BOB CHURCH rod

[beachjumper1]

9'6" 7-8 wt bob church &co ltd by Powell usa I bought it in the mid 80s at the sports expo does anyone have any info about this rod. is it really a "Powell" ?

[Darian]

From what I've been able to gather about the rod, it's not a Powell. Bob Church is a former commercial rod builder, equipment and accessories supplier whose home is England; now retired. Apparently, his retirement was premature due to increased competition from larger, mass produced brands.

Sorry I can't provide more info on this but at least you found out your rod isn't a Powell.

[Rich Morrison]

Actually your rod probably is a Powell. Press supplied Bob Church with black Signature Series blanks in the late 80's...quite a few blanks actually. I think Mr, Church turned out to be a bit dodgy with payment and the Powells lost a fair amount of money on the deal. So your rod is a Powell blank built out in England. I'd love to talk a bit more on this rod. Can you send me an email at rich@classicpowellrod.com?
Thanks,
Rich

[Rich Morrison]

I referenced some stuff - those Bob Church rods were not black but charcoal and they were SS rods - so pretty much Private Label West Branch rods. For some reason I remembered coal as the color. And Powell did not sell blanks but completely built rods...so your rod is a Powell factory rod.

[beachjumper1]

thank you all for the info. rich Ill get some pics and send,

[Rich Morrison]

Great - Thanks! I've never actually seen one of the Bob Church rods. There was a bit of tip toeing around them since Powell lost quit a bit of $$ on that deal.