dwayne .I think I have 2 other SC poles. A Zebco and something else.I'll post it when I find it . Now, does anyone know what model this Shakespeare is Reel is? Another $2 Garage sale special .It had no model# on it.
Just found out ,production of the Push Button spinning reel began with the Shakespeare Company in 1953 the year I was born. The Shakespeare 'Wondercast 'reel. Any one have one of these?My next question is when did the Johnson Company come out with the
The earliest known depiction of a fishing reel comes from a Southern Song (1127–1279) painting done in 1195 by Ma Yuan (c. 1160–1225) called "Angler on a Wintry Lake," showing a man sitting on a small sampan boat while casting out his fishing line.
As far as I can recall, ZEBCO was first in 1949. This is excerpted from Wikipedia -
"The first commercial spin cast reels were introduced by the Denison-Johnson Reel Company and the Zero Hour Bomb Company (ZEBCO) in 1949."
Shakespeare did introduce their 'Wonder' series of reels - 1953 is right for them. The early Shakespeare's were nicely refined. Castings, machined parts, fine spring works... all of these are found in these old Shakespeare reels.
The Johnson reel company of today did not start out as such. The original Johnson reel was designed by an engineer, Lloyd Johnson, who happened to love fishing. He teamed with another man, Warren Denison to refine the design and form the Denison-Johnson Reel Co. of Mankato MN.
Their first reel, the Sidewinder model 20, was designed in the early 1950's and patented in 1953. After many improvements and working up through the model numbers, the legendary Model 100 "Century" came out in 1955. Their marketing plan back in the 50's was pretty interesting. They would provide tackle shops with "loaner" outfits - both rod AND reel. These were then given to fishermen to "test drive." When they brought them back, the shop would sell them a brand new one at the "special introductory price."
In the late 60's, billionaire Samuel C. Johnson Jr., who owned the Johnson Wax company purchased both Johnson reels and Minn-Kota motors. He incorporated these into a wide ranging outdoor products division, Johnson Worldwide Associates. Some of their brands? Beetle Spin lures, Minn-Kota trolling motors, Johnson and Mitchell reels, Camp Trails tents and backpacks, and Old Town canoes and kayaks, among others.
In 2000, Johnson Fishing products became part of the Pure Fishing family of companies. Today their products are made offshore (polite way of saying China). They're good - but nothing beats the workmanship of the early models. Which is why I love them, still.
Nice Keeper Largemouth and Striper, both caught on the old Zebco Rhino light tackle....Lots of fun listening to the drag sing and wrestling these fish to the net....
Another decent microcast in my arsenal....made by Shakespeare and I fish this one with four pound test.....smallest line I ever use with all my "river monsters" lurking....LOL
My only comparison can be on the Zebco microcast series and with no questions the Zebco 11 Gold has fished better than the standard...example for me is the line pick up.....the standard required me to place tension on the line to start pick-up but not on the gold series yet.....I'm hoping the durability will be there....
I hate to admit this, (and don't let my fishing buddies know) but I actually have a few spincasters that I enjoy using! I know they are dorkey, but they are fun to use and perform pretty good!
I never really got the dorky thing. Here we have a device that does all its predecessors did, while handily improving at least one aspect of both....and we think it "dorky!"
The ability we men have to welcome the complex over sublime function never fails to baffle me.
Thought yall might like to see some of my old stuff, Shakespear Wonderflyte ,Model 1795 , about 47 years old, Johnson Century ,39 years old , never been on a rod, Meadowbrook baitcaster, Ocean City #81,and a unknown baitcaster, and a True Temper square metal rod. Look how far we have come in last 50 to 75 years. LOFR
Thanks for sharing your photo LOFR! You even know the ages!
I have a few of those old level winds and one that has no worm gear level wind .Any one know why these reels were designed without a level wind?I think you got one there on the top left LOFR
The shakespear reel , I recieved at Christmas when I was 9 years old, the Johnson was a graduation gift, the rest I have inherited over the years, the reel without the line leveler was probally made before someone thought of line levelers. I really thought yall would like the square metal fishing rod, it would be a good lighting rod on the water LOFR
Center-pin, spooled (non level wind) reels were made for a long time, John. They were known as far back as the 1700's. They were "direct drive," initially, the handle being attached directly to the spool's center shaft. They and the fly reel share a common background.
Then in the early 1800's, the multiplier reel (geared) came on the scene and soon became the standard. However, there was a "fly in the ointment," as it were. Fishing reels back then were made by jewelers and watch makers, and were essentially hand crafted artisan items. Most regular people wouldn't have been able to afford them.
(Odd to think of that, isnt it? We take for granted the inexpensive, functional fishing gear we find on store shelves today.)
As all of this suggests, the level-wind, multiplier reel came somewhat later. They were known by the mid 1800's; that is no surprise. But as far as I know it wasn't until the late 1800's that they appeared in what we think of as "production" numbers. It was the changes brought on by the Industrial Revolution that finally made them widely available. Only then was the technology available to produce their complex gears, bearings and components.
None of this should be taken to mean that basic, non-level winders totally disappeared. They remained on the scene for the less-affluent angler and were surely the stuff for kids. They are still made today, in fact, albeit in plastic for the most part.
In know what you mean, John. They are both fun and excellent, at the same time. I came upon them later in life, but now have several of that style Johnson reel.
In addition to the, "Country Mile," there was a sort of "gussied up" model, the "Crappie Pro," which featured an anodized aluminum nose cone. Its nice and my favorite among them.
There was also a model called the "Country 6/Model 6," a low end version of the same breed.
Finally, I'm aware of a "Century 2000" model, which was built on the same frame/mechanics, but which featured an adjustable line aperture. That one was pretty innovative.
I have all of these, and use them from time to time. They probably possess one of the best drag setups of any value priced spin cast reel.
It is a shame, to me, that they disappeared. In my humble opinion, they surpass the reels of today in the same price niche.
CORRECTION : The Country Mile 6 reel is mounted on a BPS Uncle Bucks CRAPPIE STIK rod .David- I have a Johnson Crappie Pro 230 Reel mounted on another BPS/Uncle Bucks rod I intend to start using again .On that setup I have a tandem tube Jig with spinner blades tied ahead of the jigs I want to use .
David ,what rods are these reels mounted on ? The 'Crappie Stik' is short and whippy and casts aren't long so I use them in the boat. My Zebco Slab Seeker 8' is the rod I use from shore .
I've had them mounted on South Bend 6', light action rods for the most part. These are not high-end sticks; pretty sure they came from K-mart.
My dad had several of them and when I inherited all his stuff, I used them as test beds. I never did test them to see if they would truly cast a "country mile," though.
My current state is almost all spinning oriented. I've removed all the Johnson reels to the shelf and the only spincasts I have mounted are my Daiwa trigger spins:
- A 40-X U/L, on a 7' Wright-McGill spin fly rod.
- A US80-XD (I just got this one and haven't showed pics of it yet.)
It is mounted to one of the K-mart rods.
So, currently, I have NO Johnson reels in the water. I did fish part of last season and probably 80% of the season before with them, though. It was sure enough to teach me they are(were) superb, value priced reels..
Johnson Crappie Pro 230 reel, BPS Uncle Bucks 5' whip of a rod. Tried out this Crappie Tandem spinner/tube jig rig from shore the other night but couldn't reach the feeding rise I suspect where Crappie (maybe White Perch).I put more line on the reel and it casts about 50 ' now. Anxious to try it out in the boat. I have a rubber float stop before the top spinner and the bottom spinner is tied into the line .When the tubes wear out I'll use twister tails.
David, aka, "McScruff"
Here is a Johnson "Crappie Pro," for those who are unfamiliar with them. I first learned of these (and their cousin, The Country Mile) when I saw them in a book on pan fishing. The name itself intrigued me, along with the description...
"Reels like the Johnson Country Mile and Crappie Pro really are hybrids that combine the looks and features of closed-face spin casting reels with open face spinning reels."
I got this one off ebay today, in great condition for $18.50, shipped to my door:
Jan 2, 2012
Dwayne Denison
David, looks like the one I have, good buy.Do you happen to remember the name of the book?
Jan 2, 2012
Tomas Daniel
@ David and Dwayne, since you guys are so fond of the country mile, im replacing one of my old stand by metal gear 33s with a country mile i dug up to give it a try. putting it on a b n m sharpshooter....we'll see.
Jan 2, 2012
Dwayne Denison
good choice, but unlike most I love old 33's. I like spincast reels on crappie long poles. Because all you really need is something to hold line. once I find depth of fish, I want line to stay there. Seems that if I bump the reel, I dont lose dept like I would with spinning reel
Jan 2, 2012
David, aka, "McScruff"
@ Dwayne - The book is, "Panfishing, Complete Anglers Library, North American Fishing Club." Copyright, 1991
ISBN 0-914697-37-4
I got it used, from www.alibris.com
Just go there and search the ISBN number.
Jan 2, 2012
David, aka, "McScruff"
@ Tomas - please report back on how it works!
Jan 2, 2012
David, aka, "McScruff"
@ Dwayne - I like the Zebco 33, too - I have one I just cleaned up and put back to working. For a heavier duty reel, or an all around model, I think it's fine. While I reckon everyone ought to have (or have tried) a 202, if I had to pick only one Zebco, it probably would BE the 33.
It is for lighter rigs/lighter lines that I go with the older, "big-mouth" Johnsons. They are handier for a light weight rig and the open spool cap seems to cast a little better. Since I fish light or ultralight for bluegill when casting, I gravitate to them.
I. Heavier action (catfish/bass) - Medium action rod and Zebco 33.
II. Light action (bluegill/crappie) - Light, fast action rod and Johnson Country Mile/Crappie Pro.
Jan 2, 2012
John Sheehan
I have two Bass Pro Shop Uncle Bucks Crappie stix rods .They are 5 ' light action rods and they pair ok with the Johnson Crappie Pro 230 and Johnson Country Mile reels.
Jan 3, 2012
Dwayne Denison
John, I have one of those rods too. They seem more like a med action to me, one heck of a backbone
Jan 3, 2012
John Sheehan
Maybe you're right Dwayne .I think I have 2 other SC poles. A Zebco and something else.I'll post it when I find it . Now, does anyone know what model this Shakespeare is Reel is? Another $2 Garage sale special .It had no model# on it.
Jan 3, 2012
John Sheehan
http://orcaonline.org/aboutorca.htm
Jan 3, 2012
Dwayne Denison
John, They are listed as ul, they are just beefy rods.
Jan 3, 2012
John Sheehan
Just found out ,production of the Push Button spinning reel began with the Shakespeare Company in 1953 the year I was born. The Shakespeare 'Wondercast 'reel. Any one have one of these?My next question is when did the Johnson Company come out with the
ir first model?
Jan 7, 2012
John Sheehan
The earliest known depiction of a fishing reel comes from a Southern Song (1127–1279) painting done in 1195 by Ma Yuan (c. 1160–1225) called "Angler on a Wintry Lake," showing a man sitting on a small sampan boat while casting out his fishing line.
Jan 7, 2012
David, aka, "McScruff"
As far as I can recall, ZEBCO was first in 1949. This is excerpted from Wikipedia -
"The first commercial spin cast reels were introduced by the Denison-Johnson Reel Company and the Zero Hour Bomb Company (ZEBCO) in 1949."
Shakespeare did introduce their 'Wonder' series of reels - 1953 is right for them. The early Shakespeare's were nicely refined. Castings, machined parts, fine spring works... all of these are found in these old Shakespeare reels.
The Johnson reel company of today did not start out as such. The original Johnson reel was designed by an engineer, Lloyd Johnson, who happened to love fishing. He teamed with another man, Warren Denison to refine the design and form the Denison-Johnson Reel Co. of Mankato MN.
Their first reel, the Sidewinder model 20, was designed in the early 1950's and patented in 1953. After many improvements and working up through the model numbers, the legendary Model 100 "Century" came out in 1955. Their marketing plan back in the 50's was pretty interesting. They would provide tackle shops with "loaner" outfits - both rod AND reel. These were then given to fishermen to "test drive." When they brought them back, the shop would sell them a brand new one at the "special introductory price."
In the late 60's, billionaire Samuel C. Johnson Jr., who owned the Johnson Wax company purchased both Johnson reels and Minn-Kota motors. He incorporated these into a wide ranging outdoor products division, Johnson Worldwide Associates. Some of their brands? Beetle Spin lures, Minn-Kota trolling motors, Johnson and Mitchell reels, Camp Trails tents and backpacks, and Old Town canoes and kayaks, among others.
In 2000, Johnson Fishing products became part of the Pure Fishing family of companies. Today their products are made offshore (polite way of saying China). They're good - but nothing beats the workmanship of the early models. Which is why I love them, still.
Jan 7, 2012
Jeffrey D. Abney
Nice Keeper Largemouth and Striper, both caught on the old Zebco Rhino light tackle....Lots of fun listening to the drag sing and wrestling these fish to the net....
Jan 7, 2012
John Sheehan
David -Thanks for your post .I guess Zebco WAS the maker of SC reels ahead of Shakespeare.
Jan 8, 2012
Jeffrey D. Abney
Zebco Rhino...a nice medium action reel and I've caught many bluegill on these reels......
Jan 8, 2012
Jeffrey D. Abney
My favorite Microcast is the Zebco 11 Gold....I fish these often with six pound test......some of the newest spincasting reels in my arsenal......
Jan 8, 2012
Jeffrey D. Abney
Another decent microcast in my arsenal....made by Shakespeare and I fish this one with four pound test.....smallest line I ever use with all my "river monsters" lurking....LOL
Jan 8, 2012
Dwayne Denison
Jeff, is there any difference in the gold and platinum, compared to standard? I know they have more bearing, but do they work bettter?
Jan 8, 2012
Jeffrey D. Abney
My only comparison can be on the Zebco microcast series and with no questions the Zebco 11 Gold has fished better than the standard...example for me is the line pick up.....the standard required me to place tension on the line to start pick-up but not on the gold series yet.....I'm hoping the durability will be there....
Jan 8, 2012
Dwayne Denison
Some of my spincasters. The black 202, I have had since I was a kid
Jan 11, 2012
David, aka, "McScruff"
@ Dwayne - that's the way I remember them - black plastic.
Jan 11, 2012
John Sheehan
Cool rod racks!
Jan 12, 2012
Jeff Soto
I hate to admit this, (and don't let my fishing buddies know) but I actually have a few spincasters that I enjoy using! I know they are dorkey, but they are fun to use and perform pretty good!
Jan 12, 2012
David, aka, "McScruff"
The ability we men have to welcome the complex over sublime function never fails to baffle me.
Jan 13, 2012
Dwayne Denison
David, so true
Jeff, welcome aboard
John, thanks, problem is I have 3 that size and have to make another.
Jan 13, 2012
John Sheehan
Good problem to have Dwayne!
Jan 13, 2012
Dwayne Denison
John, Wish my Wife thought the same way!
Jan 13, 2012
Lord of the Fly , Rods
Thought yall might like to see some of my old stuff, Shakespear Wonderflyte ,Model 1795 , about 47 years old, Johnson Century ,39 years old , never been on a rod, Meadowbrook baitcaster, Ocean City #81,and a unknown baitcaster, and a True Temper square metal rod. Look how far we have come in last 50 to 75 years. LOFR
Jan 14, 2012
Jeffrey D. Abney
Nice looking vintage gear LOFR....thanks for sharing the photo...
Jan 14, 2012
David, aka, "McScruff"
Classic stuff - got me a few of those m'self. Thanks!
Jan 14, 2012
John Sheehan
Thanks for sharing your photo LOFR! You even know the ages!
I have a few of those old level winds and one that has no worm gear level wind .Any one know why these reels were designed without a level wind?I think you got one there on the top left LOFR
Jan 14, 2012
Lord of the Fly , Rods
The shakespear reel , I recieved at Christmas when I was 9 years old, the Johnson was a graduation gift, the rest I have inherited over the years, the reel without the line leveler was probally made before someone thought of line levelers. I really thought yall would like the square metal fishing rod, it would be a good lighting rod on the water LOFR
Jan 16, 2012
David, aka, "McScruff"
Center-pin, spooled (non level wind) reels were made for a long time, John. They were known as far back as the 1700's. They were "direct drive," initially, the handle being attached directly to the spool's center shaft. They and the fly reel share a common background.
Then in the early 1800's, the multiplier reel (geared) came on the scene and soon became the standard. However, there was a "fly in the ointment," as it were. Fishing reels back then were made by jewelers and watch makers, and were essentially hand crafted artisan items. Most regular people wouldn't have been able to afford them.
(Odd to think of that, isnt it? We take for granted the inexpensive, functional fishing gear we find on store shelves today.)
As all of this suggests, the level-wind, multiplier reel came somewhat later. They were known by the mid 1800's; that is no surprise. But as far as I know it wasn't until the late 1800's that they appeared in what we think of as "production" numbers. It was the changes brought on by the Industrial Revolution that finally made them widely available. Only then was the technology available to produce their complex gears, bearings and components.
None of this should be taken to mean that basic, non-level winders totally disappeared. They remained on the scene for the less-affluent angler and were surely the stuff for kids. They are still made today, in fact, albeit in plastic for the most part.
Jan 16, 2012
10.5" RES Sharon
Anyone ever try using this site for fishing forcast?
http://www.weather.com/activities/recreation/outdoors/fishing/
I tried it the last 4 days when it said my fishing would be excellent, and I caught my first bass the first day.
Apr 28, 2012
John Sheehan
THANKS for this link Sharon!!
Apr 29, 2012
John Sheehan
Got this Crappie and this Gill on a Johnson 'Country Mile ' spincasting reel/BPS Crappie Pro Rod /slip float /tube jig rig.
Felt like a kid again.
Jun 4, 2013
David, aka, "McScruff"
In addition to the, "Country Mile," there was a sort of "gussied up" model, the "Crappie Pro," which featured an anodized aluminum nose cone. Its nice and my favorite among them.
There was also a model called the "Country 6/Model 6," a low end version of the same breed.
Finally, I'm aware of a "Century 2000" model, which was built on the same frame/mechanics, but which featured an adjustable line aperture. That one was pretty innovative.
I have all of these, and use them from time to time. They probably possess one of the best drag setups of any value priced spin cast reel.
It is a shame, to me, that they disappeared. In my humble opinion, they surpass the reels of today in the same price niche.
Jun 4, 2013
John Sheehan
CORRECTION : The Country Mile 6 reel is mounted on a BPS Uncle Bucks CRAPPIE STIK rod .David- I have a Johnson Crappie Pro 230 Reel mounted on another BPS/Uncle Bucks rod I intend to start using again .On that setup I have a tandem tube Jig with spinner blades tied ahead of the jigs I want to use .
Jun 5, 2013
John Sheehan
David ,what rods are these reels mounted on ? The 'Crappie Stik' is short and whippy and casts aren't long so I use them in the boat. My Zebco Slab Seeker 8' is the rod I use from shore .
Jun 5, 2013
David, aka, "McScruff"
My dad had several of them and when I inherited all his stuff, I used them as test beds. I never did test them to see if they would truly cast a "country mile," though.
My current state is almost all spinning oriented. I've removed all the Johnson reels to the shelf and the only spincasts I have mounted are my Daiwa trigger spins:
- A 40-X U/L, on a 7' Wright-McGill spin fly rod.
- A US80-XD (I just got this one and haven't showed pics of it yet.)
It is mounted to one of the K-mart rods.
So, currently, I have NO Johnson reels in the water. I did fish part of last season and probably 80% of the season before with them, though. It was sure enough to teach me they are(were) superb, value priced reels..
Jun 5, 2013
John Sheehan
Johnson Crappie Pro 230 reel, BPS Uncle Bucks 5' whip of a rod. Tried out this Crappie Tandem spinner/tube jig rig from shore the other night but couldn't reach the feeding rise I suspect where Crappie (maybe White Perch).I put more line on the reel and it casts about 50 ' now. Anxious to try it out in the boat. I have a rubber float stop before the top spinner and the bottom spinner is tied into the line .When the tubes wear out I'll use twister tails.
Jun 7, 2013
David, aka, "McScruff"
I wonder just what it takes to actually cast a country mile?
Jun 7, 2013
John Sheehan
50' is fine for a boat ,not from shore .Then I usually use 8' slab seeker rod /spinning reel
Jun 8, 2013
David, aka, "McScruff"
Jun 8, 2013
John Sheehan
The Johnson Crappie Pro is spooled with 6# test .The Country Mile with 4# test .
The 8' Slab Seeker rod casts real far with 2# test. I have a reel with 4# test on there now that has served me from shore very well.
Jun 9, 2013
David, aka, "McScruff"
My guess next is that for more than 50 with those short rods', you'll just need some heavier weight
Jun 10, 2013
John Sheehan
With floats I can add the weight away from the hook and maybe get better distance if I need it .Maybe even give it a shot for Bullheads .
Jun 10, 2013