Beginning in the 1970s, Howard Fortune began collecting Kentucky reels. Over the course of four decades, he was able to amass what is surely one of the finest collections of antique fishing reels ever assembled. This book brings together a nearly complete catalog of the Kentucky reels from his collection, including descriptions and high quality photographs, many of them of extremely rare and one of a kind models. This is as complete a compendium of Kentucky reels as has ever been put together, and includes reels from all the major Kentucky reel makers (listed below) from the Blue Grass state. It will be a major benefit to collectors and historians alike.

Included are sections on the following classic Kentucky Reel makers: George Snyder • John C. Snyder • Jonathan F. Meek • Benjamin F. Meek • Benjamin C. Milam • John Milam • Sylvanus Meek • Pitman Meek • James L. Sage • George W. Gayle • Clarence Gayle • James Deally • Thomas Dalton • Jacob W. Hardman • Granville E. Medley • Frank Fullilove

Full Color Throughout