Vintage Garcia Conolon 2597-A Fishing Rod and Penn Level Wind Conventional Reel Set
Garcia Conolon (Rod), Penn (Reel - likely Model 9, 209, or 309) · Sporting Goods > Fishing > Rod & Reel Combos
Era / Decade
Late 1960s to Mid 1970s
Material
Fiberglass rod blank with maroon/gold thread wraps; EVA foam grip; chrome-plated brass and stainless steel reel components; marbled red plastic/bakelite-style handle knob.
Condition
Fair to Good. The rod shows significant decal wear and missing paint/finish on the blank. The reel shows surface corrosion, oxidation, and heavy dust/dirt. Mechanical functionality is unverified.
Demand Level
Moderate (High interest among vintage fishing collectors and 'user-collectors' who prefer old-school durability).
Resale Value
Estimated Resale Value
$45.00 - $85.00
Estimated Retail Value
$150.00 - $200.00 (Adjusted for modern equivalent higher-end fiberglass setups)
Comparable Sales
Similar Garcia Conolon rods sell for $30-$50; vintage cleaned Penn level-wind reels often fetch $25-$45 depending on the specific model number (e.g., Penn 209 or 309).
Description
A classic vintage saltwater or heavy freshwater trolling setup featuring a Garcia Conolon 2597-A fiberglass rod and a period-correct Penn Level Wind reel. The rod features iconic maroon and gold decorative wraps and a durable EVA foam handle. The reel is a workhorse Penn model known for longevity, featuring a distinct marbled red handle knob common in the 70s.
Key Features
Collectible Garcia Conolon brand name; desirable vintage Penn reel with iconic marbled handle; fiberglass durability; period-correct combo appeal for vintage gear enthusiasts.
Authenticity Indicators
Original factory decals and model number 2597-A on the rod; Penn branding and 'Made in USA' marks typically found on the side plates of the reel. Confidence: High.
Flaws to Note
Significant scuffing and loss of the 'Garcia Conolon' decal; oxidation and green corrosion on the reel's chrome parts; dirty foam grip; unknown internal condition of the reel's drag and gears.
Selling Guide
Where to Sell
eBay is the best platform for this due to the national collector base. Facebook Marketplace is a secondary option for local sales to avoid high shipping costs for long items.
Selling Tips
Clean the reel with a light oil (like WD-40 on a rag) to remove surface grime and test the clicker and drag before listing. Use keywords like 'Vintage Trolling,' 'Fiberglass,' and 'Penn Conventional.' Shipping fishing rods is expensive; consider 'Local Pickup Only' or using a heavy-duty PVC tube for shipping.