is this a mk1 apollo?

[g-force]

I used to fish with an Abu 12 back in my teens (when I couldn't afford a 9000!) - they don't have the 2-speed gears of the 9000, the spool runs on brass bushes not bearings and they have no brakes of any kind. So it was just a case of a dollop of 3 in 1 on the ends of the spindle, fill it up with heavy line (the green commercial stuff that you used to get on big spools from the fish quay) then acquire an educated thumb as a brake. It gave me a good few years of service, but I'd periodically have to replace the side plate where the shaft was located - it was just pressed into the side plate and every couple of years or so would work loose leading to a wobbly handle. Otherwise, very simple, solid reels.

Gary

[deanwar]

I used to fish with an Abu 12 back in my teens (when I couldn't afford a 9000!) - they don't have the 2-speed gears of the 9000, the spool runs on brass bushes not bearings and they have no brakes of any kind. So it was just a case of a dollop of 3 in 1 on the ends of the spindle, fill it up with heavy line (the green commercial stuff that you used to get on big spools from the fish quay) then acquire an educated thumb as a brake. It gave me a good few years of service, but I'd periodically have to replace the side plate where the shaft was located - it was just pressed into the side plate and every couple of years or so would work loose leading to a wobbly handle. Otherwise, very simple, solid reels.

Gary

Loads of info there that i couldnt find online about the beast
I have a feeling it may still hold some of that green line you speak of
Might take it for a throw next time i am out, its got one hell of a drag on it!

[g-force]

Yeah like most Abu's of the 7o's they could take a good battering - they're pretty primitive by today's standards but no cheese-gears and plastic cages & whatnot like many of today's reels. Good work-horses, and if you get to be able to cast well with one of them, you'll be able to cast any modern multi with their assortments of brake-aids no bother!

Gary

[fish fingers]

I used to fish with an Abu 12 back in my teens (when I couldn't afford a 9000!) - they don't have the 2-speed gears of the 9000, the spool runs on brass bushes not bearings and they have no brakes of any kind. So it was just a case of a dollop of 3 in 1 on the ends of the spindle, fill it up with heavy line (the green commercial stuff that you used to get on big spools from the fish quay) then acquire an educated thumb as a brake. It gave me a good few years of service, but I'd periodically have to replace the side plate where the shaft was located - it was just pressed into the side plate and every couple of years or so would work loose leading to a wobbly handle. Otherwise, very simple, solid reels.

Gary

showing your age gary lol

[fish fingers]

i did a one in metalic siver with a chrome decal not the red 1 and whipped in metalic blue it blinded the fish wish i still had it sold it to a friend can i have it back please lol

[markt1225]

""If"" you ever decide to sell it keep me in loop mate!

[g-force]

showing your age gary lol

Yeah, 'fraid so haha.....mind you, back then Abu reels were crazy expensive...I'm sure the 9000's were three figures back then, when many people wouldn't get a three figure weekly wage. I seem to remember being able to go into Temples & get the latest Conoflex blank & a few rings and build it up for about £50 or so, but a new Abu would set you back 2 or 3 times that. It'd be like going out today & spending £350 or so on a new Century then having to spend about £700 on a reel to stick on it.

Gary

[Davyred]

Yeah, 'fraid so haha.....mind you, back then Abu reels were crazy expensive...I'm sure the 9000's were three figures back then, when many people wouldn't get a three figure weekly wage. I seem to remember being able to go into Temples & get the latest Conoflex blank & a few rings and build it up for about £50 or so, but a new Abu would set you back 2 or 3 times that. It'd be like going out today & spending £350 or so on a new Century then having to spend about £700 on a reel to stick on it.

Gary

Remember those days Gary. I got my 12 for exactly the same reason, the 9000s were crazy money. I think my first 7000 (with the red side plates) cost about £70 in the early 80's!

As for the Mk1 Apollo, I'd never get rid of mine. Had it since they came out and I was still getting fish on it to 8-8-0 last year. Love it.

[deanwar]

""If"" you ever decide to sell it keep me in loop mate!

The reels for sale mate
I am going to have a go of it before it sells but i cant see me wanting to give up the comforts of modern reels
Going to keep the apollo though, its a right bruiser of a rod but theres something about it, they look really nice for a older style rod and are very powerful

[Ray.J.]

Bought my first Abu 7000 out of a catalogue in 1975 for £28, if my dusty memory serves me well. Mind you that was a weekly wage then! Incidentally, both my red 7000's are still working well, the only reason I do not use them is the retrieve is a bit slow! (Quality reels before merging with Garcia)!

[davidhayley1945]

still have half a spool of the green commercial line about 3.000 yds left,use it for cod traces up at seahouses and beadnell,was poor for casting very s
pringy,but a lot cheaper than the other lines at the time. davy.

wonder if cosalts still sell it,they used to do a clear line in 30lb.