The Pflueger Sal-Trout 1554 is a click and pawl reel that was produced across two different time periods; 1934-1942 (pre-war) and 1946-1970 (post-war). So far as I can tell from my Internet forum digging, I believe mine is a post-war example based on the back cutaways, coloration of the spool, materials used in the spool handle, and shape of the spindles in the spool. The reel is very light, with the spool and most of the body being made of aluminum. The reel foot and body spindles appear to be brass.
I couldn’t tell you when I picked up this reel, or frankly, where even. It has sat on a shelf in my garage for some time now and due to my ADHD brains recent fascination with vintage rods, I finally decided to clean it up. A little scrub with some dawn dish soap and hot water, and it looks nearly new. After a small drop of reel oil on the spool shaft it is spinning smoothly and freely.
My mind now turns to its usefulness and I am lusty for a bamboo rod to hang this on. Daydreams of cool fall evenings walking driftless creeks dance in my head, and I can’t help but picture a beautiful sunset amongst the hills and valleys of home. I have never caught a trout in Wisconsin, which is embarrassing to admit, and something that must be remedied quickly. Somehow, I think I know exactly how I will be spending my days off in September.
Ouisconsin Raconteur 