The Hurd Caster & Super Caster
One
of the classiest fishing innovations of the late 1940's was the rod and
reel combination manufactured by Hurd Lock & Manufacturing Co., of
Detroit, Michigan. The sleek design and quality workmanship is still
appreciated today by reel collectors.
The Hurd Caster was the inexpensive version of the Super Caster. It
featured a plastic grip and collet type rod attachment. Although this
combo was lower priced at $27.50, compared to the $45.00 for the Super
Caster it must not have been a big seller. This version is much tougher to
find today, and commands the higher price for collectors. You can
see both versions by clicking on the advertisement.
The Hurd Combos just came at the wrong time. After World War II, spin
fishing swept the country, and many bait casting outfits were hung in the
garage for the next 20 years. The Hurd Super Caster died a slow death due
to the fixed spool reel revolution, and many post WW II innovative casting
reels disappeared.
The Hurd Caster seems to be currently selling in the $200 range if in
EX condition with the case, and the Super Caster in the $150-200 range in
the same condition.
