My Dad bought me this rod when I was 6 or 7 years old. I'm 58 now and still have the rod. I'm looking forward to servicing this rod and using it again. Thanks for posting this video.
Nice work Dennis. You helped put a piece of infomercial fishing history back to working order. Thanks for sharing this one. I grew up watching the commercials for this as a kid.🎣
I spent some time watching anglers who posted UA-cam Videos fishing the PF and within a video was an original ad wherein the 1970s narrator said that the reel was made internally by Johnson. Thanks again Dennis!!!
I grew up in this era also. It’s actually very surprising to me. It’s really constructed much better than I would have ever imagined for what it is. Fun video, thanks Dennis.
I totally agree! There are issues, like how to put line on the spool...you need to take everything apart. Not too easy for the average late night TV viewer! Dennis
Ron Popeil and his father were both inventors, Chop o matic, Vegematic, pocket fisherman, Ronco rotisserie “set it and forget it” oven etc. Back in the day the pocket fisherman was advertised on TV all the time. The company name was changed to Ronco in later years, I believe the pocket fisherman versions were identical. A friend of mine had one, never caught anything with it….
The Ronco Showtime Rotisserie is one of my favorite things ever. My mom's grandmother bought me one about 15 years ago and I use it every year for Thanksgiving. Neither me or my dad like Turkey so I always use it for a couple of cornish Hens. I halve them and put 'em in the basket.
They also sold another product called "Hair in a Can". Fuzzy dye in an aerosol can for men to spray on their bald spot to cover up the thin hair and take the shine off their bald dome...lol...what memories.
I like my St. Croix Fishing Machine better. LOL. I never thought I’d see one of these on a service video on UA-cam. As you open it it looks just like a spincast reel. I just put fresh line on my St. Croix F. M. this past week. Rick Stivers did a great video on the St. Croix Fishing Machine on YoungMartinsReels on UA-cam and after I saw it I just had to have one for the weird and unusual part of my vintage spinning reel collection. I’ve cast mine and it does okay but only for pond fishing for small bass or bluegill. When I got mine my grandson saw it and really loved it. When Rick was at my house doing those videos of mf my reel collection for his UA-cam Channel and repairing one of my surf rods, he met my grandson. Lo and behold a few weeks ago, Rick sent his St. Croix F. M. to me to give to my grandson. He was so excited to have that fishing machine. It was so nice of Rick to do that. I thought I’d share that story. I remember seeing these Ronco or Popeil pocket fisherman advertised on TV when I was young as well as seeing them in stores back then. I have since even seen them occasionally for sale on eBay. This video brought back some memories Dennis! - Chris
Success! The reel on mine came away from that plate and was stuck in the body. Everything was frozen with old grease. Friction pad was welded to the two parts too. Much better now. Thanks for the video. This will be a gift for my SIL who loves fishing.
I Remember Those. I Even Saw A Guy Use One. If I Remember Right He Let Me Try it.I Didn't Like It . Not Much Casting Distance . And The Worst Was No Hook Setting Power Because of the Super Short Rod ! I Worked on My Garcia Mitchell 300's Today . Fixed the Spare/ Parts Reel Today 😊. It Needed The Bail To Trip Correctly . That Took Bending Down The Ramp on The Baffle Plate. And Then The Drag On The Spool . Which is A Funny Story! It Ended Up I Swapped the Drag Nut With One I Had. Someone Had A Mitchell Made In France Nut But It Was Wrong One ! Got It From the Flea Market . Both Reels Work Now 😊👍 !
I remember seeing this advertised on TV frequently as a child. Never did I see anyone actually use one. Interesting piece of Ron Popiels extensive line of infomercial advertised items. Ronco was his company.
Appreciate the video! I could not figure out why mine doesn't work. Watching your video I see I'm missing a couple of parts. Hopefully I can track down the parts.
I made emergency back for my two sons and myself I found online the Ronco version new so I purchased 3 and put them in our back pack so if you had to fish you would be ready I all so put a gill net in .haven’t opened them packs in years .
So Ron Popeil and his dad were distributors of these late night infomercial products. They had a falling out and became competitors. The Ronco version is the later version after they split. Still the same reel, except for the name
Ron Popeil. Do a search on him - absolutely fascinating life. Also invented the Chop-o-matic hand food processor and others. Was a member of the Mirage Hotel board of directors and received a Nobel prize ! WOW
My Dad bought me this rod when I was 6 or 7 years old. I'm 58 now and still have the rod. I'm looking forward to servicing this rod and using it again. Thanks for posting this video.
Glad to hear it will have a 2nd Chance! Best wishes - Dennis
Never ever thought Id see one of the Pocket Fishermans getting serviced.
And now you have! Thanks - What was a UA-cam??? when these were being sold!
Exactly. Might have to look into getting one now just for nostalgias sake.
Nice work Dennis. You helped put a piece of infomercial fishing history back to working order. Thanks for sharing this one.
I grew up watching the commercials for this as a kid.🎣
Glad you enjoyed it!
I spent some time watching anglers who posted UA-cam Videos fishing the PF and within a video was an original ad wherein the 1970s narrator said that the reel was made internally by Johnson.
Thanks again Dennis!!!
Interesting! Now I need to go watch those!
I grew up in this era also. It’s actually very surprising to me. It’s really constructed much better than I would have ever imagined for what it is. Fun video, thanks Dennis.
I totally agree! There are issues, like how to put line on the spool...you need to take everything apart. Not too easy for the average late night TV viewer! Dennis
Hi Dennis,
A simple reel w lots of surprising sequential parts ! Thanks to You, Scott and Ron Popeil for sharing !
Best Wishes,
Cons
Glad you enjoyed it - I never know what will show up at the shop!
Another quality product from Ron Popeil.
Talk about the million dollar idea! Wow
Ron Popeil and his father were both inventors, Chop o matic, Vegematic, pocket fisherman, Ronco rotisserie “set it and forget it” oven etc. Back in the day the pocket fisherman was advertised on TV all the time. The company name was changed to Ronco in later years, I believe the pocket fisherman versions were identical. A friend of mine had one, never caught anything with it….
Thanks for the additional information. Yes - the Ronco and Popeil versions are the same.
The Ronco Showtime Rotisserie is one of my favorite things ever.
My mom's grandmother bought me one about 15 years ago and I use it every year for Thanksgiving.
Neither me or my dad like Turkey so I always use it for a couple of cornish Hens.
I halve them and put 'em in the basket.
They also sold another product called "Hair in a Can". Fuzzy dye in an aerosol can for men to spray on their bald spot to cover up the thin hair and take the shine off their bald dome...lol...what memories.
Ah the memories. I did not want this when I was a kid, I wanted a big boy rod and reel. I will definitely buy the next one I find.
Hurry up! They are getting hard to find - Dennis
In Germany there was a commercial, that this tackle saved life's on a survival trip... 😀👍🏻... never see one in real action... Thanks for sharing...
Sure thing - A lot of hikers and campers kept these in their back packs
Quite an interesting mechanism of basic reel components, for a micro fishing application.
Thank you, Scott and Dennis, for sharing it with us.
YW
I have one of these in the box . Enjoyable video .
Wow! A treasure!
I like my St. Croix Fishing Machine better. LOL. I never thought I’d see one of these on a service video on UA-cam. As you open it it looks just like a spincast reel. I just put fresh line on my St. Croix F. M. this past week. Rick Stivers did a great video on the St. Croix Fishing Machine on YoungMartinsReels on UA-cam and after I saw it I just had to have one for the weird and unusual part of my vintage spinning reel collection. I’ve cast mine and it does okay but only for pond fishing for small bass or bluegill. When I got mine my grandson saw it and really loved it. When Rick was at my house doing those videos of mf my reel collection for his UA-cam Channel and repairing one of my surf rods, he met my grandson. Lo and behold a few weeks ago, Rick sent his St. Croix F. M. to me to give to my grandson. He was so excited to have that fishing machine. It was so nice of Rick to do that. I thought I’d share that story. I remember seeing these Ronco or Popeil pocket fisherman advertised on TV when I was young as well as seeing them in stores back then. I have since even seen them occasionally for sale on eBay. This video brought back some memories Dennis! - Chris
That St Croix fishing machine is in a different class! Thanks Chris
I found one of these and need to do the same. A retro classic. :)
Yes they are classics! Enjoy
Success! The reel on mine came away from that plate and was stuck in the body. Everything was frozen with old grease. Friction pad was welded to the two parts too. Much better now. Thanks for the video. This will be a gift for my SIL who loves fishing.
@2ndChanceTackle OH, and I was able to use flitz on the body, buttons and all, to bring it back to almost new.
I Remember Those. I Even Saw A Guy Use One. If I Remember Right He Let Me Try it.I Didn't Like It . Not Much Casting Distance . And The Worst Was No Hook Setting Power Because of the Super Short Rod ! I Worked on My Garcia Mitchell 300's Today . Fixed the Spare/ Parts Reel Today 😊. It Needed The Bail To Trip Correctly . That Took Bending Down The Ramp on The Baffle Plate. And Then The Drag On The Spool . Which is A Funny Story! It Ended Up I Swapped the Drag Nut With One I Had. Someone Had A Mitchell Made In France Nut But It Was Wrong One ! Got It From the Flea Market . Both Reels Work Now 😊👍 !
Glad to hear your reels have. 2nd Chance! Thanks for sharing - Dennis
I remember seeing this advertised on TV frequently as a child. Never did I see anyone actually use one. Interesting piece of Ron Popiels extensive line of infomercial advertised items. Ronco was his company.
Thanks for the additional information. Yes, they were the kings and I think inventors of the infomercials
Those are neat little rod/reel setup. I always wanted one when they came out with them but wasn't able too
Good news - you can still get these on eBay!
Appreciate the video! I could not figure out why mine doesn't work. Watching your video I see I'm missing a couple of parts. Hopefully I can track down the parts.
Glad it helped. Hope you can find the parts. That will not be an easy task
I made emergency back for my two sons and myself I found online the Ronco version new so I purchased 3 and put them in our back pack so if you had to fish you would be ready I all so put a gill net in .haven’t opened them packs in years .
So Ron Popeil and his dad were distributors of these late night infomercial products. They had a falling out and became competitors. The Ronco version is the later version after they split. Still the same reel, except for the name
Great video Dennis...wonder who actually came up with that concept...
Ron Popeil. Do a search on him - absolutely fascinating life. Also invented the Chop-o-matic hand food processor and others. Was a member of the Mirage Hotel board of directors and received a Nobel prize ! WOW
My brother who recently passed away had several of them brand new in the original packaging.
I hope you have one as a memory!
Where were they made ?
Ron popil's company was called ronco....but wait there's more 😁
Made me smile! Yes, he founded a distribution company with his dad and then had a falling out. Ronco was his effort to go it alone - Dennis
Mine is still in it's zip lock pouch it came in. But 50 yrs later I think it needs new string.
I would agree - you can leave the. line on if it is display only, but if you intend to take it fishing, it would be prudent to change the line
The ad said to throw away all my other rods and reels. So I did. Ill believe anything. Theres also
the Instant Fisherman. Much worse
quality though.
Thanks! I saw a St Croix fishing machine recently. Now that is quite the set up!
I serviced mine with my trashcan...
Good job but you didn't show how to thread the line out.🙂
Sorry for that
🤓
Popeil and Ronco are the same co just a name change and is owned by Ron Popeil..Ronco
Yes - the name changed after the son had a falling out with the father. They split and he founded Ronco, as you noted. - Thanks - Dennis
@@2ndChanceTackle i never knew all that..thanks for sharing that...