Rod Rating Designations and Abbreviations

RKP Cane Rods 226P4 ~ 6’ ~ 2/2 ~ 2.8oz. ~ 3/4wt. ~ Serial No. 31311 ~ EXC ~ This quality crafted rod from Grayling, Michigan’s Rick Perry presumably built in 2011 features attractive light honey-tone cane with golden nodes, translucent light brown silks with black accent at the WC and ferrule stations and black at one tip-top guide for tip differentiation, carbaloy stripper, chrome snakes and tip-tops, smooth & tight fitting N/S “Super -Z- style ferrules that give a satisfying pop when separated and a nicely executed varnish finish. The business end of the butt section has a comfortable pregnant cigar grip with tapered nose, nicely figured cedar seat fitted with D/L'ing N/S cap and ring hardware and petite N/S WC. The rod comes with the original bag and aluminum tube with maker’s label. The crisp medium-fast action throws is perfect for tight quarters on small streams and throws a sweet loop with a Cortland Sylk DT-3 and Cortland Peach WF-4. This well-built rod from the birthplace of Trout Unlimited is a nice find for the small stream and ‘crick enthusiast. $595 $525

J.L. Bradley Midge ~ 6’3” ~ 2/2 ~ 2.6oz. ~ 3wt. Serial No. U-1 ~ As New ~ This high-quality one owner offering from Joe Bradley is sure to please.  It features attractive pre-embargo cane with 3x3 spiral nodes, matched tips, translucent tan silks tipped maroon, agate stripper housed in a joe Arguello black N/S frame, light wire snakes and tip–tops, smooth and tight fitting blued N/S ferrules that give a satisfying pop when separated, and nicely finished with eight coats of hand rubbed spar varnish.  The business end of the butt section is fitted with a comfortable cigar grip, beautifully figured birds eye maple seat with blued D/L’ing cap and ring hardware and petite blued WC.  The rod comes with a quality made tan soft cotton bag with ferrule plug pocket (this rod is sans ferrule plugs), and aluminum tube with brass end, collar and cap that bears the makers label.  The rod has an extremely light in the hand feel and a pleasing medium-fast action that really sings when paired with a SA Ultra buckskin DT-3.  This finely tuned wand, superbly made in the USA could be your new small stream/brookie rod $1,095

Steve Gobin (Quilceda Rod Works) ~ 6’8” ~ 2/2 ~ 3.2oz. ~ 3wt. ~ As New ~ This nicely crafted rod from the Pacific NW maker appears to be unfished.  Mr. Gobin is an accomplished a well-known fly tyer who learned the bamboo rod building craft, in part, from Darryl Whitehead, and his workmanship is top notch.  The rod features attractive honey-toned cane with 3 around golden nodes, mirrored tips, jet black silks tipped white, quality furnishings include a black agate stripper housed in a silver mildrum-style frame, black snakes and tip-tops, smooth, tight fitting N/S ferrules (with matching black/white cone-shaped ferrule plug) that give a satisfying pop when separated and a nicely executed glass smooth  varnish finish.  The business end of the butt section has a comfortable extra-flora grade cigar grip, nicely figured black/white ebony seat fitted with D/L'ing N/S cap and ring hardware and a petite N/S WC.  The rod comes with the original black bag with black leather hang tab and heavy gauge aluminum tube with brass end, collar and cap.  The rod has a brisk medium-fast action perfect for close in dry fly work.  It delivers tight loops when paired with a Cortland 444 Peach WF/DT-3 and is the ultimate light line small stream rod that would make a nice addition to anyone’s quiver. $1,295 $1,095

Pickard 704 ~ 7' ~ 2/2 ~ 2.8 oz. ~ 4wt ~ EXC+/As New ~ This quality offering from the bench of Hillsdale, Michigan’s John Pickard is based on the Paul Young Princess taper. You’ll immediately notice John’s attention to detail and mature hand when you first take the rod out of the bag. It features beautifully flamed cane with 3x3 golden nodes, matched tips, translucent brown silk wraps, quality furnishings include oxidized stripper, snakes and tip-tops, tight fitting oxidized N/S ferrules give a satisfying pop when separated and a nicely executed glass-smooth varnish finish. The business end of the butt section has a comfortable modified cigar grip that continues down to form the cork seat that is fitted with black D/L’ing cap and ring hardware, and a HK loop near cork/cane interface. The rod is simply marked Pickard 704 and comes with a quality hooded khaki bag and labeled aluminum tube with brass end, cap and collar. Its crisp and progressive medium-fast action throws a tight loop with a Cortland 444 Peach WF-4 and DT-4. This is a wonderful light line rod perfect for dry fly work on small to mid-size streams that has seen minimal use. $1,295 $995

SOLD

F.T. Williams & CO LTD “The Rivercraft” ~ 7'2” ~ 2pc. ~ 6oz. ~ Med-Fast Action ~ EXC (exception noted) ~ This classic spinning rod from London England is a real blast from the past. It features attractive light honey-tone cane, deep burgundy silks (possibly re-wrapped at some point) with full intermediates, over-sized red agate stripper, bridge snakes and bridged red agate tip top and blued spiked ferrules that give a solid pop when separated. The business end of the butt section has an elongated straight spinning rod grip with dual slide bands, fighting butt and exposed WC. The makers name is stamped into the side of the elongated butt cap. No bag or tube. There’s still plenty of life left in this ole classic for those who prefer to toss Mepps and Panther Martins. $395 $195

L.J. Downes 7312 ~ 7’3” ~ 2/2 ~ 4.4oz. ~ 4wt. ~ As New ~ Jim Downes has been hand crafting custom bamboo fly rods for over two decades and honed his craft in part, under the watchful eyes of the late George Maurer. This nicely constructed rod from Mr. Downes PA shop features attractive light honey-tone cane with lightly swelled butt, 3 x 3 nodes, book-matched tips, chestnut silk tipped black, chestnut agate stripper housed in a bonze nickel frame, bronze snakes and tip tops, smooth and tight fitting blued N/S ferrules that give a satisfying pop when separated and a nicely glass-smooth executed varnish finish. The business end of the butt section has a presentation grade cigar grip made from beautifully figured dark tiger stripe maple, matching tiger stripe maple seat with blued N/S D/L’ing cap and ring hardware and a petite blued N/S WC. The rod comes with quality-made bag with leather hag tab and labeled aluminum tube with brass cap, collar and end. The makers logo is stamped into the side of the tube cap and butt cap. The medium-fast action is well suited for dry fly work, for me best with a Cortland 444 Peach WF/DT-4. The present retail price for this quality-constructed rod is $1,600. Get this one, as new and sans wait. for… $1,195 $995

D.G. Schroeder ~ 7'3” ~ 2/2 ~ 3.7oz. ~ 5wt. Serial No 12795 ~ EXC+ ~ This high quality offering from the bench of Janesville, Wisconsin’s Don Schroeder comes in one of my favorite lengths. Don is widely regarding as a premiere builder of split bamboo fly rods and his fine lineup of quality rods is unsurpassed in quality. As soon as you remove the rod from the tube, you’ll immediately notice Don’s attention to detail and mature hand. This rod was built in 1995 and is his 127th overall. It features attractive lightly flamed cane with golden nodes, matched tips, elegant translucent tan silks tipped burgundy, black nickel smoke stripper, snakes, and tip tops, blued N/S ferrules that fit smooth and tight and give a resounding pop when separated and an expertly executed jewel-like varnish finish. The business end of the butt section has a comfortable extra flora-grade cigar grip, highly polished and beautifully figured walnut seat with D/L’ing blued N/S exposed end cap & ring hardware and blued petite N/S WC. The maker’s name is stamped into the side of the butt cap. The rod comes with sturdy tan bag with stiffener and labeled black wrinkle-finish aluminum tube with brass cap and collar. The silky smooth medium-fast action throws a sweet loop, for me best with a Cortland 444 Peach DT-4 and WF-5, and offers a nice blend of power and delicacy. This is a superb rod in every way and could be your new go to favorite for small to medium size streams. $1,450

Blitzen River Rod Co. “Blitzen 4” ~ 7.5' ~ 2/1 (made that way) ~ 4oz. ~ 4wt. Serial No. B7640519016 ~ As New ~ This beautifully crafted rod from the bench of Oregon’s Chris McDowell is based on a proprietary taper and features wonderful lightly flamed cane with 3 x3 golden nodes, jet black silks, black stripper and Quality furnishings include black stripper, snakes and tip-top, blued N/S ferules that fit smooth and tight and give a satisfying pop when separated and a nicely executed glass smooth varnish finish.  The business end of the butt section has a comfortable full Wells grip, black seat with black D/L'ing screw and slide hood hardware.  The rod comes with the original 2-compartment bag and labeled aluminum tube.  The sweet medium-fast action is perfect for dry fly work and the rod is capable of delivering a long line with a delicate presentation.  It really sang for me when paired with a Cortland 444 Peach WF/DT-4.  This attractive wand, nicely crafted in the USA, would be a welcome addition to anyone’s quiver. $595 $525

R.W. Summers Model 275 ~ 7.5' ~ 2/2 ~ 3.2 oz. ~ 4wt. ~ Serial No. 622009 ~ As New ~ Mr. Summers’ distinguished career at the Paul Young Company and as owner of the R.W. Summers Company needs little introduction to those who own, collect, and fish quality bamboo fly rods. He is widely regarded as one of the premier makers of bamboo rods and his association with the PHY company is well documented. This beautiful Traverse City, Michigan classic crafted in Mr. Summers’ deluxe format features beautifully flamed cane wrapped in translucent brown silks tipped black, quality furnishings include a mildrum-style stripper, chrome snakes and tip tops, blued N/S ferrules that fit smooth and tight and give a satisfying pop when separated, and an expertly executed mirror-like varnish finish. The business end of the butt section is fitted with a comfortable modified-Wells grip with walnut check, cork seat with dual N/S slide rings and walnut butt cap, and a HK attached at the front of the grip. The rod comes in its original chocolate brown bag with maker’s tag stitched into the top, attached ferrule plug and heavy-duty aluminum tube with brass bottom and cap featuring the makers name clearly struck into the top of the cap. The light in the had feel and action that is just a touch on the fast side of medium throws a sweet loop with a nice blend a power and delicacy and is best, for me when paired with a Cortland 444 Peach WF-4. This delightful wand has seen limited, if any use, and is ready for immediate delivery. Superb! $2,795 $2,595

R.W. Summers Model 275 ~ 7.5' ~ 2/2 ~ 3.2oz. ~ 4wt. ~ Serial No. 532009 ~ New! ~ Mr. Summers’ distinguished career at the Paul Young Company and as owner of the R.W. Summers Company needs little introduction to those who own, collect, and fish quality bamboo fly rods.  He is widely regarded as one of the premier makers on the planet.  This one-owner Traverse City, Michigan classic features beautifully attractive flamed cane with golden nodes, translucent brown silks tipped black, quality Summers guides and furnishings, smooth and tight-fitting oxidized N/S ferrules with ferrule plug  that give a satisfying pop when separated, and a perfectly executed glass-smooth varnish finish.  The business end of the butt section is fitted with a comfortable cigar grip, cork seat, dual slide rings, walnut butt cap and grip check, and a HK attached at the front of the grip.  The rod comes in its original chocolate brown bag with makers label stitched into the top, heavy gauge aluminum tube with brass end and cap, and original shipping tube.  The maker’s name is engraved into the top of the tube cap.  The pleasant light parabolic dry fly action is reminiscent of a PHY Perfectionist that was formerly in my quiver and delivers a smooth and tight loop, for me, best with a Cortland 444 Peach WF/DT-4.  The rod was made for the current owner who only endeavored to lawn cast it, but reported that he did not even do that.  It has never seen the water. Superb! $3,995 SALE $2,995

SOLD OUT

SOLD

L.J. Downes 7913 ~ 7’9” ~ 2/2 ~ 4.3oz. ~ 5wt. ~ Serial No. 6622 ~ As New ~ Jim Downes has been hand crafting custom bamboo fly rods for over two decades and honed his craft in part, under the watchful eyes of the late George Maurer. This nicely constructed rod from Mr. Downes PA shop features attractive light honey-tone cane with lightly swelled butt, 3 x 3 nodes, book-matched tips, burgundy silk tipped black with full intermediate wraps, chestnut agate stripper housed in a bonze nickel frame, bronze snakes and tip tops, smooth and tight fitting blued N/S ferrules that give a satisfying pop when separated and a nicely glass-smooth executed varnish finish. The business end of the butt section has a comfortable extra flora grade cigar grip, nicely figured dark tiger stripe maple seat with blued N/S D/L’ing cap and ring hardware and a petite blued N/S WC. The rod comes with quality-made bag with leather hag tab and labeled aluminum tube with brass cap, collar and end (light tarnish on tube cap and collar). The makers logo is stamped into the side of the butt cap. The medium-fast action is a joy to cast and the 7’9” format is well suited to most trout fishing situations. I really enjoyed casting it with a Cortland 444 Peach WF/DT-5. The present retail price for this quality-constructed rod is $1,600+ the intermediates. Get this one, as new and sans wait. for… $1,295 $995

SOLD

SOLD

Dickerson 8013 ~ 8' ~ 2/2 ~ 4oz. ~ 5wt. ~ EXC (exceptions noted) ~ This historically significant classic built by the famed Bellaire, MI maker was made in 1955 for Mr. Bill Flick, son of Mr. Art Flick, the renown Catskill conservationist, author and fly fisherman. It is being offered in hopes that it will once again be enjoyed by someone who loves fly fishing and bamboo rods. Based on the fine book Dickerson The Man and His Rods by Gerry Stein and Jim Schaaf, only 121 of these rods were listed in the Dickerson ledger. It features light honey-tone cane, translucent copper-brown silks tipped black, with the 4 hallmark signature wraps between the grip and stripper, mildrum stripper, smooth and tight fitting blued N/S ferrules (no pop) and a nicely executed varnish finish. There are ¾” and ¼” repair wraps located between the last snake guide and the replacement tip-top guide on one of the tips and the snake guides on this tip are a darker color, but appear to be Dickerson-issue. The other tip has a light set. The business end of the butt section has a modified cigar grip with tapered nose, walnut seat with the hallmark screw D/L’ing hardware and HK loop. It comes with a hooded bag (tiny hole at the bottom seam of butt section compartment) and aluminum tube, both thought to be original. The rod has a pleasing medium to medium-fast action and effortlessly throws a tight loop when paired with a Cortland 444 Peach WF-5/DT-5. This rare classic from one of the masters of yesteryear is ready to be used for many more years. $3,495 $2,495

Heddon #20 Bill Stanley’s Favorite ~ 8' ~ 3/2 ~ 1 3/4F ~ 4.6oz ~ 5wt. ~ EXC+ (exception noted) ~ This wonderful Dowagiac, Michigan-made rod is from Heddon’s Post-Classic era (1949 – 1956) and comes in the hard to find 1 3/4F format. It was built in Heddon’s “Handmade Rod Department” where all rods (# 20 and up) were crafted by a single rod maker. It is unknown if it was restored but at a minimum, the wraps received a light overcoat. It features attractive browntone cane with swelled butt, deep burgundy silks tipped gold, black stripper, snakes and tips-tops, smooth and tight-fitting blued N/S ferrules and a nicely executed varnish finish. One tip has a light fishing set that does not affect line flow or performance and the grip shows some light ridging. The business end of the butt section is fitted with a reversed half-wells grip, brown marbleized tenite spacer with black D/L'ing screw and sliding hood hardware, wound over WC and folding ring HK. Straight line Heddon writing is on three alternating flats. The rod comes with a burgundy Heddon bag with remnants of the stitched in hang tag and burgundy aluminum tube with lock-down screw-tite cap. Although the bag label is no longer legible and the tube is sans label, both are believed to be original. The comfortable medium action throws a tight loop when paired with a Cortland 444 Peach WF/DT-5 line. This well-made classic is a real head-turner and would be a welcome addition to anyone’s arsenal but is an especially nice find for the Heddon enthusiast. $695 $595

H.L. Leonard Duracane #807 ~ 8' ~ 2/2 ~ 5oz. ~ 6wt. ~ Serial No. 2430 ~ EXC+ ~ This popular offering from the H.L. Leonard Rod Company features attractive impregnated cane with 3 x 3 nodes, brown silks tipped black, smoked nickel carbaloy style stripper, black snakes, blued tip–tops, smooth and tight fitting blued N/S ferrules that give a satisfying pop when separated and a maintenance free impregnated finish.  The business end of the butt section is fitted with a comfortable modified cigar grip, black svrew and slide hood U/L’ing seat with nicely figured hardwood spacer, petite blued N/S WC, and folding ring HK.  The side of the butt cap carries the company die stamp.  The rod comes with  a nice tan bag with brass grommeted leather hang tab (believed to be a replacement) and original Leonard-issue aluminum tube with brass end, collar and cap.  The smooth medium action is just a touch on the fast side of medium and throws a tight loop, for me best with a Cortland 444 Peach DT-5 and WF/DT-6.  Brown wrap duracanes have developed a well-earned following and typically do not last long. $1,095 $995

H.L. Leonard Model 66 ~ 8’ ~ 2/2 ~ 3.8 oz. ~ 5wt. ~ EXC (exceptions noted) ~ This early (pre-WW-II) pre-fire classic is a favorite among Leonard rod enthusiasts and features light honey toned cane with swelled butt, deep burgundy silks, agate stripper, hardened steel snakes and tip-tops, and smooth and tight fitting Leonard step-down ferrules with witness marks that give a resounding pop when separated and a nicely executed varnish finish. The female ferrule on the butt carries the pat stamp just below the welt. One tip is down 3/8” and has a clear 5/8” protective wrap between the 4th and 5th snake guide. The wrap, which was expertly applied, appears to be protecting a hook dig when viewed under magnification. The cane seems solid with no open voids noted when the tip is flexed and I would have no reservations about fishing this tip with full force. The business end of the butt section is fitted with a cigar grip, D/L'ing N/S wedding band cap and ring seat over a butternut spacer, petite exposed N/S WC and folding ring HK. The Leonard Rod HL Leonard Rod Co. makers and Reg U.S. Pat Off die stamp is clearly struck into the side of the butt cap.. The rod comes with the original olive bag with stiffener (hang tag included, but spearated from bag) and original slender brass capped tube. This hard to find classic has a silky smooth medium to medium-fast action that I found very pleasing when paired with a Cortland 444 Peach WF/DT-5. It is a perfect all-around trout rod that is well-suited for dry fly work, dry and dropper rigs, and tossing hoppers and terrestrials. This superb effort from the famous world renown maker could become your new go to rod! $1,095 $995

SOLD

McKellip M84 ~ 8' ~ 2/2 ~ 4.3oz. ~ 4wt. ~ As New ~ This finely-tuned one owner rod from the bench of Michigan’s McKellip Brothers was built in 1995. One immediately notices the attention to detail soon as the rod is removed from its handsome antique olive tube. It features select heat-treated tonkin cane with an attractive light carmel hue, matched tips, 2 x 2 nodes, avocado silks tipped red and nicely-executed glass smooth varnish finish. The quality furnishings include a smoke black stripper, black snakes and tip tops and smooth and tight fitting blued NS ferrules that give a resounding pop when separated. The business end of the butt section is fitted with comfortable modified well grip perfectly married to a nicely figured birds eye maple seat with blued N/S D/L’ing cap ring hardware. The side of the butt cap is tastefully engraved with the maker’s logo. A petite blued WC completes the grip area. The rod comes with a quality stitched antique olive bag with leather hang tab and matching antique olive labeled tube with the makers logo engraved into the top of the heavy gauge brass tube cap. The comfortable action is just a touch on the fast side of medium and is well-suited to dry fly work when paired with a Cortland Peach DT-4/WF-5. This superb rod has seen little, if any use and will surely please. $895

Paul H. Young Parabolic 15 ~ 8’ ~ 2/2 ~ 4.2/4.3oz. ~ HDH (DT-6) ~ EXC+ RS ~ This Detroit-made classic from the Paul H. Young Co is a real powerhouse. It features attractive flamed cane, brown silks, mildrum-style stripper, smooth & tight fitting oxidized Super -Z- stamped N/S ferrules that give a strong pop and a nicely executed varnish finish. Most original-build PHY Para 15s carry a serial number that began in 1955 around the time Bob Summers began work at the Young shop. This rod is sans seral number and was likely built in the early 1950s after the Super-Z ferrules were adopted by Young and based on the varnish, wrap work and writing on the rod, was restored by Bob. The Super Z was designed circa 1948 by Louis Feierabend who spent time on the Nat Uslan’s small Spring Valley, NY staff of talented craftsmen. The rod features a dry tip (the rod weighs in a svelte 4.2 oz with this tip) and a wet tip (4.3oz) and is so marked. There is also a few turns of red silk at the tip-top guide of the dry tip for ease of identification. The business end of the butt section has a comfortable modified Wells grip (possibly replaced by Bob), black screw D/L’ing seat wth blued butt cap, cork spacer and a HK loop that appears to be Bob Summers-issue. The side of the butt cap carries the Paul H. Young Co. Detroit – Mich die stamp. It comes with what appears to be the original bag (small holes at bottom) and the original aluminum tube made from war surplus B-24 “Liberator” aircraft tubing from the Willow Run, MI bomber plant. This fine casting instrument has a medium-fast parabolic action that throws a smooth and tight loop with minimal effort. It is rated for a DT-6 silk line, but best for me when paired with a Cortland 444 Peach DT-5/WF-6. This cool piece of Michigan history is ready for immediate use on your favorite stream. $2,995 $2,295

Carlin P200H ~ 8'3” ~ 3/2 ~ 4.3oz.~ 5wt. ~ New (with plastic on the grip) ~ This taper for this finely-tuned rendition of the popular Payne 200 was extended out to accommodate the additional 3” in length by Far North Rodsmith’s Chris Carlin. This one owner classic features attractive light carmel-colored canewith golden with 3x3 golden nodes, matched tips, replica Payne style java silks tipped yellow with a turn of red at the HK, light carmel agate stripper housed in a smoked nickel frame, with light wire smoked nickel snakes and tip tops, smooth and tight-fitting blued N/S truncated ferrules that give a resounding pop when separated and a perfectly executed glass-like varnish finish. The business end of the butt section is fitted with a modified cigar grip with tapered nose, Payne-like cedar seat with blued N/S D/L’ing cap and ring hardware and folding ring HK. The rod comes with a custom-made bag with brass grommeted leather hang tab and aluminum tube with brass cap, collar and end complete with the maker’s label and rod information. This rod has a wonderful medium action designed for long casts and stealthy presentations. The rod performs admirably when paired with a Cortland 444 Peach DT/WF-DT5 and would be a fine choice for the large and finicky trout of the Henry’s Fork, Missouri, Big Horn or Big D. Superb! $1,395

Barney & Berry ~ 8.5' ~ 3/2 ~ 4.4 oz ~ 5wt. ~Serial No. 7255 ~ EXC+ RS ~ Barney & Berry contacted Winchester/Edwards to build rods bearing the B&B name into the 1902s, and was eventually acquired by Remington Arms. This early 1920s classic was reportedly refinished by Steve Blake and features attractive carmel-colored cane with swelled butt, gold silks tipped red and black, red agate stripper, hardened steel snakes, red agate tip-tops, smooth and tight fitting N/S ferrules that give a solid pop when separated and a nicely-executed varnish finish. The business end of the butt section is fitted with a cigar grip, screw D/L’ing seat with cedar barrel spacer, exposed WC, and folding ring HK. The butt cap carries the Barney & Berry Made in USA (with serial number) die stamp, nicely struck. The rod comes with comes with what is believed to be the original olive canvas bag and an early Heddon aluminum tube. It has a light in the had feel and a wonderful medium-slow action that for me, is best with a Cortland 444 Peach DT-5. It was also easily handle a 6 in WF/DT/TT formats if asked and would be a good candidate for a silk line. This would be a nice find for the Winchester/Edwards enthusiast and cool piece of Century old Americana. $595 $495

SOLD

Edwards “Quadrate” #50 ~ 8.5' ~ 3/2 ~ 4.9oz. ~ 6/7wt. ~ EXC+ RS ~ This Mt Carmel, CT quad was nicely restored (not sure who did the work) and features attractive shade of lightly flamed cane with golden nodes, red silks tipped black with alternating signatures wraps on the butt section, red agate stripper, black snakes and tip-tops that appear to be new replacements, smooth and easy working blued N/S ferrules that give a nice pop when separated and ai nicely executed glass smooth varnish finish. The business end of the butt section is fitted with a light cigar grip brown pyralin seat with matching scree U/L’ing hardware, black grip checks and a folding ring HK. Inked on the rod in white script is #50. From the famous writings of the late Martin Keane comes the following passage… “Don’t draw any conclusions about an Edwards Quad rod until you’ve actually fished it under normal conditions – wiggling it around in some dealer’s showroom will tell you absolutely nothing. The Quad is mighty different when working under the weight of a properly fitted line. It is an amazing instrument with great power-and considerably more delicacy- than most anglers imagine.” The rod comes with a new tan bag and replacement water-tite aluminum tube. This strong medium taper would be well suited for windy condition and larger than average quarry including trout or and is prced for an immediate sale at… $795 $695

Heddon De Luxe #35 ~ 8.5' ~ 3/2 ~ 2F ~ 5oz. ~ 6wt. ~ EXC+ RS (exceptions noted)~ This c. 1939 classic was one of Heddon’s top rods on par with the #50 and #1000 and along with the #20, was made in Heddon’s “Handmade Rod Department” where all rods (Model 20 and up) were crafted by a single rod maker.  It was nicely restored (reportedly by Michael Sinclair) and features an attractive shade of browntone cane with swelled butt, light brown silks tipped black, red agate stripper, hardened steel snakes and tip-tops, smooth working Heddon-issue blued N/S ferrules, and a nicely-executed new varnish finish.  A very faint tick can be heard/felt likely at the butt/mid connection and both tip sections will rotate slightly while 100% seated to the mid section.  The business end of the butt section is fitted with a  modified wells grip that shows some ridging, hallmark circassian walnut seat with black D/L'ing screw and sliding hood hardware, black pyralin WC, and folding ring HK.  The rod comes with a brown velvet Heddon-issue bag and a Heddon-issue brown aluminum tube, both sans label.  The sweet medium action is a joy to cast and really sang for me when paired with a Cortland 444 Peach WF/DT-6.  High end classic-era Heddons are always in demand. Get this one, attractively priced for immediate sale at...$395 $295

SOLD

SOLD

W&M Granger Favorite Model GF8642 ~ 8.5' ~ 3/2 ~ 4.9oz. ~ 5/6 wt. ~ EXC+ RS (exceptions noted) ~ This highly sought after Rocky Mountain classic was nicely restored (do not know by who) and features attractive carmel colored ammonia-treated cane with swelled butt, B/W jasper silks tipped gold with the hallmark gold intermediates and a nicely executed new varnish finish.  Furnishings include WM-issue guides, smooth and tight-fitting N/S ferrules that give the hallmark Granger pop when separated, reversed half-wells grip, and smooth-working patented internal screw U/L'ing metal seat with exposed WC.  The rod comes with what are believed to be the original bag and aluminum tube (sans label and dented).  There is a small taped hole in the bottom of the rod bag.  The tips short by about 1/2 inch and the writing on the rod appears to have been re-inked.  The butt section has the typical W&M/Granger 3 around node pattern, but the mid tip sections do not.  The rod has that wonderfully smooth action Granger is so well known for, this one being just a touch on the slower side of medium, and throws a silky smooth loop, for me, best with a Cortland 444 Peach DT-5/WF-6.  Attractively priced for immediate sale at...$495 $295

Heddon #17 Black Beauty ~ 9’ ~ 3/2 ~ 2 3/4F ~ 5 3/4oz. ~ 7/8 wt. ~ EXC- (exceptions noted) ~ This 1950’s classic from Dowagiac, Michigan comes in what Heddon refers to as the Power Plus 2 3/4F format. It features an attractive shade of browntone cane with swelled butt, jet black silks tipped orange, black stripper, hardened steel snakes and tip tops, tight fitting Japanned ferrules that give a soft pop and a nicely executed varnish finish that has a few marks and dings.  a few of the guide wraps are dry and I noted a faint ferrule click. The business end of the butt section is fitted with a comfortable reversed half-wells grip, black pyralin seat with D/L'ing screw and sliding hood hardware, black WC and folding ring HK.  The rod comes with the original Heddon-labeled bag with stitched in tag and original black aluminum tube with remnants of the original label.  The rod has an easy-throwing medium action and tosses a fine loop, for me best with a Cortland 444 Peach DT-7.  This powerhouse of a rod that appears to be all original would be a good choice for hoppers, buggers, mousing and frogging.  Priced to allow for a little TLC. $250 $195

Heddon #17 Black Beauty ~ 9’ ~ 3/2 ~ 2 1/2 F ~ 5oz. ~ 6/7wt. ~ EXC+ RS (exception noted) ~ This post classic era rod from the famous Dowagiac, Michigan Maker was beautifully restored by Michigan’s Winston Binney.  Mr. Binney formerly finished out rods for his friend Larry Foster, the late President of the H.L. Leonard Rod Company, during the time in which Mr. Foster owned the Leonard name.  He’s been restoring bamboo rods as well as assembling graphite & glass rods since the late 1960's.  The Black Beauty was Heddon’s most popular rod and features an attractive shade of browntone cane with swelled butt, jet black silks tipped orange, black stripper, hardened steel snakes and tip tops, smooth working black ferrules that give a soft pop when separated and a nicely executed varnish finish.  Both tips hav sets that do not affect line flow or performance. The business end of the butt section is fitted with a comfortable reversed half-wells grip, black pyralin seat with D/L'ing screw and sliding hood hardware, black WC and folding ring HK.  The rod comes with the original Heddon-labeled bag with stitched in tag and black aluminum tube with gold foil Heddon label.  The rod is has a comfortable medium action and tosses a fine loop, for me best with a Cortland 444 Peach WF-7. This powerhouse of a rod would be great choice for larger dries, hoppers, nymphin, froggin or mousein. $295

Heddon #20 ~ 9' ~ 3/2 ~ 2 1/2F ~ 5.8oz ~ 6/7wt. ~ EXC+ RS ~ This quality rod is from Heddon’s Neo-Classic era (1939 – 1948), which is widely regarded by many as Heddon’s best era of rod production. The #20 was built in Heddon’s “Handmade Rod Department” where all rods (# 20 and up) were crafted by a single rodmaker. The only exceptions to this were the #22 which was Heddon’s lowest grade rod and is hardly ever seen, and of course the two models made exclusively for Sears (#115 and #125). This rod features browntone cane with swelled butt, deep burgundy silks tipped gold, agate stripper, hardened steel snakes, tight-fitting blued N/S ferrules, and a nicely-executed varnish finish. One tip has a light set that does not affect performance. The business end of the butt section is fitted with a comfortable reversed half-wells grip, D/L'ing screw and sliding seat over a brown tenite spacer, wound over WC, and folding ring HK. The rod comes with a replacement bag and Heddon-issue tube. This smooth medium-slow to medium action throws a sweet loop and ample amounts of Cortland 444 Peach DT-6 and WF-7 line. This Dowagiac, Michigan classic will make a welcome addition to your large water/large fish arsenal. $295 $250

Heddon #35 ~ 9' ~ 3/2 ~ 2 1/2F ~ 5.4oz. ~ 6/7wt. Serial No. 1516 ~ EXC ~ This rarely seen 1st generation (c. 1920’s) classic was Heddon’s top rod at the time. The red inked serial number (1516) is still present, yet faint, on the butt section.  It one features a beautiful shade of light browntone cane with swelled butt, old gold silks with elegant old gold and B/W jasper intermediates, reversed twist hardened steel snakes (the stripper is also a snake guide) and tip-tops, smooth and tight fitting N/S ferrules that give a soft pop when separated and a nicely executed varnish finish that has stood the test of time.  The business end of the butt section has a modified cigar grip fashioned from 1/4 inch cork rings with tapered perfection nose, full metal seat with D/L'ing slide band hardware and exposed WC.  Heddon is engraved into the bottom of the butt cap. The original acetate label is approximately 85% intact on the butt section and reads Heddon “Tempered Bamboo” with the red inked serial number on the flat above it.  It comes with an olive canvas bag with stitched in hang tab and aluminum tube with the early “Heddon’s Dowagiac” engraved into the top of the cap.  The tube cap has some hairline cracks that do not affect use.  Both bag and tube are believed to be original.  One tip section is about a half shade lighter than the other.  Of noteworthy interest, a previous 1st gen #35 I sold (Serial #1527) exhibited the exact same characteristic, leading me to believe it was possibly done to differentiate one tip from the other.  The comfortable medium action is a joy to cast and throws a sweet loop with a Cortland 444 Peach DT-6 and WF-7.  I can only presume that it would really sing if paired with a silk line.  This historically significant Dowagiac, Michigan classic has a unique bond to yesteryear and is a super find for the Heddon collector or any classic rod aficionado. $595

FE Thomas Dirigo ~ 9’2”/9’5” ~ 3/2/2 ~ 5.9/6.1 oz. ~ 7/8wt. ~ Serial No. 22 ~ EXC- (exceptions noted) ~ The FE Thomas Company built rods from turn of the 20th Century up to c. 1958-59. During their early years, and up through 1936, the rods were numbered with a die stamp on the bottom of the butt cap, usually starting with the number 1 and continuing until the end of that calendar year and then repeated again the following year beginning with number 1. At some point in the mid to late 1930s (some believe 1936-37), the FET Co. modified the die stamp to include both symbols and numbers. This FET classic has the number 22 stamped into the bottom of the butt cup and is believed to be a pre-1937 rod. In addition to the FET Dirigo die stamp on the side of the reel seat, a former (and likely original) Reading, PA owner’s name and 1922 is stamped into the side of the reel foot sleeve further delineating the rods age. This old world classic with 2 mid sections features a rich carmel-colored hade of browntone cane with swelled butt, brown silks and intermediates, agate stripper housed in a black nickel frame, reverse twist snakes, one tip has a standard hardened steel tip top guide, the other has a milky white agate tip top guide and this tip also has a 1” long repair wrap between the 1st and 2nd snake guide. The varnish, which no doubt has been touched up and possibly overcoated over the years, is beginning to craze and has some nicks and bag marks. The blued NS ferules fit smooth and tight and give a give a solid pop when separated. The business end of the butt section has a cigar grip with tapered nose, blued German silver seat with D/L'ing. slide band hardware and the hallmark FET petite blued WC with attached folding ring HK. The rod comes with what is likely the original factory-sewn 5-compartment brown bag with properly sized slot for the shorter mid, and aluminum tube. The rod has a slow wet fly action that will perform admirably in the hands of a patient caster. This century-old classic is a super find for the FET enthusiast. $595

Hardy Palakona “The A.H.E. Wood Rod No.2” ~ 12' ~ 3/2 ~ 13.5oz. ~ Serial No. E20739 ~ EXC- (exceptions noted) ~ This classic big water salmon/grilse offering from across the pond dates back to 1930 and is also marked Palakona Regd No 246936.  It features honey-toned cane, burgundy "whippings" and intermediates, milky white agate stripper, reverse twist snakes, milky white agate filled bridged tip tops, tight fitting blued spiked ferrules with lock fast joints and turned wood ferrule plugs that give a resounding pop when separated (and could use a thorough cleaning), and a varnish finish that is beginning to craze.  The business end of butt section has a long straight cork grip with tapered nose, Hardy stamped hardware including Hardy’s registered Universal reel seat fitting, brass butt cap with removable rubber fighting butt, and brass WC.   The Hardy logo, patent info and serial number area stamped in the tot butt cap.  The rod comes with the original Hardy labeled light brown canvas bag and is stored in a Cabela’s green cordura covered tube with zippered cap.  The sections of this historically significant Hardy classic are remarkably straight and, while this collectible would make a wonderful display piece, it can be stream (or ocean)-ready with some TLC. $195