Seamartin Australian Vintage Fishing Reel Reference History, and Technical Information guide, reeLpedia ® 22/6/2009.
Introducing ReeLpedia®: Your Ultimate Australian Vintage Seamartin Information and Reference Guide.
Welcome to ReeLpedia®, the Australian Encyclopedia dedicated to antique vintage fishing reels and angling memorabilia. This comprehensive factual information reference guide is a haven for passionate collectors, providing a unique and indelible connection to the world of vintage fishing. I am Bernard (Bernie) Ladd, and I am delighted to present ReeLpedia® from Melbourne, Australia.
Within ReeLpedia's extensive collection, this segment is dedicated to Australian vintage fishing reels, specifically focusing on the remarkable wooden creations by inventor Cliff Martin from Lakes Entrance, Victoria. Allow me to introduce you to the illustrious Seamartin reel models featured in this guide: the Seamartin cedar reel models 1 and 2, Seamartin model 3, Seamartin model 4, and the extraordinary Seamartin reel crafted from Australian Silky Oak wood.
Join us on a captivating journey as we delve into the intricate details, historical significance, and craftsmanship behind these remarkable Seamartin fishing reels. Whether you're a seasoned collector, an angling enthusiast, or simply fascinated by the artistry of vintage fishing gear, ReeLpedia® is your go-to resource for a comprehensive understanding of Seamartin reels and their place in Australia's angling heritage.
Uncover the stories, unravel the mysteries, and ignite your passion for antique fishing reels with ReeLpedia®. Let us be your trusted companion in exploring the rich tapestry of Australian vintage fishing history.
Stay tuned for an immersive experience that celebrates the art, ingenuity, and nostalgia of Seamartin fishing reels.
The Seamartin fishing reel is arguably the most notable and distinctive wooden reel in existence. This reel has captivated the fascination of countless anglers, initially drawn to its unique design and functionality. The birthplace of the Seamartin Surf Reel is none other than Lakes Entrance, situated along the East Gippsland coast in Victoria, Australia. It was here that Cliff Martin, the reel's creator, resided, and it is also where Bernard Ladd, an avid collector and historian of Australian vintage fishing gear, has frequented for over three decades.
In 1999, Ladd relocated to this popular Victorian fishing destination, to share his beloved pastime with fellow enthusiastic anglers in the area. It was during his time there that he had the fortune of meeting Cliff Martin's nephew, as well as numerous other owners of Seamartin reels who had personal connections to Cliff Martin himself. This fortunate circumstance provided Ladd with a profound understanding of the coastal environment that Cliff Martin called home—a setting that fostered the genesis of his renowned Seamartin Fishing Reel.
Below, Bernard (Bernie) Ladd offers an extensive exploration of the Seamartin reel's history, employing a biographical approach to shed light on its skilled inventor, Cliff Martin. Additionally, Ladd provides a comprehensive analysis of the reel's engineering design, delving into the various models that emerged progressively over time. reeLpedia® (2018)
Cliff Martin, fishing in the 1960s at Lakes Entrance using his creation the Seamartin surf casting reel.
Seamartin identification aluminium plate fitted to all wood models upon patent approval registration. Reels produced before patent approval during the 1950s were kindly entrusted by Cliff Martin to close friends, without an identification patent plate.
Seamartin first production models were produced with Brass oscillators.
Seamartin History
SEAMARTIN fishing reel was the unique invention of Cliff Martin from Lakes Entrance in Victoria -c.1950s.
The design principle of the remarkable SEAMARTIN is between a side cast and a spinning reel. The spool is fixed forward as with a spinning reel, but the spool revolves to retrieve the line like a side cast reel. The unique oscillating action of the line retrieve hook lays the line on the spool in a cross-weave pattern eliminating bite-in and coil throwing. It also allows the spool to be filled to capacity without line slip-off, ensuring trouble-free casting. A devoted saltwater fisherman and self-taught fitter and turner, Cliff Martin successfully patented his reel in 1960, lodged at the registered address of his Solicitor in Scott Street, Bairnsdale, Victoria. Around 1,000 reels were manufactured over the next 10 years. They were all handmade. The early prototypes were made from whatever scrap materials Cliff Martin could lay his hands on. The production model of the surf reel has an Australian Cedar body and spool-drum with Brass bevel gears, and Manganese Bronze bearings, that are so massive that Martin offered a lifetime guarantee against malfunction.
By 1970, despite a permanent backlog of three months of orders, and a production rate of about 3 or 4 reels a week, Martin was barely making wages and agreed to sell the patent rights to Wally Bambit of Oakleigh Agencies in Traralgon. The new owners re-designed the SEAMARTIN, now called the MONARCH, to accommodate the requirements of mass production by producing a die-cast body with a plastic-type spool. After Wally Bambit's passing, the patent rights were secured by Acmil Mouldings for approximately 12 months, before the patent rights were acquired lastly by Neptune Tackle. >< )))) * > B. L, 2004.
First production: Seamartin Model 1 - c.1960. "Seamartin Patented- No.242,286" on id plate.
The very first production of SEAMARTIN was based on the Brass Oscillating Bush design, which uniquely comprised single piece Australian red cedar spool drum, with an optional extra line capacity created by permanently fixed Marine Ply side-plates, which made up the front and back of the drum. The design of the single-piece drum, at a much later stage, was found to be quite problematic. Most fishing enthusiasts who took good care of their reel did not encounter any splitting of the spool drum sides. However, if the real was left wet with the line tightly spooled around it, expansion of the cedar wood would cause the splitting of the drum's side plates. Cliff Martin offered a lifetime guarantee on his reels, and he repaired damaged spools by replacing them with Marine Ply side plates, often on the rear, and in worst-case scenarios, front and back of the drum.
Specifications:
Gears - machine cut, heavy duty, brass bevels of 29 and 15 teeth; Shafts - 5/16'' Stainless Steel; Bearings Manganese Bronze; 3 Neoprene shaft seals (standard all models); ratio 2:1; Line pick up Stainless Steel; Spool-drum back cover Stainless Steel; T - drag semi-domed nut; Cast brass type, T - saddle [foot] nickel plated); Crank arm mild steel nickel plated (model's 1&2); later versions 3 & 4 Stainless Steel; Australian cedar housing (body) and spool (Left Hand Wind by Order).
Above 8 images depicting the Seamartin model 1.
Seamartin Model 2 -c. early 1960s. Teflon Polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE) guide block.
It appears that Cliff Martin was concerned, in the early days of SEAMARTIN's production, that his unique invention was perhaps somewhat too heavy in its overall weight and too vulnerable to oxidation due to exposure to natural elements. It is apparent that Cliff Martin's further model, which is referenced here as "Model 2" shows his determined attempts to address these issues. The Oscillator Guide which was originally Brass, in "Model 2" is made of Teflon.
Teflon (Polytetraflouroethylene) discovered by DuPont in 1932, became known for its non-friction capabilities, ease of machining; lighter weight; cheaper material cost, and superior corrosion resistance. Cliff Martin's choice of this particular material in the creation of the bottom oscillating guide of cylindrical design and the top section of a block configuration has proven to be a major step towards reducing the material costs and costs associated with the machining downtime, in addition to the Teflon light weight, durability, non-corrosive, and low friction properties.
Specifications:
The Line Retrieve Oscillating Hook remains the same, made of Stainless Steel; the crank arm remains nickel-plated mild steel; T - drag semi-domed nut; T - saddle (foot) is cast brass type nickel plated as the first production model.
Above 5 images depicting the Seamartin model 2.
Seamartin Model 3 - c. early 1960s
Features cylindrical Teflon oscillating guides that became standard on all Cliff Martin SEAMARTIN reels. This Model 3 pictured here has the non-brass screw oiling option.
Specifications:
One piece Australian Red Cedar spool drum; Cast brass type T-foot (saddle) are nickel plated. Due to the cost of nickel-plating mild-steel crank arms, and the extra labour involved, Cliff Martin decided to produce a crank arm in stronger, corrosion-resistant 316-grade Stainless Steel. All other components remain typical of previous models.
There is evidence that the SEAMARTIN Model 3 was available for purchase as early as 1962. For example, one of those lucky buyers, in 1962, was Harry Hauser of Bairnsdale, Victoria. Eventually, Harry's precious possession of SEAMARTIN Model 3 became his gift to a friend John Summervillie in the late 1960s.
Above 6 images depicting the Seamartin model 3.
Seamartin Model 4 Last version made -c. late 1960s to 1971.
Cliff Martin performed a complete model revamp on his last version, to further reduce the overall weight of his iconic reel. The modifications included reducing the original Stainless Steel back plate diameter from 4 & 11/16 inches to the new diameter of 4 & 5/8 inches. The reel's reliability was also improved with the edition of a Marine Ply spool-drum back. The earlier models' cast Bronze-type Nickel-plated foot was re-designed, using weight-saving cast Aluminium Bronze; after casting the T - foot (saddle) surface was polished (buffed). A new lighter and more ergonomic style plastic handle knob was also incorporated. The original first production, Model 1, weighed 872 grams. The new Model 4's weight was 826 grams. These modifications resulted in an overall weight reduction of 46 grams.
SEAMARTIN Model 4 is the last version Cliff Martin manufactured. Sometime in 1971, Cliff Martin sold his patent rights to Wally Bambit, a local businessman from Traralgan, Victoria, Australia.
Above 5 images depicting the Seamartin model 4.
Seamartin manufactured from Australian Silky Oak Grevillea robusta -c. 1960s.
Cliff Martin sometime in the early 1960s produced his SEAMARTIN from Australian Silky Oak wood. It is unclear why Cliff decided to produce a very limited number made from Silky Oak, which did add extra weight to his iconic design. The Silky Oak version weighs 904 grams whereas the Cedar version weighs an average of 804 grams. To date I have sighted only three Silky Oak Seamartin reels, thus I believe this is an extremely rare specimen.
Specifications:
Australian Silky Oak spool drum and housing; Nickel plated cast brass T-saddle (foot); Mild steel T-drag full acorn nut, S/S grip bar; crank arm 316-grade Stainless Steel. All other components remain typical of other models.
Above 5 images depicting the extremely rare Silky Oak Heavy Duty Seamartin model.
More Seamartin model information:
Left hand wind SEAMARTIN.
Made by order. Mechanical specifications similar to other wood Seamartin models.
Seamartin model 4 , fitted with Roller Line Guide Hook. Possibly made by order or experimental.
Seamartin models 3 and 4, presented in mint condition
Factual statistic:This mint never fished Cedar Seamartin fishing reel sold for a record price of $3,650.00 on January 4, 2010.The eBay seller id : reelman* A record auction price that still stands today.
Seamartin wood spool-drum types.
Early models: Seamartin solid one piece Australian Red Cedar spool-drum.The early solid wood Cedar spool-drum is prone to side face splitting if not properly cared for.
Silky oak marine ply backed spool-drum that was used for the Silky Oak housing (body) Seamartin.
Marine ply front and back faces; Australian Red Cedar drum centre, to facilitate the fitting of extra line capacity. An option for all wood Seamartins produced.
Model 4 Seamartin marine ply backed Australian Red Cedar spool-drum that became standard on the later models that improved the spool-drums reliability.
Early Seamartin Red cedar drum with aluminium bracing on the front drum (spool) face.
Above four different crank-arm handle knobs produced by Cliff Martin for his wooden Seamartin reels.
Clutch drag nut types used for the wood Seamartin models.
Exposed Seamartin wooden housing. courtesy Bob Dunn, AFR book.
Initial Seamartin gear housing manufacturing stage.
Seamartin experimental, proto types and first production version.
Representation of several prototype reels by Cliff Martin. The five images starting from the left, highlight Cliff Martin's passion for experimentation with the ergonomic design of his classic quintessential reel invention. The third image from the left shows the Seamartin with the line retrieval hook positioned on the same side of the crank handle. This particular reel is unique in its experimental phase as there is no evidence that the ID badge was ever fitted, as can be seen in the two close-up images on the right. Martin decided that this experimental configuration was not as useful in terms of manual line handling, which ultimately led to the development of his final line guide patented design mechanism, which has the line retrieval hook positioned on the opposite side of the crank handle, as depicted in the last image on the far right-hand side. >< )))) * > B. L., 2017.
Cliff Martin photographs and news paper clippings.
Left: The modified Harley-VW motorised Seamartin Tricycle Beach Buggy; Cliff Martin and his son-in-law Charles, at the 90 Mile Surf Beach, Lakes Entrance. Victoria. Early 1970s
SEAMARTIN's review 1974, announcing in a local news paper 'Traralgan News' the new Monarch Seamartin retail availability.
Cliff Martin death tribute 1908 - 1983.
Cliff Martin fishing his famous wood Seamartin..
Early Seamartin brochure with hand written instructions by Cliff Martain, on back page.
Original Seamartin reeLmanAustralia.com Adobe flash format Website, before transformation to HTML 5 format.
1970 Seamartin brochure naming anglers: "Ron Somerville, Australian beach champion, also Australian distance casting champion, 4 oz. level line, 504 ft. 5 in; 1969 Convention Australian and Victorian record, 1970; Ladies unrestricted light line distance, Mrs. Aileen Williams, 406 ft. 6in." who used Cliff Martin-made wooden Seamartin's when successfully winning various casting competitions in Australia.
Seamartin patent application 1959.
Seamartin review.
Seamartin Value, Factual Statistic: A mint never fished Seamartin wooden reel, realised at an auction held on the 4th of January 2010, $3,650.00. It was the highest price ever paid for this unique reel invented and made by Cliff Martin, of Lakes Entrance Victoria. The Seamartin wooden reel is the most sought-after reel by Australian collectors and without doubt the most collectable of all wooden reels ever produced in Australia. Seamartin wooden reel features in the top 10 of the most collectible wooden surf fishing reels produced worldwide! Reelpedia ® , 2010.
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