So many memories, my dad gave me this same Johnson century when I was very young, I’m 63 now, my uncle gave me an old used fiberglass rod, I grew up using this rig, my dad passed January 1 of 2020 and recently I was at my dads house and came across my rod and reel, instant smiles and memories ❤️
It’s amazing how something like an old rod and reel can start a landslide of memories. My father passed a couple years before my Mom and when my Mom passed my Brothers, Sister, and I had the duties of going through the house and the left behind belongings. In the shed, was the rod (saltwater) I bought when I was 8 years old. I was 8, I got $8 from my Mom and we went to the store and found that rod. If that thing could talk. Many many, croakers, flounders, spots, blue fish, eels, oyster toads, were caught on that thing. It went through more Mitchell 300 reels then you could imagine. It now sits in the corner of my den, it’s a 7 foot fiberglass time machine. 😊 Thanks for watching 🎣
I have recently become a fan of your channel about a month or more ago! And you seem to love the Johnson reels and you love that you can use them like spinning reels or left and right retrieve, I found out myself by tinkering! And I Am so overjoyed to find that out by accident 🎉😂❤ And now I'm looking forward to using my Johnson reel on a spinning reel
Hey there! That’s awesome to hear.. you’ll have many fun filled fishing trips with it. They’re easy to use, easy to work on, and best of all yours has a history. The legacy of “the green reel” will continue😉. Congratulations and keep me informed on how it’s doing!! Thanks for watching and commenting!! I appreciate it very much!! Willie
I just pulled my old one out of the dresser and was planning on using it for Chinese slingshot dart fishing and was bummed because it seemed busted... Took it apart and chiseled the rock hard grease out and lubed it up and it works great.
That’s awesome, I love it when what seems broken is really just in need of a good cleaning and to get back out there catching fish. We shouldn’t have to take out a loan to go fishing. Some times all you need to take out is a screwdriver, some grease and oil and you’re out there enjoying yourself. To me, it’s extremely gratifying to bring them back from the dead and give them a second chance at doing what they were meant to do. I know it can’t say “Thanks” so I’ll say it for him😂. Thank you for give him purpose again!! I hope you have many more happy outings!! Thanks for watching and commenting, it means a lot!!
@@jakewalraven7923 I totally agree.. I’ve been buying them for a few years now, every time I come across one for sale. Even if it’s a total basket case. Depending on how much they want for it of course. So needless to say, I have a few and I love using them. These reels were designed to be used, repaired, and used again.. So many of today’s reels are made to use until you destroy them and just buy another. Thanks so much for watching!! Willie
I couldn’t agree more… I use the old ones whenever possible. I have quite a few of the Garcia/Mitchell’s among others… I remember buying them new for $8 lol. As a matter of fact I may have “too” many, lol. Might be time for a garage sale!! 😄 That’s part of the fun though, finding new ones to fix up and use. Thanks for watching and commenting!!
I like it. I have two 100 B's on what I believe are close to original rods. Not much markings left on rods. One has 6# mono, one has 4# mono. I like simple. Simple to the point that I have been known to go out with an old cane pole and some red worms. It helps that I'm retired, too.
I have two model 100s but this is the first decent 100B that I’ve came across. I was extremely impressed at how good it was. I struggle finding older rods. I have managed to find a couple through the years that I’ve held on to but though the reels can be used fairly well, the rods are usually “ok” at best. Funny, I just bought a cane pole a couple weeks ago and just haven’t had a chance to use it yet. Groucho Marx once said “The one thing I’ve always wanted to do before I retire is… quit. Lol Thanks for watching and commenting!!!
@@TheGraytOutdoors My daughter found 4 complete Johnson rod & reel combos and 3 Johnson reels at a garage sale for $10. I made sure she doubled her money when she brought them to me. We live not too far from Mankato, MN.
@@keithnavarro2930 WOW!! That’s the Holy Grail!! Congratulations my friend!! I felt lucky when I found the two century 100s and I definitely paid more than $10 for them lol but I had to have them. Again, congratulations!!
Thanks for validating spincast Willie. I am 70 and I have been fishing with Century reels since I was about 9 or ten. I have a mid 60's 100B that works like a charm and I catch tons of bluegills with it. I have Johnson's, old Zebco 33's and a like new Shakespeare Wondercast from the late 60's. My friends tease me about using spincast reels (while they are untangling the bird's nest from their open face reels or trying to cast a small jig with a bait caster that seems designed for casting bricks. I just ignore them and keep fishing with my trouble-free fifty and sixty year old made in the USA gems.
🤠Hey there!! Yes indeed you are very welcome! I made this video specifically after a friend called that particular reel “a paperweight”.. I love the old Johnson century’s and citations. Even the model 80 sidewinder with no anti-reverse I absolutely love using. I’ve caught nice bass, trout, big bluegills and crappie.. I’m not gonna say that they e all been trouble free but I still would never quit using them. They’re too dang much fun. I also really enjoy fixing them and making them function again. It’s the entire process, searching for them, reviving them, and then taking them out to catch a fish, I just love it. These old reels got us to where we are and really, can still take us where we need to go.. I prove it every time I go to the lake with one, lol. Thanks so much for watching and commenting!! Keep on taking that reel to the lake and catching those gills!! But if you ever get rid of it, call me first!! lol 😂 Again, thanks so much and Happy New Year!! Willie
Hey Dan! Sounds like a great idea. I had a good time with this reel but I love the 100 on the fly rod. It’s not an “every day” set up but when I get the urge to use it, I have a blast with it.
Hey there🤠, You and I must be on the same wavelength!! Last week I told my son I wanted to do a Johnson/fly rod video before the season begins. I’ve been asked several times about my set up. You can use a 9ft fly rod for sure. I have a couple of 8’ 6” fly rods but I prefer 7’ 6” and under. The longer the rod, the more area you need to cast it, 😄. Entire episode coming soon!!
Hey there!! I as well buy every one I find, providing whoever is selling it, isn’t trying to pay a mortgage with it😂. I keep as many functioning as I can. Unless they’re absolutely trashed but as you know, you always need parts. Going out this weekend as a matter of fact and I’m struggling to decide which Johnson model I’m taking. I’m sorta taking reels that people have commented about or shown interest in, So stay tuned!! 😉 Thanks so much for watching and commenting!! It means a lot!! Willie
@@446hemi I have to admit, The Century and Citation are two of the most versatile reels ever made.. and I absolutely love fixing them. Then putting them back out there fishing.. I just wish they would’ve kept with the design and used a little better gear, crank arm, and rotor material.. that’s where they go bad.. I have so many now, I’ll always have backups!! 😂
Hey there! When you have one in good shape, they’re an absolute blast to use. Sometimes it takes two to make one but it’s worth it and it’s always good to have spare parts😃. I’ve always found it sad that they went out of business. Fortunately, they made so many, you can still find them fairly easily. Enjoy it, they are a lot of fun!! Thanks for watching and commenting. It means a lot!! Willie
I just got one for $20 and got it cleaned up. I know where 3 more are at and am debating buying more. Also is it just a friction drag with Nylon washers? That’s all I saw when I took it apart
Hey congratulations!! If they’re affordable, I buy every one I come across, but that’s just me..😉.. The drag system is nothing more than the three nylon center spacers with the little brass paddle pushing against the center one as you adjust it.. very simplistic yet functional!! Just be careful, don’t over pay, make sure it’s worth it to you.. Again, Congrats and let me know how it’s going with them!!
Well Sir, It seems to me that you love older reels. Johnson was very good stuff they were as I say Timex of reels. I have several older Zebco 33s but really desire a All Black 33 my late Dad had one he loved it. I subscribed to your channel because we have like interests. So keep making me happy please. Oh I was born in 1947 so yeah I am Dirt old and sand duh.
Hey there!! I very much appreciate you watching and subscribing. I’m also glad you’re enjoying the channel. Though I am a huge fan of the Johnson reel company I have many older Zebco 33’s that date way back. Maybe it’s time to do another Zebco video😉. I have recently rebuilt a very old Zebco that is solid black, as a matter of fact, it’s so old it doesn’t have an anti reverse which always interesting to fish with😉. Again, I thank you very much for subscribing, watching, and commenting!! I’ll do my best to keep you watching, one of the next videos may be just your thing.😉
No sound?? Was there no sound? I just listened to it, there was sound🤣. I’ve had a lot of problems with GoPro… freezing up, loss of audio, and corruption of data. I’ve got one left out of 3, a 7black that’s still holding up🤞🏻🤞🏻.
Over on instagram, the Ozark fisherman uses that exact real a whole bunch with topwater baits for smallmouth. I'll have to keep my eyes peeled at the local yard sales and flea markets and see if I can't find a couple! Videos are always fantastic, three and a half miles on this one!
Hey man!! It’s so hard to explain how much fun these things are. “Are they the everyday reel?” No, not really but it’s the combination of, find, tear down, repair, and use, that’s so cool. Especially when it works well. Glad I’m helping you get some miles in😥😮💨. Thanks for watching Man!!
And I want to add to a message that I sent earlier! I took that Johnson 100B that I bought for $5.00 dollars, that was so dirty and had very old grease caked on, and took a combination of WD40 and soap and water to clean it to the bone and it's doing great
Great video!!! It's wonderful to see someone put a classic reel back into service and get so much enjoyment from its use! Just a thought about your GoPro, some stores like COSTCO will take an item back if it does not function correctly even if you have had it for a while! Keep up the great content, I really enjoy your videos! Tight Lines! CJ
Hey CJ!! It was truly a blast using that old reel. It’s something that brings me gratification that I can’t even explain. I believe, everything has a soul, even if it’s an inanimate object. So I enjoy putting them back out there doing what they were made to do. It saddens me to see them sit in the drawer. The GoPro thing, it’s a touchy situation. I’m now back to my old ones. Not gonna have as good a picture but now that I have close to $1500-$2000 tied up in GoPro‘s I just can’t afford to buy another one right now. Lol thank you so much for watching and commenting, it means a lot. See you next time, Willie
Congratulations!! I love those things. Easy to use, work on, and fun. I buy every one I come across. Even the junk, always need parts😄. Good luck with it! Hope you enjoy it😉. Willie
Since you like the Johnson spincasters, you should try the Johnson Sabra 130A or 130B. It's my favorite spincaster and I have several of them. To me, it's the Cadillac of spincasting reels.
Hey there!! Thank you for that info, I’m gonna look those up. I remember the 100s from my childhood. They always seemed like junk to me then but I was a kid and didn’t know how to take them apart…well, taking apart was easy but the putting back together correctly was the problem lol. So I have a soft spot for them. But… I’ve become very attached to the spin cast reels in general, I think they got a bad rap through the years. So I’m trying to un-do the rap and maybe get a new generation or even the older generation like myself to brake them back out again. Thanks again for the info, I will most DEFINITELY look into them. Willie
So many memories, my dad gave me this same Johnson century when I was very young, I’m 63 now, my uncle gave me an old used fiberglass rod, I grew up using this rig, my dad passed January 1 of 2020 and recently I was at my dads house and came across my rod and reel, instant smiles and memories ❤️
It’s amazing how something like an old rod and reel can start a landslide of memories. My father passed a couple years before my Mom and when my Mom passed my Brothers, Sister, and I had the duties of going through the house and the left behind belongings. In the shed, was the rod (saltwater) I bought when I was 8 years old. I was 8, I got $8 from my Mom and we went to the store and found that rod. If that thing could talk. Many many, croakers, flounders, spots, blue fish, eels, oyster toads, were caught on that thing. It went through more Mitchell 300 reels then you could imagine. It now sits in the corner of my den, it’s a 7 foot fiberglass time machine. 😊
Thanks for watching 🎣
I have recently become a fan of your channel about a month or more ago! And you seem to love the Johnson reels and you love that you can use them like spinning reels or left and right retrieve, I found out myself by tinkering! And I Am so overjoyed to find that out by accident 🎉😂❤ And now I'm looking forward to using my Johnson reel on a spinning reel
Thank you. My grandfather gave me his 100B reel many years ago and I was able to get it working again after watching your video.
Hey there!
That’s awesome to hear.. you’ll have many fun filled fishing trips with it.
They’re easy to use, easy to work on, and best of all yours has a history. The legacy of “the green reel” will continue😉.
Congratulations and keep me informed on how it’s doing!!
Thanks for watching and commenting!! I appreciate it very much!!
Willie
I just pulled my old one out of the dresser and was planning on using it for Chinese slingshot dart fishing and was bummed because it seemed busted... Took it apart and chiseled the rock hard grease out and lubed it up and it works great.
That’s awesome, I love it when what seems broken is really just in need of a good cleaning and to get back out there catching fish.
We shouldn’t have to take out a loan to go fishing. Some times all you need to take out is a screwdriver, some grease and oil and you’re out there enjoying yourself.
To me, it’s extremely gratifying to bring them back from the dead and give them a second chance at doing what they were meant to do.
I know it can’t say “Thanks” so I’ll say it for him😂. Thank you for give him purpose again!!
I hope you have many more happy outings!!
Thanks for watching and commenting, it means a lot!!
These are life time reels.
@@jakewalraven7923 I totally agree.. I’ve been buying them for a few years now, every time I come across one for sale. Even if it’s a total basket case. Depending on how much they want for it of course.
So needless to say, I have a few and I love using them. These reels were designed to be used, repaired, and used again.. So many of today’s reels are made to use until you destroy them and just buy another.
Thanks so much for watching!!
Willie
I just love those old reels. I still fish regularly with my Garcia Mitchell 300.
I couldn’t agree more…
I use the old ones whenever possible.
I have quite a few of the Garcia/Mitchell’s among others… I remember buying them new for $8 lol. As a matter of fact I may have “too” many, lol. Might be time for a garage sale!! 😄
That’s part of the fun though, finding new ones to fix up and use.
Thanks for watching and commenting!!
I like it. I have two 100 B's on what I believe are close to original rods. Not much markings left on rods. One has 6# mono, one has 4# mono. I like simple. Simple to the point that I have been known to go out with an old cane pole and some red worms. It helps that I'm retired, too.
I have two model 100s but this is the first decent 100B that I’ve came across.
I was extremely impressed at how good it was.
I struggle finding older rods. I have managed to find a couple through the years that I’ve held on to but though the reels can be used fairly well, the rods are usually “ok” at best.
Funny, I just bought a cane pole a couple weeks ago and just haven’t had a chance to use it yet.
Groucho Marx once said “The one thing I’ve always wanted to do before I retire is… quit. Lol
Thanks for watching and commenting!!!
@@TheGraytOutdoors My daughter found 4 complete Johnson rod & reel combos and 3 Johnson reels at a garage sale for $10. I made sure she doubled her money when she brought them to me. We live not too far from Mankato, MN.
@@keithnavarro2930 WOW!! That’s the Holy Grail!! Congratulations my friend!!
I felt lucky when I found the two century 100s and I definitely paid more than $10 for them lol but I had to have them.
Again, congratulations!!
Thanks for validating spincast Willie. I am 70 and I have been fishing with Century reels since I was about 9 or ten. I have a mid 60's 100B that works like a charm and I catch tons of bluegills with it. I have Johnson's, old Zebco 33's and a like new Shakespeare Wondercast from the late 60's. My friends tease me about using spincast reels (while they are untangling the bird's nest from their open face reels or trying to cast a small jig with a bait caster that seems designed for casting bricks. I just ignore them and keep fishing with my trouble-free fifty and sixty year old made in the USA gems.
🤠Hey there!!
Yes indeed you are very welcome!
I made this video specifically after a friend called that particular reel “a paperweight”..
I love the old Johnson century’s and citations. Even the model 80 sidewinder with no anti-reverse I absolutely love using.
I’ve caught nice bass, trout, big bluegills and crappie.. I’m not gonna say that they e all been trouble free but I still would never quit using them. They’re too dang much fun.
I also really enjoy fixing them and making them function again. It’s the entire process, searching for them, reviving them, and then taking them out to catch a fish, I just love it.
These old reels got us to where we are and really, can still take us where we need to go..
I prove it every time I go to the lake with one, lol.
Thanks so much for watching and commenting!! Keep on taking that reel to the lake and catching those gills!!
But if you ever get rid of it, call me first!! lol 😂
Again, thanks so much and Happy New Year!!
Willie
I'm planning to build a dedicated underspin rod with an aft mounted reel seat. Should be ideal for my Johnson Century.
Hey Dan! Sounds like a great idea.
I had a good time with this reel but I love the 100 on the fly rod.
It’s not an “every day” set up but when I get the urge to use it, I have a blast with it.
Updated 5/9/2024 I purchased a Century 100B near Mint for $20.00. Will arrive next week.
😃Oh that’s awesome!! Congratulations!! It’s a good feeling isn’t it?!
I'm looking at one in excellent condition at a yard sale, 1$ 😉 hmu, I give ya it for 2 🤣
I have a 9 ft fly rod i want to try one of my old johnson reels on
Hey there🤠,
You and I must be on the same wavelength!! Last week I told my son I wanted to do a Johnson/fly rod video before the season begins. I’ve been asked several times about my set up.
You can use a 9ft fly rod for sure.
I have a couple of 8’ 6” fly rods but I prefer 7’ 6” and under.
The longer the rod, the more area you need to cast it, 😄.
Entire episode coming soon!!
I have a bunch of Johnson reels and still buy them when I find them. Fun old reels
Hey there!!
I as well buy every one I find, providing whoever is selling it, isn’t trying to pay a mortgage with it😂.
I keep as many functioning as I can. Unless they’re absolutely trashed but as you know, you always need parts.
Going out this weekend as a matter of fact and I’m struggling to decide which Johnson model I’m taking.
I’m sorta taking reels that people have commented about or shown interest in,
So stay tuned!! 😉
Thanks so much for watching and commenting!!
It means a lot!!
Willie
the johnson century 100B is the best spin cast i have ever used
@@446hemi I have to admit, The Century and Citation are two of the most versatile reels ever made.. and I absolutely love fixing them. Then putting them back out there fishing..
I just wish they would’ve kept with the design and used a little better gear, crank arm, and rotor material.. that’s where they go bad..
I have so many now, I’ll always have backups!! 😂
I have one like this ..... work perfect. Nice quality !!!
Hey there!
When you have one in good shape, they’re an absolute blast to use.
Sometimes it takes two to make one but it’s worth it and it’s always good to have spare parts😃.
I’ve always found it sad that they went out of business.
Fortunately, they made so many, you can still find them fairly easily.
Enjoy it, they are a lot of fun!!
Thanks for watching and commenting. It means a lot!!
Willie
I just got one for $20 and got it cleaned up. I know where 3 more are at and am debating buying more. Also is it just a friction drag with Nylon washers? That’s all I saw when I took it apart
Hey congratulations!!
If they’re affordable, I buy every one I come across, but that’s just me..😉..
The drag system is nothing more than the three nylon center spacers with the little brass paddle pushing against the center one as you adjust it.. very simplistic yet functional!!
Just be careful, don’t over pay, make sure it’s worth it to you..
Again, Congrats and let me know how it’s going with them!!
You should get yourself a 3D-Scanner/Printer so that you can make some of your own parts.
I’ve thought about that but they’re too expensive for me😖
@@TheGraytOutdoors Printers are probably cheaper than the scanners but would be well worth it I think.
Well Sir, It seems to me that you love older reels.
Johnson was very good stuff they were as I say Timex of reels.
I have several older Zebco 33s but really desire a All Black 33 my late Dad had one he loved it.
I subscribed to your channel because we have like interests. So keep making me happy please.
Oh I was born in 1947 so yeah I am Dirt old and sand duh.
Hey there!!
I very much appreciate you watching and subscribing. I’m also glad you’re enjoying the channel.
Though I am a huge fan of the Johnson reel company I have many older Zebco 33’s that date way back. Maybe it’s time to do another Zebco video😉. I have recently rebuilt a very old Zebco that is solid black, as a matter of fact, it’s so old it doesn’t have an anti reverse which always interesting to fish with😉.
Again, I thank you very much for subscribing, watching, and commenting!! I’ll do my best to keep you watching, one of the next videos may be just your thing.😉
No sound??
No sound?? Was there no sound?
I just listened to it, there was sound🤣.
I’ve had a lot of problems with GoPro… freezing up, loss of audio, and corruption of data.
I’ve got one left out of 3, a 7black that’s still holding up🤞🏻🤞🏻.
Over on instagram, the Ozark fisherman uses that exact real a whole bunch with topwater baits for smallmouth. I'll have to keep my eyes peeled at the local yard sales and flea markets and see if I can't find a couple! Videos are always fantastic, three and a half miles on this one!
Hey man!! It’s so hard to explain how much fun these things are. “Are they the everyday reel?” No, not really but it’s the combination of, find, tear down, repair, and use, that’s so cool. Especially when it works well.
Glad I’m helping you get some miles in😥😮💨.
Thanks for watching Man!!
And I want to add to a message that I sent earlier! I took that Johnson 100B that I bought for $5.00 dollars, that was so dirty and had very old grease caked on, and took a combination of WD40 and soap and water to clean it to the bone and it's doing great
Great video!!! It's wonderful to see someone put a classic reel back into service and get so much enjoyment from its use! Just a thought about your GoPro, some stores like COSTCO will take an item back if it does not function correctly even if you have had it for a while!
Keep up the great content, I really enjoy your videos! Tight Lines! CJ
Hey CJ!!
It was truly a blast using that old reel. It’s something that brings me gratification that I can’t even explain.
I believe, everything has a soul, even if it’s an inanimate object. So I enjoy putting them back out there doing what they were made to do. It saddens me to see them sit in the drawer. The GoPro thing, it’s a touchy situation. I’m now back to my old ones. Not gonna have as good a picture but now that I have close to $1500-$2000 tied up in GoPro‘s I just can’t afford to buy another one right now. Lol thank you so much for watching and commenting, it means a lot. See you next time, Willie
Which model gopros do you have that keep freezing?
It was a 9, but it finally died..
@@TheGraytOutdoors Okay just wanted to know which one to avoid. Want a GoPro but they're expensive so I wouldn't be happy if that happened.
I just got one
Congratulations!! I love those things. Easy to use, work on, and fun.
I buy every one I come across. Even the junk, always need parts😄.
Good luck with it! Hope you enjoy it😉.
Willie
@wannagofishin5916 thank you I sure will be buying more if I come across them
See? This one doesn't have that thing in the middle where Century is.
Since you like the Johnson spincasters, you should try the Johnson Sabra 130A or 130B. It's my favorite spincaster and I have several of them. To me, it's the Cadillac of spincasting reels.
Hey there!! Thank you for that info, I’m gonna look those up.
I remember the 100s from my childhood. They always seemed like junk to me then but I was a kid and didn’t know how to take them apart…well, taking apart was easy but the putting back together correctly was the problem lol.
So I have a soft spot for them.
But… I’ve become very attached to the spin cast reels in general, I think they got a bad rap through the years. So I’m trying to un-do the rap and maybe get a new generation or even the older generation like myself to brake them back out again.
Thanks again for the info, I will most DEFINITELY look into them.
Willie