Johnson Reel Collectors Assn. (J.R.C.A.) since 10/10/14

Many of us are aware of the “trade reels” Johnson built for retailers like Montgomery Ward (Hawthorne), Cooks Premier and Ace Hardware.  These reels were based on the Johnson Century 100 and Sabra 130 models, and differed from them only in colors and markings.

In one brief instance, Johnson offered a trade reel unlike any of the others and never shown in factory catalogs.




Behold, the Johnson Chevron 135/35.  These reels were made in Hong Kong, the 135 being the first version, 35 came later.  According to a conversation on another site, they were produced 1979-82 and sold through 12 different stores, from “mom & pop” to J.C. Penney stores.  Price was $4.99




These are about as basic as you can get.  The body, foot and spool are one piece of plastic. There’s a star drag on the crankshaft with two of the smallest drag discs I’ve ever seen.  Anti-reverse is full-time.


The 135 and the 35 differed in two ways.  The 135 front cover has a pebbled, satin finish on it and the spinner head doesn’t have a spring, at least not on the reel at hand




The front cover on the 35 has a flat finish and there’s a coil spring on the pick-up pin.

These reels are an uncommon curiosity, might be okay for going after panfish.








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skipper
I'm 69 y.o., retired 7 years from the wholesale liquor distribution business. My interests include vintage Johnson spin cast fishing reels, Oldsmobiles and Freemasonry.   View all posts by skipper