[jlsch1]

yup you get them pretty cheap back then I think those were made in Japan and cost around $39 to $49 dollars nice reel that had same feel as an Old Lews but lighter.
Like the old Black Shimano Bantamn with flipping switch you could buy all day long for $49 or Abu 5000 series red fishing reels really made in Sweeden not Korea or China.
Love the pistol grip rod you zing spinnerbait under some trees easily.
or
How about buying a real Lew's Childre speed spool or Shimano Bantam for $99 made in Japan which was alot of money for a reel back then.
I also had a bottom line side finder that you put a transducer on bottom and side of trollmotor to find fish below or to the side of you $299. Eagle made a cheaper version for $149 back then.

My first boat was a brand new state of the art aluminum riveted Fisher Marine Marsh Hawk with new 40 hp 3 cylinder Mariner Outboard loaded for $5995 plus tax.
For $20 I could fill my Nissan truck and boat up with real gas not ethanol.
Drive it from Baton Rouge to Golden Meadow pay a launch fee and have $2 left over.
$5 more you had enough for live shrimp or cocohoe minnows.
Those were the days!