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During the 1950s and 1960s, Fin-Nor dominated the offshore Despite their popularity in mid-century sportfishing, Ocean others, introduced materials like asbestos (since discontinued) Another revolution came in the form of sealed drags. Saltwa-
scene. Their reels were used to catch hundreds of world-re- City began to struggle in the 1960s as competition intensified and stainless steel, allowing for higher drag pressures. ter is corrosive, and keeping the internal components of a reel
cord marlin, tuna, and swordfish. At a time when battles with and the market shifted toward more advanced, high-perfor- free from moisture and salt intrusion became a top priority.
1,000-pound fish could last several hours, reliable drag and mance reels made by companies like Penn and Shimano. As One of the most significant developments in drag evolution was Manufacturers began incorporating rubber gaskets and fully
frame integrity were paramount. consumer expectations evolved—particularly regarding drag the lever drag system. Unlike star drags—which require manu- enclosed drag systems to ensure durability—even after re-
performance and corrosion resistance—Ocean City reels al tightening of a knob and don’t allow easy mid-fight adjust- peated dunkings.
Ocean City Fishing Reels, founded in Philadelphia in the early started to fall behind in both technology and design. In the ment—lever drags use a lever mechanism to set the drag pres-
1920s, quickly became one of the most prominent American late 1960s, the company was acquired by True Temper, which sure across a pre-calibrated range. This gave anglers precise Records, Reels, and Legends
reel manufacturers during the golden age of sportfishing. continued limited reel production under the Ocean City name control, particularly useful when transitioning from “strike” to
Known for producing durable and affordable saltwater reels, for a few more years. Ultimately, Ocean City ceased opera- “full” drag during a prolonged fight. The history of offshore reels is inseparable from the legends
Ocean City catered to both inshore and offshore anglers. tions entirely in the early 1970s, marking the end of an era for who wielded them. Names like Zane Grey, Ernest Hemingway,
Their big game models, such as the Ocean City 609 and 613, one of America’s most prolific reel manufacturers. By the 1970s and 1980s, companies like Penn and Shimano en- and Michael Lerner helped popularize big game angling. Hem-
were often seen aboard East Coast charter boats from the tered the scene with their own innovations. The Penn Interna- ingway, in particular, with his exploits off Bimini and Havana,
1930s through the 1950s. While not as refined as Vom Hofe The Evolution of Drag: From Leather to Lever tional series introduced anodized aluminum frames and high- brought marlin fishing into the public imagination. He favored
or Fin-Nor reels, Ocean City reels were praised for their solid speed gearing, while Shimano’s Tiagra line brought in advanced reels from brands like Vom Hofe and later Fin-Nor, often paired
construction, accessibility, and ease of maintenance. As a re- In the early days, drag systems were rudimentary at best. drag materials like carbon fiber. These modern systems offered with bamboo or heavy glass rods.
sult, they became popular among recreational anglers chas- Edward Vom Hofe’s leather-and-cork drag washers offered smoother performance, greater heat dissipation, and increased
ing tuna, sharks, and marlin, especially those who couldn’t smooth resistance but were susceptible to water damage longevity. Throughout the golden age of big game fishing—from the 1930s
afford the more expensive high-end brands. and wear. The next generation, pioneered by Fin-Nor and through the 1960s—the pursuit of world records became a na-

The Fin-Nor 12 G When reels became

Model was famous for powerful enjough to win

having a “double handle” the battles, the world

reel, populare in the records started to arrive

late 1930’s at the scales.

“Before drag systems, the only thing standing between you and the ocean’s “Every time we thought we had invented the strongest reel know to man,
fury was how tightly you gripped that reel.” a bigger fish would come along. Now you can catch a grander black marlin.”

- Alfred Glassell | FIN-NOR REELS - Alfred Glassell | FIN-NOR REELS

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