Academy Fishing Reel Technical Information and History. ReeLpedia® - Page 3 By Bernie Ladd, 10/9/2024.

The ACADEMY Nottingham reel, produced by Academy Plastics Pty. Ltd. in Richmond, Victoria, Australia, emerged in the post-war period.

It competed with brands like Alpha and Ebro, which were also manufactured in Melbourne, as well as interstate rivals such as Alvey and Steelite, both of which produced Bakelite Nottingham reels. ACADEMY focused on mass production, targeting the budget end of the market. However, the early ACADEMY Nottingham reels, as documented in their factory specifications, boasted impressive features: a solid cast gunmetal bracket, bronze-bushed drum (spool), top-quality molded components, a free-action line guide, ratchet selector and brake, non-corroding materials, and a high-quality chrome-plated finish. These reels were comparable, and in some cases arguably superior, to other brands in terms of quality.

Academy Plastics also produced Bakelite Nottingham reels for Hartley’s Sports Store in Melbourne under the HARTLEY'S brand. Another reel, made by ACADEMY during the same period, was manufactured for the Melbourne-based company SPALDING.

In the 1950s, ACADEMY expanded its product line to include a range of fishing reel models, tackle boxes, junior rod angling kits, and other angling equipment made from durable polyethylene plastic. These products came in various sizes and color options. Academy Plastics continued producing angling equipment well into the 1970s.

Featured below are 20 different ACADEMY fishing reel models and other angling equipment, complete with detailed images and full technical descriptions and specifications.   Attention: this Academy fishing reel segment is a work in progress.