Grizzly Fenwick Fly Rods

[bolekskis]

I have two Grizzly Fenwick Fly rods that were my grandfathers, they look brand new and in excellent shape. (Not a mark/scratch anywhere)

The first one says Model FL 721, 1 piece, OAL is 6' and though email to Don Green I was able to confirm it as a 3 weight.

The Second one says Model FL 842, 2 piece, OAL is 7' and as with above, I was able to confirm the line weight as a 5.

My question is since I have never seen these listed for sale on ebay or anywhere else, what is the value if I should sell?

Thanks in advance and I am glad I found your site, while not a collector, I am an avid fisherman. (All methods/species)

Phil

[jeffsod]

Phil,

I fish a lot with older fiberglass fly rods and the shorter vintage rods are the preferable rods to have. I wouldn't really recommend anything over 8 ft. I have an regulary fish a Fenwick 8' 7wt. Nice casting rod. I would think either of the rods you have would be of interest to someone like myself as these are both desirable lengths and weights for glass rods. Fenwick rods are fairly common and don't command as high a price as some of the less common ones (like glass Winstons etc). The values can range from 30.00 to 100.00 on average with some exceptions. I paid approx 60 for mine and it was mint with sock and tube. I would be interested in the 5wt if you are looking to sell it.

If you are just looking to learn more I would recommend Victor R. Johnson Jr's book about Fenwicks called Fenwick: Fenwicks History & Rods Including the Development of The First Graphite Rod.

He also wrote another excellent reference with his dad called Fiberglass Flyrods.

I found this link which may be of interest-
http://www.chartingnature.com/books.cfm?book=B14438

[bolekskis]

Jeff,

Thanks so much for the reply. I know nothing about older rods/fiberglass, all I have fished with has been graphite and boron. I did take these two rods to a local fly shop prior to my contact with Don Green trying to find out the weights, one of the gents was able to cast both rods over 60 feet. I was amazed. Since I have been raised on graphite, these are way to fast for me.
Don't know if I'm gonna sell them yet as I have just sold a bunch of bamboo rods on ebay. The only reason is that I need room in my garage! I am a packrat to the highest level. I will contact you here if I am going to sell.
Thanks again!
Phil

[loon]

Jeffsod, along with a so-so Montague bamboo rod I picked up an 8 1/2' Leon Chandler Signature (talked him down to $5) in near mint. Has a really nice slow action great for bass bugs as long as there's not a ton of wind. Do you have any thoughts/info on that rod.

[jeffsod]

Loon, yeah but I plead the fifth.

Want to sell it to me for 75.00 :brow

Seriously I would be interested if are thinking of selling it.

You got a deal. Anyway as stated earlier not all rod weights are created equal especially in assessing a value. The most popular glass rods and collectable are the 5 and 6 weights in lengths 8' and under. At 8'6" you are pushing the upper range on glass (or at least that is the general consensus among glass enthusiats). As you get towards 9ft glass rods tend to get heavy especially the older rods and have a lot of wobble lacking damping.

I believe the weight rating on that rod is either a 6 or 7 weight and the rod and it should weigh about 4 and 1/8oz. This would make it an excellent largemouth bass bugging or smallmouth rod!!!

Cortland did not make or commission a lot of rods per say when compared to other companies (like Fenwick) but the rods they did sell were good quality. The Leon Chandler signature rods were introduced in the early 80's when glass production had been refined to its pinnacle before everything went to graphite. Leon Chandler being what he was to fly fishing only would have his name on the best rods of the Cortland line so this is an excellent product. If you get down the cape with it sometime I would love to hook up with you and try casting it.

[jeffsod]

One thing to watch on the Leon Chandler Rods is the female ferrule. They did not re-inforce the female ferrule with enough thread and the blank can split here if pushed too hard either during assemble or by a big fish. I read where one guy took and had a custom rod maker re-inforce the ferrule area with more thread by overwrapping the factory wrap and extending the wraps so it goes the far enough that it is past where the end of the ferrule stops inside the blank when inserted.


Boleskis- that FL721 was actually labeled as a 4 weight by the manufacturer at the time it was made. This was considered the lightest weight any manufacturer really offered back in the day. The fact that Jimmy Green said it is a three weight may just be what he feels the rod actually is not necessairly what it was sold or marketed as.

[loon]

Jeffsod, that looks like a Shakespeare Wonderrod in your sig-pic. As an aside, I have a mint 6'6" for an HEH that I bought as a kid (my 1st step up from my $5 HIs). At the time it claimed to be the only production rod under 2 oz. It's a spunky little rod that I would never think of selling ...just thought you might appreciate it. Now if I had just kept my first Striper rod: a South Bend 8 1/2 for a GBG.

If I get down your way, I'd be glad to let you cast the Leon Chandler although I'm not looking to sell it. Do you fish Narraganset Bay or the Sakonnet?

[loon]

Jeffsod, yup the LC is a 8 1/2, 6-7 wt, 4 1/8oz

Thanks for the note on the ferrule..........will be done

[jeffsod]

The rod in the signature photo is actually an early 70's vintage brown glass Zebco. The pic is deceiving as the cream colored cross wrap above the handle hides the blank color. I know a few guys who fish the Wonderods regularly and love them. I have a 7 foot 6 wt presidential but the handle needs a bit of work as the top has separated from the blank from flexing :)

They made some great rods!

As far as the Leon Chandler it can't hurt to ask. I have fished the Sakonnett don't get over to Naragansett much these days. I surf in little compton regularly and throw the rod in when I know I will have time to wet a line after getting wet myself.

[bolekskis]

Jeffsod,
You are correct. After checking the email from Don Green, its says for a 3/4 weight. While the other one says for a 5/6 weight. This email is from Sage C/O Don Green.
Thanks for you attention to detail.....I am enjoying this site thoroughly!!!
Phil

[jeffsod]

I guess the value of a Fenwick-Grizzly FL842 is a $150.00