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The following rods are available for purchase (unless noted otherwise in the description). The rods are listed by length first, then alphabetically by maker. A sale pending tag denotes that an agreement to purchase the item has been reached, but the sale may not yet have been completed.

Don Recker “Paul Young Midge” ~ 6' 3” ~ 2/2 ~ 2.7 oz. ~ 4 wt. ~ SN 1122 ~ NEW ~ If you have not yet heard of Ohio’s Don Recker, you will soon! Don is a retired machinist and barber who also worked as the maintenance supervisor at the local high school near Fort Jennings, Ohio. This finely tuned wand is based on the famous PHY Midge taper and features richly flamed cane with 3 around golden nodes, clear silks tipped black (one black wrap at the tip–top guide for Tip #1 and two for Tip #2) and is protected by perfectly executed glass-like varnish finish. TiCh stripper, chrome snakes and tip–tops. Quality N/S ferrules give a satisfying 'pop' when separated. Comfortable cigar grip and D/L’ing cap and ring seat with a black walnut burl spacer. Petite W/C. HK loop. Comes with a new fly print soft cloth bag and new aluminum tube. This small stream classic has a brisk medium-fast action and is a THE perfect choice for small streams. I really enjoyed casting it with a Cortland Peach WF-4 and DT-4. Scroll down to the bottom of the page and take the Don Recker Bamboo Rods link or click here Bamboo Rods by Don Recker for more information on this fine maker. $795 WINTER SALE $695

SOLD Pennington "Pine River" ~ 6.5’ ~ 2/2 ~ 3.2 oz. ~ 4wt. ~ New ~ Steve Pennington is a forester from Des Moines, Iowa with over 20 years of rod building experience. Although Steve “officially” retired from rod building in 2008, he still makes rods as time allows. The Pine River series was specifically designed to afford the flycaster an opportunity to enjoy the beauty and unique qualities that split bamboo rods offer.....at an affordable price. This sweet casting small stream rod was based in part on an experimental taper which Steve developed to fight larger than average trout on the small tight streams of northern Iowa. It features blonde cane, red silks, and a glass smooth varnish finish. Hardware includes chrome guides and smooth and tight fitting nickel-plated brass ferrules that give a nice ‘pop’ when separated. Comfortable dry fly grip and beautifully figured dark maple burl seat fitted with N/S D/L’ing cap and ring hardware and hardwood WC. No HK. Inked on the rod in black script is Pine River Trout Rod 6.5’ #4. Comes with a new soft cloth rod bag and aluminum tube with a water-tight anodized brass cap. The brisk medium-fast action is perfect for finessing dries, nymphs, and small terrestrials under overhangs and beneath undercut banks. A solid, affordable trout rod, proudly made in the USA.

SOLD Heddon ~ 7' ~ 2/2 ~ 0 3/4F ~ 2.9oz. ~ 3wt. ~ EXC RF (exceptions noted) ~ based on the information presented in Michael Sinclair’s fine books, this light-line wand from Heddon’s “Classic Era” is believed to be a Model 31 Featherlite, though the shaft is unmarked. The Model 21 and 31 Featherlites were available from Heddon in the early 1930s and were built from mid and tip section blanks. These were among the very few Heddon models in existence with no swell in the butt section and to accommodate, a specially designed cone-shaped winding check was installed and represents a good rod model indicator. This rod was nicely restored by Dwight Lyons and features browntone cane, light brown silks tipped black and a nicely executed varnish finish. Amber agate stripper housed in a chrome frame, new light-wire black snakes and chrome tip–tops. One tip section is a few shades lighter in color and is likely a replacement. The original tip section is 1 ½” short. Smooth working N/S ferrules give a soft 'pop' when separated. A brand new cigar grip was installed. Cedar barrel seat is fitted with D/L'ing N/S slide band C&R hardware with pyralin butt cap end. Exposed black cone-shaped WC. New bronze folding ring HK. Comes with an olive canvas bag with a wood form insert to house the tip sections. No outer tube. The full length tip has a light set. This sweet casting Heddon has a medium action that throws nice loops with SA Mastery DT-3. A capable and patient caster may also find a Cortland 444 Peach WF-4 to their liking. This rarely seen Heddon may not fall into the heirloom category, but it will certainly make a fine companion for an avid small stream enthusiast.

SALE PENDING Pennington "Pine River" ~ 7’ ~ 2/2 ~ 4.2 oz. ~ 4wt. ~ NEW ~ Steve Pennington is a forester from Des Moines, Iowa with over 20 years of rod building experience. Although Steve “officially” retired from rod building in 2008, he still makes rods as time allows. The Pine River series was specifically designed to afford the flycaster an opportunity to enjoy the beauty and unique qualities that split bamboo rods offer.....at an affordable price. This light line wand was based on a Garrison 201 taper and features straw colored cane, chestnut silks, and a glass smooth varnish finish. Hardware includes chrome guides and smooth and tight fitting N/S ferrules that give a satisfying ‘pop’ when separated. Comfortable dry fly grip and beautifully figured tiger stripe maple seat fitted with U/L’ing screw and slide hood hardware and matching tiger stripe maple WC. No HK. The following is inked on the rod in black script: Pine River Trout 7’#4. Comes with a custom fit cloth bag and aluminum tube with a water-tight anodized brass cap. The medium to medium-fast action has some reserve power to punch out longer casts into the wind when called upon and will certainly protect fine tippets. Perfect for small to medium-sized streams. A solid, affordable trout rod, proudly made in the USA. $495

Pickard 7024 ~ 7' ~ 2/2 ~3.2 oz. ~ 4wt ~ EXC+ ~ This quality offering from the bench of Hillsdale, Michigan’s John Pickard is neat little rendition of the famous Dickerson 7012… as only John can do. It features beautiful blonde shafts with 3 x 3 nodes, the brown-bronze silk wraps tipped black are very much in the Dickerson tradition, and a nicely executed glass-smooth varnish finish. Quality hardware includes a bronze stripper, snakes and tip-tops. Smooth, tight fitting blued N/S ferrules give a resounding 'pop' when separated. Comfortable modified cigar grip. Screw D/L’ing Dickerson-style seat with a beautifully figured walnut burl spacer. Petite exposed N/S WC. No HK. Pickard 7024 is neatly marked in black script on the butt section. Comes with a quality hooded khaki bag and brass-capped aluminum tube with makers business card used as a label. The medium-fast action is crisp and responsive and throws tight and accurate loops with a Cortland 444 Peach WF-4 and DT-4. New rods from John are now offered at $1,850. Consider this one, gently used for…$1,150

Don Recker “Mad River Special” ~ 7' ~ 2/2 ~ 3.4oz. ~ 3/4wt. ~ NEW ~If you have not yet heard of Ohio’s Don Recker, you will soon! Don is a retired machinist and barber who also worked as the maintenance supervisor at the local high school near Fort Jennings, Ohio. This finely tuned wand is based on a proprietary taper Don developed while plying his waters in Ohio. It features beautifully flamed shafts with 3 around golden nodes, clear silks tipped black protected by perfectly executed glass-like varnish finish. Silver-housed agate stripper, chrome light-wire snakes and tip–tops. Tight fitting N/S ferrules give a nice 'pop' when separated. Comfortable cigar grip and beautifully figured maple burl seat with D/L’ing N/S cap & ring hardware. Petite W/C. Comes with a new fly print soft cloth bag and new green wrinkle-finish aluminum tube with brass collar and water-tite cap . The progressive medium-fast action is a joy to cast and will easily handle dries and nymphs as well as a variety of small terrestrials. Perfect for small to medium-sized stream work and/or in tight quarters where a roll cast is the only option. This rod really sings for me when paired with a Cortland Sylk and/or Cortland Peach WF-4. Scroll down to the bottom of the page and take the Don Recker Bamboo Rods link or click here Bamboo Rods by Don Recker for more information on this fine maker. $795

SOLD Orvis Battenkill ~ 7.5’ ~ 2/2 ~ 4oz. ~ 5wt. ~ Serial #49028 ~ EXC+ (exception noted) ~ This 1967 classic from the famous Manchester, VT maker features richly impregnated shafts wrapped in Orvis brown silks and fitted with fine Orvis furnishings including bright guides and tip-tops and smooth and tight fitting blued N/S ferrules which give a sweet 'pop' when separated. The first snake guide on one of the tips, proximal to the ferrule, is slightly bent caused by a hand slip while disassembling the rod. Cigar grip shows little use. Aluminum D/L’ing screw and slide hood seat over a walnut spacer. Exposed WC with HK loop below it. “Orvis Impregnated” “Battenkill” 7 ½’- 4oz. H.C.F. (7) is neatly inked on the butt section in black script. The serial number is also inked on each section. Comes with the original light brown Orvis bag and original Orvis blue foil labeled aluminum tube. The comfortable medium-fast action throws tight loops. Although rated by Orvis as a WF-7, I really enjoyed casting this one with a Cortland 444 Peach DT-5. Older Orvis rods have become extremely popular, and rightly so, and still represent one of the best bangs for your buck.

Don Recker “Dickerson 7613” ~ 7.5' ~ 2/2 ~ 4.1oz. ~ 5wt. ~ NEW If you have not yet heard of Ohio’s Don Recker, you will soon! Don is a retired machinist and barber who also worked as the maintenance supervisor at the local high school near Fort Jennings, Ohio. This finely tuned wand is based on the famous Dickerson 7613 taper and features beautifully flamed shafts with 3 around golden nodes, clear silks tipped black protected by perfectly executed glass-like varnish finish. Silver-housed agate stripper, chrome light-wire snakes and tip–tops. Tight fitting N/S ferrules give a nice 'pop' when separated. Comfortable cigar grip and a beautifully figured amboina burl seat with D/L’ing N/S cap & ring seat hardware. Petite W/C. HK loop. Comes with a new fish print soft cloth bag and new brass capped aluminum tube with water-tite collar. The strong, quick action really sings when paired with a Cortland 444 Peach DT-5. Scroll down to the bottom of the page and take the Don Recker Bamboo Rods link or click here Bamboo Rods by Don Recker for more information on this fine maker. $795

Don Recker “Young Martha Marie” ~ 7.5' ~ 2/2 ~ 4.1oz. ~ 5wt. ~ NEW If you have not yet heard of Ohio’s Don Recker, you will soon! Don is a retired machinist and barber who also worked as the maintenance supervisor at the local high school near Fort Jennings, Ohio. This finely tuned wand is based on the widely popular PHY Martha Marie taper and features beautifully flamed shafts with 3 around golden nodes, clear silks tipped black protected by perfectly executed glass-like varnish finish. Silver-housed agate stripper, chrome light-wire snakes and tip–tops. Tight fitting N/S ferrules give a nice 'pop' when separated. Comfortable cigar grip and a beautifully figured cherry burl seat with D/L’ing N/S cap & ring seat hardware. Petite W/C. HK loop. Comes with a new fish print soft cloth bag and new brass capped aluminum tube with water-tite collar. The fast action and stout butt is well-suited for a Cortland 444 Peach DT-5 and would be perfect for finessing dries and dry/dropper rigs into small targets on small to medium sized streams. Scroll down to the bottom of the page and take the Don Recker Bamboo Rods link or click here Bamboo Rods by Don Recker for more information on this fine maker. $795

SALE PENDING Thramer Classic Taper Series ~ 7.5’ ~ 3/2 ~ 3.8 oz. ~ 5wt. SN 4237 ~ As New ~ This neat little wand from Mr. Thramer’s Classic Taper Series is based on a FET taper and features richly flamed shafts highlighted by golden 3 x 3 spiral nodes, dark brown silks and a nicely executed varnish finish. Amber agate stripper is housed in a black nickel frame, black snakes and tip-tops. Blued N/S ferrules fit give a resounding ‘pop’ when separated. Comfortable cigar grip has seen minimal handling and is near new in appearance. Beautifully figured walnut burl seat with blued D/L’ing slide band hardware. Petite WC. No HK. Comes with the original soft felt bag and labeled black wrinkle-finish aluminum tube. The rod appears to have been lawn cast only and shows virtually no signs of use. The fast action throws tight loops with a Cortland Peach DT-5 with plenty of reserve power to reach out when called upon. Superb! $795

Thramer Hollowbuilt ~ 7.5' ~ 2/2 ~ 4oz. ~ 5wt. ~ SN N11 ~ EXC ~ Mr. Thramer has been building high quality rods for some time and it is easy to see why his line-up of high quality hollowbuilts have been so well-received. This hollowbuilt is based on the famous Marysville–built Powell ‘B9’ taper and comes from Mr. Thramer’s Classic Taper Series of fine rods. It features lightly flamed cane with 3 x 3 golden nodes, light brown silk wrappings with intermediate wraps, and a beautifully executed varnish finish. Chrome-housed agate stripper, black nickel snakes and tip-tops. N/S step-down ferrules give a satisfying ‘pop’ when separated. Comfortable light wells grip. Black ebony seat with screw U/L’ing hardware is much in the Powell tradition. Folding ring HK. The rod is marked: A J Thramer Rod Co. – Hollowbuilt E.C. Powell B9 – 7 1/2 ft 5wt – 3 of 6 made for George D. Holland III on four consecutive flats. The serial number is also inked on each section. Comes with the original forest green bag, hang tag and labeled aluminum tube. The rod has a sweet medium to medium-fast action and throws a tight loop with a Cortland 444 Peach DT-4 and WF-5. $875

SOLD Doug Daniel Hollowbuilt Quad ~ 7'9” ~ 2/2 ~ 4.1oz. ~ 5wt. ~ SN D965-1011-H ~ NEW ~ Chances are, you have not yet heard of California’s Doug Daniel. There’s a good bet, you will soon! Doug is a semi-retired contractor from the coastal foothills of SoCal. He started building bamboo rods in 2002, as he puts it, “mainly out of curiosity and without ego.” Doug’s rods are hand planed and star-hollowed on a Morgan handmill. He turns his own real seats and grips and machines his own cap and ring seat hardware, winding checks, and N/S ferrules. This hollowbuilt quad features wonderfully flamed cane acquired from Royer in 2002 and was planed to exacting tolerances based in part on a Dickerson 8013 taper that Doug modified for a quad format. 2 x 2 nodes, bronze-housed agate stripper, black PacBay snakes and tip-tops, brown silk windings (YLI 241) tipped black, and is protected with a beautifully executed Man ‘O War spar varnish finish. Smooth and tight fitting square-broached ferrules are blued. Extra-flora grade cork was used to form a comfortable modified wells grip with plastic covering. A beautiful maple burl seat is fitted with blued cap and ring hardware. A small section of star hollowed bamboo is attached to the rod bag loop. Comes with a quality-made soft cloth bag and high quality brown pebble-finish aluminum tube with brass cap and end. The rod has a light-in-the-hand feel with a medium-fast action and supple tips that combine for soft presentations at long distances. I enjoyed casting it with Cortland 444 Peach WF-5. Quality-crafted in the USA at an affordable price.

Steve Kiley Hollowbuilt “North Star” ~ 7'9” ~ 2/2 ~ 3.5 ~ 4/5wt. SN 08091 ~ EXC+ ~ Stephen Kiley began making bamboo fly rods around 1975, although it is only recently that his fine work has begun to show up on a regular basis. This quality-crafted star-hollowed rod was built in 2009 from a proprietary taper that Steve developed and features blonde cane with 3 x 3 nodes, book-matched tips, translucent tan silks tipped black and a perfectly executed varnish finish that is among the best in the business. Chrome-housed amber agate stripper, H&H bronze snakes and tip-tops. Smooth and perfectly fit N/S ferrules (with blank onyx inlaid mosaic ferrule plug) give a resounding ‘pop’ when separated. Comfortable cigar grip. Mortised Circassian walnut seat with D/L’ing N/S cap and ring hardware. Petite N/S WC. No HK. Comes with a high quality bag and black aluminum tube with makers label and rod stats. This wand is very light in the the hand and the medium-slow action will toss nice loops with when in the hands of a patient caster and the soft action will certainly protect the finest of tippets. Though marked as a No. 5, I really preferred casting it with a WF-4. Scroll to the top or bottom of the page and take the Kiley Bamboo Rods link or click here Bamboo Rods by Steve Kiley for more information on this fine maker. $895

Sweetgrass Mantra Quad ~ 7' 9" ~ 2/1 (made that way) ~ 3.7 oz. ~ 5wt. ~ EXC+ ~ According to the fine folks at Sweetgrass, The Mantra Series of fine bamboo fly rods are based on Glenn Brackett and Jerry Kustich designed tapers and have minor cosmetic imperfections. All Mantra Rods come with 1 tip only and are fitted NS ferrules, carballoy stripper, snake-brand snakes, marbleized resin WC, and black steel HK. This one features medium-blonde cane with 2 around spiral node pattern, copper-brown silks with black accent wraps at the WC, HK, signature wrap tip-top and ferrule stations. The only cosmetic imperfection (which is indeed minor) is that the tip section is a shade or two lighter than the butt. Tight fitting ferrules give a satisfying “pop” when they are separated. Full silk wraps adorn the female ferrule, much in the Brackett/Kustich tradition. Comfortable light-wells grip. Black screw and slide hood D/L’ing seat with a light figured maple(?) spacer. Comes in soft cloth 2-compartment bag and aluminum tube with company logo. The progressve medium to medium-fast action is capable of putting out plenty of fly line with a nice blend of power and delicacy. Will handle a Cortland 444 Peach DT-4, WF-5 and/or DT-5. $895 WINTER SALE $750

Heddon #17 Black Beauty ~ 8' ~ 3/1 ~ 2F ~ 4.7 oz. ~ 5wt. ~ VG+(exceptions noted) ~ This post-classic era (1949-1956) rod from the famous Dowagiac, MI maker is not often seen in the 8’ 3 piece format. It features browntone cane with swelled butt, jet black silks tipped orange, black stripper, bronze snakes and black tip-top. The varnish is dull but sound and serviceable and should respond well to buff out. Black N/S ferules give a soft 'pop' upon separation. The ferrule mid/tip ferrule fit is a bit worn and faint click can be felt at the butt/mid connection. The tip section also has a fishing set. Comfortable reversed half wells grip and D/L'ing screw and sliding hood seat over a black pyralin spacer. The screw has the proper Patent number stamped into the side. Wound over WC. Folding ring HK. Original straight line Heddon writing with model name and rod stats are inked on the butt. Comes with a Heddon labeled bag and replacement aluminum tube. The medium-fast action tosses nice loops with Cortland 444 Peach WF-5. The #17 was extremely popular before and after WW-II and was known as the workhorse of the Heddon lineup. Could use a ferrule reset and a little TLC. $395 WINTER SALE $295

Payne 201H ~ 8' ~ 3/2 ~ 4.5 oz. ~ 5wt. ~ EXC+ RS (exceptions noted) ~ This classic late 1930s/early 1940s era rod is a bit of an enigma. The rod was presented to me as a Payne 201H and is so marked on the hang tag. However, the lack of a swell in the butt section, the rods 8’ 1” assembled length and the odd node placement (a couple are right next to one another on abutting flats) give pause to the rods origin. The rod was nicely restored (don’t know who did the work) and features light honey-colored cane java silk wraps tipped yellow and a nicely executed varnish finish that just glistens. Red agate stripper housed in a N/S frame, bronze snakes and tip-tops appear to be Payne-issue. Smooth and tight fitting blued Payne step-down ferrules (N/S ferrule plug included for the mid ferrule) give a satisfying 'pop' when separated. Full wells grip appears to be original and remains in nice shape. Blued N/S D/L'ing slide band seat with a walnut spacer caries the E.F. PAYNE ROD E.F. PAYNE ROD CO MAKERS die stamp on the butt cap. Blued exposed WC. Folding ring HK. Comes with a new bag (too short for rod) and original Payne-issue brass-capped aluminum tube with a nice-home made label. An E.F. Payne Rod Co. hang tag identifying the rod as a 4 ½ oz. Model 201 H is also present. There are 1.5” and 1” long glue line lifts on either side of one flat on one of the tip sections proximal to the ferrule station. The glue lines look like they were addressed during the re-do with the restorer choosing not to apply an overwrap. The rod has an action that is just a touch on the slow side of medium and tosses smooth tight loops when paired with a Cortland 444 Peach DT-5. Certainly not in the $4-$5K collectible range that an original would bring, but an ever-so-capable-rod nonetheless. $995

SOLD Pennington "Pine River" ~ 8’ ~ 2/2 ~ 4.9 oz. ~ 5wt. ~ NEW ~ Steve Pennington is a forester from Des Moines, Iowa with over 20 years of rod building experience. Although Steve “officially” retired from rod building in 2008, he still makes rods as time allows. The Pine River series was specifically designed to afford the flycaster an opportunity to enjoy the beauty and unique qualities that split bamboo rods offer.....at an affordable price. This sweet casting 8’er was designed by Steve using a slightly modified Garrison 212 taper and features straw colored cane, chestnut silks, and a glass smooth varnish finish. Hardware includes chrome guides and smooth and tight fitting nickel-plated brass ferrules that give a satisfying ‘pop’ when separated. Comfortable dry fly grip and nicely figured maple seat fitted with U/L’ing screw and slide hood hardware and matching maple WC. No HK. The following is inked on the rod in black script: Pine River Trout 8’#5. Comes with a custom fit cloth bag and aluminum tube with a water-tight anodized brass cap. The brisk medium to medium-fast action allows for long casts and delicate presentations. A solid, affordable trout rod, proudly made in the USA.

Pennington “American Black Walnut” ~ 8’ ~ 2/2 ~ 5oz. ~ 5wt. ~ As New ~ Steve Pennington is a “semi-retired” Forester and rod builder from the Des Moines, Iowa area who still finds time to build an occasional rod or two. The American Black Walnut is based on a modified Garrison 212 taper and features blonde cane, ruby red silks and a nicely executed varnish finish. Chrome-housed red agate stripping guide, chrome snakes and tip-tops. Easy working N/S Bailey Woods ferrules give a satisfying ‘pop’ when separated. Comfortable tapered-nose cork grip. Steve crafted the reel seat, winding check and rod case from premium species gunstock-grade walnut. N/S folding ring HK. Comes with a soft cloth rod bag and unique hexagonal walnut tube with a water-tight brass cap. The medium to medium-fast action throws a smooth and tight line when paired with a Cortland 444 Peach DT-5. This nicely constructed rod has been lawn casted only. Proudly made in the USA. $450

Pennington "Pine River" ~ 8’ ~ 2/2 ~ 4.9 oz. ~ 5wt. ~ NEW ~ Steve Pennington is a forester from Des Moines, Iowa with over 20 years of rod building experience. Although Steve “officially” retired from rod building in 2008, he still makes rods as time allows. The Pine River series was specifically designed to afford the flycaster an opportunity to enjoy the beauty and unique qualities that split bamboo rods offer.....at an affordable price. This sweet casting 8’er was designed by Steve using a slightly modified Garrison 212 taper and features straw colored cane, chestnut silks, and a glass smooth varnish finish. Hardware includes chrome guides and smooth and tight fitting N/S ferrules that give a satisfying ‘pop’ when separated. Comfortable dry fly grip and nicely figured maple seat fitted with U/L’ing screw and slide hood hardware and matching maple WC. No HK. The following is inked on the rod in black script: Pine River Trout 8’#5. Comes with a custom fit cloth bag and aluminum tube with a water-tight anodized brass cap. The brisk medium to medium-fast action allows for long casts and delicate presentations. A solid, affordable trout rod, proudly made in the USA. $495

Thramer Hollowbuilt ~ 8' ~ 2/2 ~ 4.1oz. ~ 4/5wt. ~ SN N9-1 ~ EXC ~ Mr. Thramer has been building high quality rods for some time and it is easy to see why his line-up of high quality hollowbuilts have been so well-received. This hollowbuilt is based on the famous Marysville–built Powell ‘B’ 8 1/2’ taper that was modified to the 8’ length and comes from Mr. Thramer’s Classic Taper Series of fine rods. It features lightly flamed cane with 3 x 3 golden nodes, light brown silk wrappings with intermediate wraps, and a beautifully executed varnish finish. Chrome-housed agate stripper, black nickel snakes and tip-tops. N/S step-down ferrules give a satisfying ‘pop’ when separated. Comfortable light wells grip. Black ebony seat with screw U/L’ing hardware is much in the Powell tradition. Folding ring HK. The rod is marked: A J Thramer Rod Co. – Hollowbuilt EC Powell B 8 ½ Taper – 8ft 4/5wt – 1 of 6 made for George D. Holland III on four consecutive flats. The serial number is also inked on each section. Comes with the original forest green bag, hang tag and labeled aluminum tube. The rod has a wonderful medium action and throws a sweet loop with a Cortland 444 Peach DT-4 and WF-5. $875

SOLD R.L. Winston ~ 8' ~ 3/2 ~ 4 1/8 oz. ~ 5wt. ~ SN 3165 ~ EXC+ ~ This all original classic, built by Glenn Brackett in the ‘90s, features a beautiful shade of medium-colored blonde cane with 3 around spiral nodes, translucent butterscotch silks and crimson accents at the hook keeper, signature wraps, tip-top guides, and ferrule stations all protected by perfectly executed glass smooth varnish finish. Chrome-housed red agate stripper, chrome snakes and tip top guides. The hallmark wound-over duronze ferrules fit smooth and tight and give a resounding pop when separated. Perfection style light wells grip. Nicely figured walnut seat with N/S D/L’ing cap and ring hardware. Very cool six-sided bamboo WC. Folding ring HK. The following is neatly inked on the butt section in black script: R.L. Winston 8’ 4 1/8 oz. #5 3165 on two consecutive flats. The serial number is also inked near the male ferrule station on the mid and tips. Comes with a Winston-logo’d bag and brown wrinkle-finish brass-capped aluminum tube with Winston logo This sweet-casting rod throws tight loops with little effort and really likes a Cortland 444 Peach WF-5 and DT-5. It has a very comfortable medium to medium-fast action and is well suited to handle most fly fishing situations.

Unmarked (Orvis Kit) ~ 8' ~ 2/2 ~ 4.1 oz. ~ 4/5wt. ~ EXC (exceptions noted) This rod, sans a serial number or writing, appears to be an Orvis kit rod. It features light browntone cane, rootbeer brown silks and a varnish finish. There are a few uneven glue line seams which appear to be a cosmetic only and one tip has a slight set. Bronze stripper, snakes and tip-tops. Blued Orvis-issue N/S ferrules fit smooth and tight and give a satisfying 'pop' when separated. Light cigar (almost straight) grip shows some light ridging. Standard Orvis–issue screw D/L'ing aluminum seat with a walnut spacer. Exposed N/S WC. Folding ring HK. Comes with a sturdy canvas bag and aluminum tube with brass collar. This rod has a comfortable medium fast action and seemed to really take to a Cortland 444 Peach DT-5 and WF-5. This is a nice casting stick with an affordable price tag. $295

Zietak Quad (from blanks) ~ 8' ~ 2/2 ~ 4.5 oz. ~ 5wt. ~ NEW ~ This sweet-casting Quad was built on set of Tim Zietak blanks and finished out by Knoxville’s Rich Margiotta. It features nicely flamed cane with golden nodes, deep red silks elegantly tipped black at the ferrule stations, tip-tops, HK and signature wraps, and a smooth varnish finish. I noted some glue line inconsistencies on the on the butt section that appear to be cosmetic only. Black nickel Snakebrand stripper, snakes and tip tops. Zietak square-broached ferrules give a nice 'pop' when separated. Comfortable extra flora grade cigar grip with lightly flared palm. Walnut seat is fitted with aluminum screw D/L’ing hardware. Blued petite N/S WC. Blued HK. Comes with a quality-made custom fit bag and aluminum tube with water–tite brass cap. The powerful para-like action throws tight loops with a Cortland 444 Peach DT-5 and also nicely handles a WF-6. A nicely-made all-around rod that will handle most trout-fishing situations $450

SOLD Doug Daniel Hollowbuilt Quad ~ 8'3” ~ 2/2 ~ 4oz. ~ 3/4wt. ~ SN D995-911-H ~ NEW ~ Chances are, you have not yet heard of California’s Doug Daniel. There’s a good bet, you will soon! Doug is a semi-retired contractor from the coastal foothills of SoCal. He started building bamboo rods in 2002, as he puts it, “mainly out of curiosity and without ego.” Doug’s rods are hand planed and star-hollowed on a Morgan handmill. He turns his own real seats and grips and machines his own cap and ring seat hardware, winding checks, and N/S ferrules. This hollowbuilt quad features wonderfully flamed cane acquired from Royer in 2002 and was planed to exacting tolerances based in part on a a lightened and lengthened Dickerson 8013 that Doug modified for a quad format. 2 x 2 nodes, bronze-housed agate stripper, black PacBay snakes and tip-tops, brown silk windings (YLI 241) tipped black, and is protected with a beautifully executed Man ‘O War spar varnish finish. Smooth and tight fitting square-broached ferrules are blued. Doug used lighter weight versions of his nickel silver reel seat hardware, light wire Pacbay guides and hand-made truncated ferrules to achieve the rods 4oz. final weight. Extra-flora grade cork was used to form a comfortable modified wells grip with plastic covering. A beautiful balck walnut burl seat is fitted with blued cap and ring hardware. A small section of star hollowed bamboo is attached to the rod bag loop. Comes with a quality-made soft cloth bag and high quality brown pebble-finish aluminum tube with brass cap and end. The brisk medium-fast action and fine tips make this 8’3”-er a joy to cast. It handles a SA Mastery DT-3 and Cortland 444 Peach WF-4 with equal effectiveness. This rod is destined to be a someone’s “go-to” rod for many years to come. Quality-crafted in the USA at an affordable price.

W.V. Cooper ~ 8.5’ ~ 2/2 ~ 5.2 oz. (on my digital scale) ~ 5/6wt ~ EXC ~ Probably best known as the master of the scarf, Wes also handcrafts quality rods that can often be seen on several of Michigan’s blue-ribbon trout streams. This powerful offering features beautiful blonde cane wrapped in translucent cream silks with light brown tipping protected by a nicely executed varnish finish. Carbaloy stripper, chrome snakes & tip-tops. Smooth and tight-fitting N/S ferules give a resounding 'pop' when separated. Western-style cork grip with nicely figured fiddle back maple spacer and N/S U/L'ing screw and slide hood hardware. Inked on the rod is: Wesley V. Cooper #20902 (209th rod overall, built in 2002) ~ 8’ 6” ~ D.T. #5 ~ 4 1/16 oz. Comes with a custom made rod bag (crafted by Mrs. Cooper) and aluminum tube. The medium-slow action just sings in the hands of a patient caster when paired with a Cortland 444 Peach DT-5 or WF-6.Scroll to the top or bottom of the page and take the W.V. Cooper Bamboo Rods link or click here Bamboo Rods by W.V. Cooper for more information on this fine maker. $875 WINTER SALE $675

Heddon #20 ~ 8.5' ~ 3/2 ~ 1 3/4F ~ 4.9 oz. ~ 5wt. ~ VG+ RS (exceptions noted) ~ This Dowagiac, Michigan-made rod is from Heddon’s Neo-Classic era (1939 – 1948), which is widely regarded by many as Heddon’s best era of rod production. One tip is a replacement using original hardware except for tip-top guide which is also a replacement. The original tip section has a 1 1/2” long clear repair wrap. The rod features browntone cane with swelled butt, maroon silks tipped gold, red agate stripper hardened steel snakes, bronze tips tops, and a shiny new varnish finish. Black N/S ferrules fit smooth and tight and give that hallmark Heddon soft pop when separated. Half-wells grip with thumb indentation (‘ala Orvis Wes Jordan rods) is soiled with a nice patina. D/L'ing screw and sliding hood seat with a brown tenite spacer. Wound over WC. Folding ring HK. Heddon is inked in spiral fashion over 3 flat on the butt. Straight line rod stats are inked on a separate single flat on the butt. Comes with the original bag with partial hang tag and replacement tube. This Michigan classic throws powerful loops with an added bit of delicacy afforded by the 1 3/4F. I really liked it with a Cortland 444 Peach WF-5 and DT-5. Might not be as collectable as it once was and falls into the nice ‘ole fishing rod category. $295

LL Bean ~ 8.5' ~ 3/2 ~ 6/7wt. ~ 5.9 oz. ~ EXC RS This classic LL Bean rod appears to be a Gene Edwards trade rod. The acetate label on the butt section would indicate that the rod likely dates back to the 1930s. It was nicely restored by Wisconsin’s Joe Balestrieri and features browntone cane with jet black silk wraps with fancy spiral accents. Joe applied a thin varnish overcoat which resulted in beautiful finish. Ferrule fit is smooth and tight with a resounding pop upon separation. The original hardware remains intact though the butt section ferrule is plated silver and the mid-female ferrule nickel silver. I have seen the same ferrules on other similar LL Bean rods from this era. Comfortable wells grip. D/L'ing screw and slide hood black bakelite seat. The acetate label is 85% intact. Comes in what is believed to be the original bag and a replacement aluminum tube. This rod has a strong medium action and would feel right at home tossin’ nymph rigs, streamers & buggers for trout and/or bass. I really liked it with WF-7. A nice pre-WW II piece of Americana. $350 WINTER SALE $250

Lyon & Coulson Major Deluxe #2 ~ 8.5' ~ 3/2 ~ 2F ~ 4.8 oz. ~ 5/6wt. ~ VG (exceptions noted) ~ This all original Heddon-made classic was L&C’s best rod and is equivalent to a Heddon #35. It was built in Heddon’s “Handmade Rod Department” where all rods (# 20 grade and up) were crafted by a single rodmaker, the only exception being the rarely seen #22. It features browntone cane with swelled butt, dark brown silks tipped in forest green with a single intermediate wrap placed mid-way between the guide stations. The varnish is beginning to soften and shows some chips, bag marks and crazing. One tip is down 6” and the mid is a mere 2mm shorter than the butt (likely made that way) Red agate stripper, bronze snakes and tip-tops. Smooth working black N/S ferrules give that hallmark Heddon a soft ‘pop’ when separated. I noted a faint ferule click at the mid-butt connection. Modified light half-Wells grip has some pitting, but is sound and serviceable. D/L'ing screw and sliding hood seat with circassian walnut spacer. The screw has the Patent number typically found on Heddon reel seat hardware stamped into the side. Wound over WC. Folding ring HK. Original writing inked on butt reads: L. & C. Major Deluxe #2. Comes with the original bag with sewn in label (hole at the bottom of the butt section sleeve) and an era correct aluminum tube sans label which may or may not be original. The rod has a pleasant medium-slow action that a patient caster will find throws tight accurate loops with Cortland Peach WF-6. Being offered at a 1 tip price. $250

Montague Rapidan ~ 8.5' ~ 3/2 ~ 5.8oz. ~ 6wt. ~ EXC+ (exception noted) ~ This nicely-built production rod classic was Montague’s workhorse and probably their best selling rod. The acetate label present on the butt section is fully intact and indicates that the rod was built between 1939 and 1949. It features browntone cane, gold silk wraps and a glass smooth varnish finish. Chrome-housed red agate stripper, chrome snakes and new bronze tip-tops. Snug fitting plated ferrules give a soft “pop” when separated. Comfortable light wells grip. D/L'ing screw and slide hood seat with black plastic spacer. Exposed WC. Folding ring HK. Comes with a blue 4 compartment bag black Montague-issue fiber tube (no cap) for 9’ Rapidan that has 98% of the tube label still intact. The varnish over the over words Genuine Tonkin, which are neatly inked on black script just below the butt section label is chipped and some of the letters are missing. This rod has a strong medium action and throws nice loops with Cortland 444 Peach DT-6 and WF-7. A nice rod for trout, bass and panfish at a very user friendly price. $175 WINTER SALE $125

SALE PENDING Thomas & Thomas San Pareil ~ 8.5’ ~ 3/2 ~ 5.2oz. ~ 6wt. As New ~ The Sans Pareil is truly “without equal” and comes from T&T’s Individualist Rod Series. This early 1976 Dorsey/Maxwell era rod is superb in every facet and comes in the highly sought after 3/2 format. It features the dramatically swelled butt, a T&T hallmark, and gorgeous light carmel-colored cane wrapped in translucent lemon silks which are clear and make the guide feet appear to be floating on the bamboo. The expertly executed varnish finish sparkles as if the rod were completed in 2011, not 30 some years ago. Perfection stripper, bronze snakes and tip-tops. Smooth and tight fitting blued N/S ferrules give a resounding ‘pop’ when separated. Comfortable light cigar grip. Beautifully figured Walnut burl seat is fitted with U/L’ing N/S screw and slide hood hardware. Petite N/S WC. Folding ring HK. Neatly inked on the rod in black script is: Thomas & Thomas 8’6/6 Sans Pareil. The original owners name is also inked on butt section. The serial number is inked on each rod section by Tom Maxwell’s unmistakably neat hand. Comes in the original tan bag with stiffener and original brass capped aluminum tube sans label. The rod has a wonderful medium action and is capable of a remarkable blend of distance and delicacy. One of the nicest T&T’s I’ve had come thru in quite some time. Superb! $2,195

Thramer Hollowbuilt ~ 8.5' ~ 3/2 ~ 4.8 oz. ~ 5wt. ~ SN 1102 ~ EXC ~ If you have never cast one of Mr. Thramer’s rods, you’re in for a real treat. This hollowbuilt is based on the famous Marysville–built Powell ‘B’ taper and comes from Mr. Thramer’s Signature Series of fine rods. It features flamed cane with 3 x 3 golden nodes, clear silks tipped black. And a beautifully executed varnish finish. Black nickel stripper, snakes and tip-tops. Oxidized N/S step-down ferrules give a satisfying ‘pop’ when separated. Comfortable reversed half wells grip. Nicely figured Teakwood seat with screw U/L’ing hardware. Folding ring HK. I noted a few minor scuffs on the varnish over the HK wrap. The rod is marked: A J Thramer TM – #1102 8 1/2 ft 5wt – Signature Hollowbuilt – Powell B Taper on four consecutive flats. The serial number is also inked on each section. Comes with the original forest green bag and labeled aluminum tube. The medium-slow to medium action packs plenty of punch and throws tight loops with a Cortland 444 Peach DT-5 $950

Thramer Hollowbuilt ~ 8.5' ~ 2/2 ~ 4.5oz. ~ 4wt. ~ SN ~ N12 ~ EXC ~ Mr. Thramer has been building high quality rods for some time and it is easy to see why his line-up of high quality hollowbuilts have been so well-received. This hollowbuilt is based on the famous Marysville–built Powell ‘B’ taper and comes from Mr. Thramer’s Classic Taper Series of fine rods. It features lightly flamed cane with 3 x 3 golden nodes, light brown silk wrappings with intermediate wraps, and a beautifully executed varnish finish. Chrome-housed agate stripper, black nickel snakes and tip-tops. N/S step-down ferrules give a satisfying ‘pop’ when separated. Comfortable light wells grip. Black ebony seat with screw U/L’ing hardware is much in the Powell tradition. Folding ring HK. The rod is marked: A J Thramer Rod Co. – Hollowbuilt E.C. Powell B81/2ft Taper – 81/2 ft 4wt – 4 of 6 made for George D. Holland III on four consecutive flats. The serial number is also inked on each section. Comes with the original forest green bag, hang tag and labeled aluminum tube. The rod has a wonderful medium-slow action and throws a smooth Cortland 444 Peach DT-4 with a nice blend of power and delicacy. If you’ve been after a quality wand in this hard to find configuration, this one should garner allota consideration. $875

Thramer Hollowbuilt ~ 8.5' ~ 2/2 ~ 4.5oz. ~ 5wt. ~ SN 1103 ~ EXC ~ Mr. Thramer has been building high quality rods for some time and it is easy to see why his line-up of high quality hollowbuilts have been so well-received. This hollowbuilt is based on the famous Marysville–built EC Powell taper and comes from Mr. Thramer’s Classic Taper Series of fine rods. It features lightly flamed cane with 3 x 3 golden nodes, light brown silk wrappings with intermediate wraps, and a beautifully executed varnish finish. TiCh stripper, black nickel snakes and tip-tops. N/S step-down ferrules give a satisfying ‘pop’ when separated. Comfortable light wells grip. Black ebony seat with screw U/L’ing hardware is much in the Powell tradition. Folding ring HK. The rod is marked: A J Thramer Rod Co. – Hollowbuilt on two consecutive flats. The serial number is also inked on each section. Comes with the original forest green bag, hang tag and labeled aluminum tube. The rod has a wonderful medium-slow action and throws a smooth and powerful Cortland 444 Peach DT-5. The second snake guide up from the ferrule on Tip #1 is missing. The guide wrapping for the snake are still 100% intact and there is no damage to the cane. Priced accordingly… $825

Varney/Montague ~ 8.5’ ~ 3/2 ~ 4.6 oz. ~ 5wt. ~ VG – (exceptions noted) ~ The reel seat, winding check and ferrules on the unique unmarked rod point to it being a high end Varney-era Montague. It features light brown cane with swelled butt, copper silk wraps tipped black with copper and black intermediate signature wraps. The varnish, possibly overcoated and/or redone at some point in the past, is sound but crazed. Petite amber agate stripper, hardened steel snakes and tip-tops. The tip-top guides are close in appearance, but do not match. The sections measure as follows: Butt & Tip#1 - 34.5”, Tip#2 34 1/8”, Mid – 33 1/2”. Both tips sections have sets. The ferrule on the mid section is loose and can easily be removed with light hand pressure. The other ferrules will require a thorough cleaning. Comfortable Wells grip is soiled but very sound and serviceable. Full German silver D/Ling cap and ring seat and WC. HK is missing. Comes with a brown canvas bag that may or may not be original. No tube. The rod possesses a sweet medium action and would seem to be right at home with a WF or DT 5. This karma-laden wand from yesteryear is a perfect candidate for a restoration. $195

Montague Red Wing ~ 9' ~ 3/2 ~ 6.2 oz. ~ 6/7wt. ~ EXC (exceptions noted) -~ This quality-built classic, along with the Manitou, were Montague’s highest grade rods. It features browntone cane, red wraps tipped gold which may have been re-done as evidenced by the one of the tip –top guide wraps being a touch longer than the other. Nice varnish finish which was recently over-coated and buffed to a fine luster. Chrome stripper, snakes and tip tops. Polished NS ferules give a soft ‘pop’ when separated. I noted a ferrule click at the butt/mid connection and the fit at this connection is worn and needs to be addressed. Comfortable flared half wells grip shows some ridging a pitting. D/L'ing screw and slide hood hardware and hallmark red spacer. Exposed WC. Folding ring HK. The acetate label is 99% intact. Comes with what is believed to be the original green bag and original black aluminum tube. This medium action powerhouse throws nice loops with a Cortland 444 Peach DT and WF-7. A quality rod with lot’s a life. $195

SOLD Phillipson Premium ~ 9' ~ 3/2 ~ 6.4oz ~ 7/8wt. ~ EXC+ RF (exceptions noted) ~ This post WW-II Rocky Mountain classic was Phillipson's best rod and sold for the handsome sum of $75.00 in 1953. This rod is believed to have been refinished and features carmel-colored cane with swelled butt, 3 x 3 spiral nodes, black silks wraps tipped gold/black and a nicely executed varnish finish. One guide on the mid-section has been poorly re-wrapped and the first guide on the mid, proximal to the male ferrule, looks to be a replacement stripping guide. Chrome stripper, snakes and tip-tops. Smooth & tight fitting N/S ferrules give a resounding 'pop' when separated. A thumb rest was installed on the wells grip. D/L'ing screw seat with hardwood spacer is the first of its kind that I’ve seen on a Phillipson rod and my be a replacement. Wound over WC. No HK. The following is inked on the rod in black script: Phillipson Premium, 9’ 5 5/8 – HCH. The number 27 is also inked at the HK position. Comes with a new tank bag (an inch or so too short for the rod) and a Phillipson labeled tube. This stout medium-fast action rod is a real cannon and would be right at home while in-use for large trout, jacks, stripers and bass.

SOLD South Bend No. 77 ~ 9' ~ 3/2 ~ 5.9 oz ~ 7/8wt. ~ EXC+ (exceptions noted) ~ This early Wes Jordan Era South Bend classic remains in all original condition and features honey-colored shafts, black silk wraps tipped gold, red agate stripper housed in a chrome frame and bronze snakes and tip-tops. The original varnish is sound, but shows areas of crazing that should respond to buff-out with soft, careful hand. Plated ferrules remain in near new condition and give a nice pop when separated. The ferrule fit on Tip #2 is a bit loose, though the ferrule still gives a nice pop. Comfortable sheet cork Wells grip shows little handling. Exposed WC. No HK. Screw D/L'ing metal seat looks near new. The oval acetate label is 100% intact and in perfect condition on the butt section. 77 ~ 9’ is also inked on the butt section in white ink. Comes with the original bag with stitched in label and aluminum tip tube. No outer tube. The strong and stout medium-fast action was designed to handle large bass. A nice find for the South Bend collector.

Heddon Premier #115 ~ 9.5' ~ 3/2 ~ 3F ~ 6.4oz. ~ GBG or C (8wt.) ~ EXC+ RS ~ This Heddon classic was sold exclusively by Sears, Roebuck & Co. from approximately 1948 to 1952 and is rarely seen in the 9.5’ ~ 3F format. It features light browntone cane with swelled butt, light gold silks tipped black and nicely executed varnish finish. Bronze Mildrum stripper, hardened steel snakes, and black tip-tops. Black Japanned ferrules fit smooth and tight and give a nice pop when separated. Comfortable light reversed half wells grip. D/L'ing screw and slide hood seat over an ivory coral tenite spacer. Exposed WC. No HK. Straight line Heddon writing and rod stats. Comes with a black bag that may or may not be original and aluminum tube with a black rubber cork-style top. The stout medium action is perfect for tossin’ terrestrials, streamers and buggers in waters that hold larger than average quarry. $195

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