Johnson Centry Reel

[Keith Ritter]

I picked this reel at a pawn shop today. I've seen them for years but never had one. How old is this is this one, if anyone out there knows any info would be great.

[Lord of the Fly , Rods]

Keith, I recieved one of these Johnson  Reels as a graduation present  from high school back in 1973 ,and it has been in a drawer ever since, so that makes mine  41 years old , I may put it on a rod and fish with it someday .  LOFR

[Leo Nguyen]

Wow. Johnson Century reels are, based on the model number printed at the bottom, quite old..I remember one as far back as 1980, when I borrowed a few old rods and reels to start my fishing adventures.

[David, aka, "McScruff"]

The Johnson 100B was first seen in catalogs in 1963, so to answer your question, the first 100B's were made as early as 1962. They continued on until 1979 in catalogs by the Johnson Reel Co. They were made in various shades of green and also a Century 100B Princess was made in Pink for the ladies. Prior to the 100B's they were called 100A's and Prior to this just Johnson Century 100's. 1955 was the year of introduction of the Johnson 100.

The 100B's were discontinued by 1979. After a hiatus of several years a 40th year Anniversary issue was provided for 1995. Production probably began in about 93' for this 100B issue. This one was a dark green issue. From about '95-'97, a lighter green 40th Anniversary issue was also issued. This green was a close match to the old original Johnson Century's.

Also at this time was introduced the Johnson Century 100B Deluxe in a silver color. This version sported ball bearings and 2 pickup pins and infinite anti-reverse features.

All the reels spoken of above were manufactured in the USA. It appears the USA manufacturing ended in 1997.

After this the 100B's were manufactured in China until sometime around 2000. Two 45th Anniversary versions were issued then. One was a dark green and the other was a gray color. Also, a silver 100B Deluxe version was also made there. The finish was not as nice on this one as on the American made versions.

[dick tabbert]

Keith as for how old this particular reel is I couldn't tell you but I had a couple Johnson Centry reels in the earl 70"s

[David, aka, "McScruff"]

As I was reading, Johnson had the Model 80 first in this line. That was 1955.
Then came the Model 100A followed by this one, the 100B in 1962.
The Zero Bomb Company, better known today as Zebco, is credited as being the maker of the first fixed spool, push button reels. That was 1949. But Henry Denison and Lloyd Johnson came right behind and filed patent in 1950 with their first "push button" reel, the Model 40 Sidewinder. Eventually, Johnson bought out Henry and became sole owner.
Mr. Johnson, an engineer, would insist they repair any of their reels ever made for 3$, an offer that stood until his death.

[David, aka, "McScruff"]

My favorite Johnson reel was the Crappie Pro, a deluxe version of the Country Mile series.
I used both models heavily a few years, but they've since been retired.
But that is another story.

[John Sheehan]

I think somewhere around 1960 as I recall casting with an old Green Johnson as a young boy and I was born in 1953.

[David, aka, "McScruff"]

John, my bet is you were using either a Model 80 or 100A Century in those boyhood years.
The "B" models like this one didn't appear until 1963-ish.

[John Sheehan]

Dave  , I can't say what year OR MODEL  EXACTLY , I was  casting a Johnson reel for the 1st time  but this is what I think is the model ,or something close , my Dad had me use, 100 CENTURY bought it on Ebay for the memory . However, I think you helped me feel more confident that it was indeed the 100 as I think I was less than 10 years old .

[David, aka, "McScruff"]

Fairly certain that's a 100A Century.
It'll say which on the left side plate.

[Vic Tankersley]

Keith, I picked this one up at the pawn shop it is Very rare I guess. Only one I've ever seen. Also made by the Lionel Train company , it' a Bache Brown spinster .

[Keith Ritter]

Very cool reel Vic.