WANTED: Fiberglass Fenwicks

[O.mykiss Hunter]

Hello all,

I want to get a taste of fiberglass and would like to start by purchasing an affordable rod to know what it feels like first before committing to a higher priced rod. I'm particularly interested in Fenwick feralite rods if anyone has one (or more) that they would like to part with. I'm looking for a 5wt trouter as well as an 8wt steelhead rod. Please respond or PM me if you can help, thanks.

[Larry S]

O,
If you can't find a good deal on a used rod, you might consider
http://www.echoflyfishing.com/html/rod_category_details.php?category_id=31&page_id=62&product_type=1

They have several models, all under 8-ft and around $200. All 3-piece, as well. Kiene (Fish West) might carry them.
The biggest is the 5-wt. With the new interest in glass, I'm wondering if rod makers are considering "retro"
graphite actions.
Best,
Larry S

[Moose]

Those old Fenwick glass rods are going for some high prices now compared to what they used to go for. There's a definite fiberglass renaissance going on among trout guys. The old Fenwick glass 8 foot 5 weight you used to nab for $20 will now go over $100 if it's in decent condition.

The Echo glass and the Reddington Butter Stick both look like great, affordable modern production glass rods. I may end up trying one myself.

[Baja Fly Fisher]

I just went into my closet and found a Fenwick 8 1/2' 7 wt rod. I use to use this rod on the San Lorenzo river chasing steelhead.
The condition is Fair/Good. The wraps on the guide are still in good shape. I still have the plastic rod tube it came in minus the cap.
If this is draws your interest, I think I can make the price right

Jay

I'm starting to eliminate a lot of fly fishing tackle. I will bring this rod with me to the Fishwest Fly Fair on the 12th so if anyone is interested

[O.mykiss Hunter]

Larry S and Moose, thank you for your suggestions. I've already checked out the rod companies that you've both mentioned, however I think I'm just drawn specifically to the old Fenwicks due to their retro look, and because I have a couple of old Pflueger Medalists from the same era and they would just compliment the Fenwick rods really well ;)

[Ned Morris]

Larry S and Moose, thank you for your suggestions. I've already checked out the rod companies that you've both mentioned, however I think I'm just drawn specifically to the old Fenwicks due to their retro look, and because I have a couple of old Pflueger Medalists from the same era and they would just compliment the Fenwick rods really well ;)

If you're going for the smaller Trout sized Fenwicks go with the earlier models Made from 1962-1971. Most of these were coded FFxx. These glass rods have slower action than even the Fenwicks most of us remember made in the 70's-80's (FFxxx models)
I have an old "Glow Stick" model FF60 made in 1963. It's sweet and although says rated for 5 wt. its perfect with a DT3.

Far as reels go I would strongly recommend against Pfleugers with the smaller rods. Not a question of their quality, its just they are VERY VERY heavy and it will not balance well at all and screw up the entire action of the rod. My FF60 weighs just 2-5/8 oz. Go look on Ebay for some of the classic old click n' pawl Hardy knock-offs such as Heddon 300 or Berkley 530. They are under 3 oz, action "almost" as good as a Featherweight and won't cost you more than $50. Not to mention they were all made in USA in the 1960's (with parts made in Japan of course) so you'll have a true classic setup that won't break the bank.

[Baja Fly Fisher]

Hey O

Here's the information you asked for in your PM to me. I couldn't get the photo's to attach so here they are
Let me know

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v358/jaysflies/IMG_0024_zps1c12f4fa.jpg (http://smg.photobucket.com/user/jaysflies/media/IMG_0024_zps1c12f4fa.jpg.html)
Rod information

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v358/jaysflies/IMG_0023_zps79420714.jpg (http://smg.photobucket.com/user/jaysflies/media/IMG_0023_zps79420714.jpg.html)
Serial Number

Thanks

Jay

[John Sv]

8846Hi,
I have a 7'6" 5 wt Fenglass Fenwick which was a 2000s repro of their old glass line. Looks the same down to the winding and trim wraps as my old ff108, but is made in China and is a 4 piece. Has about 3 days of fishing on it as a backup rod. I'd sell it for a very very reasonable price with its case and a harding and sons rod/reel cordura case. PM me if interested
Thanks,
John

[Mike Stroud]

I agree with Moose. The Fenwick glass rods are selling for between $100 - $200, if you can find one. The Reddington Butterstick is a sweet option for a modern production glass rod. Drop by American Fly Fishing, or Kiene's, and demo one out back. You won't be disappointed.

[Dan LeCount]

There's a ton of good condition Fenwicks on Fleabay right now.

Here's a 7 and a half foot 5 weight that might be a good deal for you.

http://www.ebay.com/itm/Fenwick-FF755-Glass-Fly-Fishing-Rod-7-1-2-5-Wt-Cork-Reel-Seat-EX-w-Bag-Tube-/281299464724?pt=LH_DefaultDomain_0&hash=item417ec13214

Heres a 9 weight for a big steelhead/light salmon rod.

http://www.ebay.com/itm/Fenwick-Glass-Flyrod-9-9-Weight-Single-hand-casting-2-piece-ancient-/231191620979?pt=LH_DefaultDomain_0&hash=item35d4182d73

Heres a very well wrapped 6 weight that's basically brand new. I'm actually building a rod on this same blank, the FF806. Its a great rod for throwing big dries, hopper/droppers or chucking buggers. Very versatile.

http://www.ebay.com/itm/Custom-8-6-wt-Fiberglass-Fenwick-Fly-Rod-/141245754686?pt=LH_DefaultDomain_0&hash=item20e2e72d3e

If you had your heart set on a Fenwick, thats probably the best place to find one. But yea, most of the new glass being made by Scott, Redington, Echo, Orvis, Hardy, etc. seems pretty solid too.(if you didn't have to have a Fenwick in particular.) Of the big name brands, I think Scott probably makes the nicest glass rod,(made in the US too) although they understandably ask quite a bit more.($600+) The Redingtons and Echos are probably the best bang for your buck from the big name companies(which you can get in the local fly shop for somewhere around $200-250.)

There's some real sweet stuff going on from the small companies. Epic, McFarland, Steffen, Kabuto, Tom Morgan and more. You have to do more research, but some of these rods being built by the custom builders are amazing, just smaller scale. Try reading up in the Fiberglass FlyRodders forum or checking out the Fiberglass Manifesto, they're both a wealth of information for people into glass.

[ICE]

Whats the typical consensus? over wt. the old fiberglass rods or under weight? With new fly lines that is...
Thanks
ICE

[Dan LeCount]

Most new fly lines are about a half a line overweight as far as grains, so usually match or slightly underweight your glass rod if you're using a modern line, but like any rod it takes a little playing around to dial it in. Glass is interesting in that you can load it with a pretty wide size range of lines. Glass usually doesn't get the overloaded/underloaded feel as bad as graphite if the line isn't matched perfectly. I'm working on a 6 weight that could probably throw anything from a 4 to a 7 depending on the preferred action of the caster.

[Paul B.]

Hi Jay, PM sent on the 857. If the OP doesn't want it I'm interested.

[DAVID95670]

Saw one in Craigslist with the old plastic triangular rod case. Brings back memories for sure. I had a few which I made from blanks in 1979 thru 1983. Then I found booze and cars and punk music at 17 lol