This is Hunt 50-5, 8’. Serial# 8073, made in 1980 during Tom Maxwell's tenure at Leonard. Weight is 4 1/3 oz. for a #5 line. Burgundy wraps with purple and red tipping at hook keeper and ferrules. Cigar grip, blued down-locking reel seat with tiger maple spacer, agate stripping guide, ring hook keeper. Original tan bag and tube. Excellent original condition. Rod is straight and varnish is flawless. Ferrule fit is superb. Grip shows some use. Reel seat slide band is tight, but slides down enough to secure the reel.
A nice HL Leonard model 48-4 catskill special fly rod, 7’0” 3-piece, 2-tip but one tip missing built for a #4 line. Serial # 89105. Mint condition. Fast action 4-weight small stream rod. Master builder Marc Aroner made this rod approximately during 1990-1993 for Larry Foster to maintain his Leonard trademarks. A few of the telltale indications that Marc built it: his mortising tool leaves a circular lip at the top of the cut while the standard Leonard seats would have a straight lip. The nodes have been pressed to a very small size. The cane is an oven tempered wheat straw color and the wraps are light brown with green edges and a green double wrap at the ferrule. Carbide stripper, keeper on the wrap flats as well as the serial number (Marc believe Larry put the "A" for Aroner). 4 1/4" slim cigar grip. The reel seat is lightly stained curly maple. The cap and ring are oxidized and the cap has the Leonard stamp "H.L. Leonard Rod Co, The Rodmaker, Since 1869". "Catskill Special" labelled on the opposing side. The varnish is perfect. The step ferrules are oxidized and the rod is straight. Comes packed in a cream colored poplin bag with room for two tips,.
This is one of the classics indeed! A pre-fire Leonard Model 50DF Tournament bamboo rod 3/2-- 8 ft for a 5 wt line. The rod is in fantastic condition and I suspect it has been restored somewhere down the line, receiving a thin crisp varnish coat. The rod is very sound, no repair wraps, no issues with the underlying cane. Most of the wraps appear to be original silks. All sections are full length and straight. Golden straw colored cane. Gold silks with lighter gold tipping at the winding check, ferrules, and tip-tops. The rod features english style, reverse-twist guides. Agate stripping guide and tip-tops. Slightly swelled butt. Ring hook-keeper. Classic diminutive cigar grip in wonderful shape that measures 4 7/8" . Some ridging but no soiling. Nickel-silver cap and ring reel seat with a butternut spacer. Witness marks on ferrules. The rod weighs 3 5/8 oz. The action is that lovely medium fast dry fly action that we all love about the 50 DF. Comes with original bag sans hang tag, The bag have frayed bottoms that have been rudimentary fixed by the previous owner. I would be more than happy to fix this. Also includes original tube with brass fittings.
This a more powerful version of the popular 50 1/2 model. Think big waters, big winds, big fish. A very rare pre-fire Leonard find these days. Handles lines ranging from #6-8 with great versatility. Harold Reynolds era with 1940’s gray bag with hang tag intact. Burgundy wraps with black accents. The condition is great! This rod has only seen light use with very light hand soiling and ridging to the grip and some cracks to the wraps due to casting. The ferrules are tight and the rod is straight. Some fraying to the top the rod bag.
Note what Marty Keane wrote about this rod in his magnum opus ”Classic Rods and Rodmakers” - "Sensing a need to offer a slightly stronger #50DF, the #4099 came forward, and from it one of the great Leonard classics, the #4099 1/2, a three-piece 8 1/2-foot model, originally a tournament rod, weighing 4 1/2 to 5 1/2 ounces - usually closer to the 5 1/4 - 5 1/2 ounce weight. This rod, in my opinion, deserves special mention as a superior instrument, especially for use when large flies, strong winds, and big water must be covered for long periods of time. Its comfortable, slightly thick grip is wisely designed and the powerful tapers allow the angler to make difficult casts with a minimum of effort. The #4099 1/2 has amazed everyone who has performed with it, and it remains a favorite throughout the country with amateur tournament casters and trout fishermen alike."
This is the Pezon et Michel Ritz Super Parabolic PPP, Master (Lambiotte Type) bamboo rod, 8'3", #5-6, 2/2. Made in France (not a Sharpe's or Farlow's rod built on a P&M blank). The rod is in excellent original condition. Staggered ferrule design with original bamboo plug; green wraps tipped with red; in original P&M red satin bag and plastic tube with brown cover and P&M patch. Ritz style grip (long) with a slight flare towards the rear. Champagne aluminum screw-lock reel seat. The rod weighs 5 1/4 oz. The fit and condition is great.
The classic European Trout Rod! Ritz Super Parabolic Fario Club 8′ 5″ with staggered ferules , alloy snake rings, smooth soiled cork handle with black alloy screw in reel fittings, green whippings tipped in red. Included is a original red satin rod bag. A rod heavily used with the brand markings faded and some set. But is ready to fish for many more years!
The rod has an amazing provenance and belonged to the grand old man of Scandinavian Fly Fishing, namely Preben Torp Jacobsen - the famous danish author and veterinarian. His name and year is etched onto the pocket cap. He wrote about this very rod in his book ”Torrfluefiske” comparing it to a Stradivarius violin.
The rod itself is a Orvis Midge bamboo fly rod, 7'6", 2-piece, 2-tip, and made for a #5 line. Serial #73392 with a listed weight of 3 5/8 ounces. Light use with hand soiling. Medium-slow action. Tan color cane done in a 3 up node pattern. Resorcinol glue. The main wraps are burgundy with a carbide stripper and chrome guides. The step ferrules are oxidized black. The grip is a cigar with very little front taper and a large square-end. The reel seat is an aluminum down lock screw lock with a pocket cap. The spacer is Walnut. The rod packs into a non-original two pocket tan cloth bag and Orvis original aluminum tube.
Here is a unique and unusual Orvis rod model - the Midge Nymph. Excellent condition. This 2/2 rod comes with 2 different length tips. One tip makes this a 7 1/2' rod and the other tip is 3" longer for fishing nymphs. Medium-slow action. All sections are original and straight. The downlocking reel seat has a walnut spacer and cap and ring. Tan color cane done in a 3 up node pattern. Resorcinol glue. The main wraps are burgundy with a carbide stripper and chrome guides. The step ferrules are oxidized black. Soiling of the grip. Serial #81288 on all three sections as well as the original tube label. Original tube but non-original bag.
Use: Light trout fishing, perfect for a #1-3 rod.
In my personal opinion Bengt ”Engeln” Engelbrekt is the contemporary maker that have perfected the trout reel. The aestethics, attention to detail and quality are second to none. Everything is made in his workshop down to the smallest of screws.
This a a closed drag system, with a polite click and silent intake. The drag you adjust by the beautiful knob on the rim. These reels are made of aluminium, phosphor brass, nickel silver, steel as well as delrin or ebonite with an ivory knob as icing on the cake. The reels should be serviced by the master himself. This is a RHW and it cannot be converted. Delivered with a hand sewn leather case.
Condition: Light use, basically as new.
Use: Single hand salmon and steelhead rods in the 8 and 9 weight class. Also a perfect choice for lighter two handed rods in 5, 6 & 7 weights, and of course switch rods.
Joe Saracione is without a doubt one of the most accomplished current reel makers. With the Mark V drag you have a reel powerful to handle everything a big salmon might be up to. Spool Width 1 5/32.” Weight: 10 ounces Fly Line: 8,9 single hand rods, and 5,6,7 two handed rods and switch rods. Capacity: 150yds+ 20# micron 450gr Skagit Head +100ft/.035 shooting line. This reel comes as a LHW and with a neoprene pouch.
Condition: New in box.
Use: Great for trout fishing in the range #4-6
The reel appeared in the 1977 and 1978 catalogs along with Limited Edition Orvis Classic Fly Rod with mahogany presentation chest, this limited edition model was limited to 300 reels, each numbered. The reel offered here is # 133. The reel was actually priced separately in the 1978 catalog as the "Limited Edition Charles F. Orvis Reel”, but only offered as part of the presentation set in the 1977 catalog. The reel was made in England for Orvis by Hardy. Left or right hand retrieve. Capacity up to a WF6 line + 50 yards of 20# backing. The reel weighs 3.0 oz.
Condition: Light use with basically only some aluminium oxide on latch.
Use: Trout reel perfect for a #6 line.
For sale here is a Hardy Perfect 3 5/8" fly reel. The trusted Dup MkII check with tensioner working properly. The reel is manufactured without line guide which is a rarity and giving it versatility between RHW and LHW. Leading worn as seen in images. Brass and ebonite handle. Ribbed brass foot. The “TW” marking on the spool confirms it was inspected or made by Tom Willis, active during the 1950s to early 1960. Jim Hardy is said to have contracted 3 5/8” Perfects without line guard in the early fifties so I would guess this approximate period of the reels manufacture.
Condition: Good used condition
Use: Handles a DT #6 very well.
Early 1930s example featuring Brit. Pat. Nos. 145904 & USA 369867 and Reg. No. 734597 on the horseshoe latch. Equipped with a rim-mounted spool tensioner, ribbed brass foot, and black ebonite handle. Retains its original dark leaded finish with attractive patina. The reel runs smooth with a firm tension adjuster and crisp duplicated Mark II check. A fine and well-preserved Uniqua from Hardy’s 1930-36 interwar golden era.
Condition: Very good – light honest wear, smooth operation, original finish intact.
Use: A perfect companion for your #4-5 weight rod.
Early 1920s example with Pat. Nos. 24245 & 8281, horseshoe-latch spool release and ribbed brass foot. Black ebonite handle, smooth operation and original leaded finish showing an attractive age patina. Clear circular “THE UNIQUA – 3 1/8 in.” stamping. Mechanically sound, with crisp check and tight frame. A fine and honest early Hardy reel made 1921-26.
Condition: Very good for age – light wear, no alterations, unpolished.
Use: Light trout fishing.
Made in Korea int the 1980’s I believe, machined to Hardy's exacting standards. The reel features black frame and spool with highly polished bands and bright aluminum foot. All parts are ventilated, including the counter balanced S-handle. Adjustable click & pawl drag with strong resistance. Set up LHW but can be converted to RHW without too much trouble. 2 7/8" diameter with a spool width of 15/16". Marked as a 2/3/4 reel but I would probably use it as a 4/5. Neoprene pouch included.
Condition: Signs of wear, mostly relegated to the rims and rear. Front screw has some wear.
Use: Trusted companion for heavy trout fishing.
2 screw latch and straight writing with aluminium foot dates this reel to the 1970’s. Enjoy the screaming drag, which adjustable by a spool tensioner. Alternates between RHW and LHW easily. The St. John is a 3 7/8 diameter rated 7/9 reel. It will hold plenty of line; up-to DT #6/7 with 130+ yards of #30 backing. It is light for most two-handers. Handles the typical steelhead or sea trout just fine.
Condition: Light use, some scratches on the rear. Mechanically and spool-wise flawless.
Use: Perfect for 2-handed salmon fishing.
Marquis salmon fly reel with black handle, brass ribbed foot, perforated face plate with two screw drum latch and black disc tensioner to rear plate. With classic Hardy case. From 1970’s. Sturdy, trustworthy companion for you two-handed rod.
Condition: Very good used condition.
A modern rod with a fast, fast, fast action. Som cork soiling and some varnish rash but in good working condition. A good rod, punching above its weight regarding finish and details. Made in USA.
Scott wrote this about the rod: ”Flex rods generate line speed and tight loops effortlessly, helping you cast accurately and control your presentations. And, their powerful butt sections help with quick, positive hook sets and fish control.”
An otter green 23 L day pack made from tin cloth and rugged twill. Of course, this is USA produced Filson (not outsourced as nowadays) and by age the oil finish is gone from the tin cloth and it’s now has a smooth and supple fabric all over. Has a really nice patina but some fraying on exposed corners and such. Personally, I think this contributes to the feel of the bag, but it can easily be fixed at home or at your cobbler or tailor. Take it to the water, I think is deserves to be your companion for many years to come!
-Fully-lined with a padded pocket for laptops up to 15"
-Cotton Moleskin-lined shoulder straps with Bridle Leather adjustment straps
-Padded back panel
-Exterior snap-flap pocket with snap-secure expandable gussets
-Bridle Leather grab handle and zipper pulls
Probably the best fly fishing vest Patagonia has ever produced in my opinion. Has many miles of usage but no defects. Size M. Highly sought after but rarely found. Back in the day they wrote it like this on the big P. headquarters:
“Course was set before Spring 2008 to create a 21st Century version of our classic mesh vest, which we introduced way back in ‘87. The result is the Riverwalker Vest. This vest incorporates pack-like storage pockets with detailed vest construction (just try counting all the bar tacks). Convenient, easy-to-use curved and straight coil zippers with two molded pockets offer easy access and a clean, fly-line friendly exterior. The Riverwalker Vest is a lightweight (M's 17.5oz and W's 17oz) and highly functional piece of fishing equipment. Mesh (our signature version) and stretch nylon construction; specifically designed storage for fly boxes, tippet, tools, etc.; integrated attachment points; removable fly patch and built in rod holder are all contained in it's framework. This vest has two center clip adjustments for a more form fit when desired. There are two vertical zippers on either side of the back allowing access without having to take the vest off. There is also a single horizontal pocket on the back intentionally placed high for additional boxes, spare spools, food or whatever. The collar is padded and covered in a wicking and odor resistant looped poly fabric and the shoulder pattern helps support the load. There's also a burly webbing loop placed on the back below the collar for carrying and hanging this vest when loaded.”
Perfect for sun protection with extra long bill/visor. Size M. Three eyelets on each side. Shows signs of usage on the sweatband and label, as well as some minor stains on the bill/visor, but ready for many more years of trout hunting. Made in Japan from airy rip stop material.
(S/hand, Hardcover, 1855). (1854) 1855 2nd edition. Small 8vo (120 x 188mm). Ppvi,418. B/w illustrations. Red textured and blind-stamped cloth, upper board and spine titled and decorated in gilt. Front hinge tender, spine half broken, part missing and edges worn and cloth slightly rubbed but good-plus. The author recalls his travels to northern Europe with many notes on fishing and shooting. "These northern sketches are, in truth, a continuation of a former work, 'The Erne, its Legends and its Fly-fishing;' as the expedition which gave rise to them was in every respect the same as the old Belleek fishing-association, with a simple change of scene." Chapters include:- Preparation; The voyage; The Shipwash Sand; The landfall; Christiansand; The Torjedahl; The encampment Mosse Eurd; Making a night of it; The hell fall; Departure from Torjedahl; The mountain march; The homestead; The church; Breaking up the encampment; Eider duck hunting; The coasting voyage; Gotheborg; Trollhatten; Gaddeback; Wenern; The meet; The commencement of the Skal; The Satterval; Making another night of it; The watch fire; Beating out the Skal; The ball; The wedding; Homeward bound. .
1st USA 1976. Very good condition in a ok dustwrapper. USA Edition. A startling and penetrating look at trout behavior and riseforms. Large format. Green cloth with silver title to spine. B/w photos and illustrations and a few colour photos. 184 pages. Spine and corners bumped and slightly worn. Dustwrapper is frayed and creased at edges.
This excellent copy of the classic book is in mint condition, reprinted as part of the limited run of 500 printings that makes up the Flyfisher's Classic Library. Published in 1996. Brown Leather binding and a hard canvas slipcase. Copy includes numerous black and white drawings by Pearce Bates. Excellent condition. Great copy for any angler. A Modern Dry Fly Code is a staple in any trout fisherman's library and this is truly a gem of a print.
A copy of this fine book by one of Britains most accomplished salmon fishermen Reprinted as part of the limited edition series Flyfisher's Classic Library. Bound in full leather with the title and decoration done in gilt on the spine. Silk ribbon marker. 352 pages. Fine condition. A nice account of various Salmon streams in the UK
This classic guide contains the text of the original 1963 edition and incorporates an introduction to Kite for a new generation of readers. As well as colour pictures of Kite's flies, there is a classification of natural nymphs by type and details of the basic requirements of an artificial nymph.
American Fly Fishing: A History, published in 1987, reprinted several times and then reissued in a revised edition in 1999, is the most comprehensive history of the subject yet published. Historian Paul Schullery, who served as the first executive director of the American Museum of Fly Fishing (1977-1982), which funded the writing of the book, subjects the entire colorful saga of this beloved sport to a fresh scrutiny, reconsidering and refining many elements of the story, Drawing from a host of recent research findings, American Fly Fishing: A History was the first examination of the sport's history to treat the subject as a truly national matter. Schullery shifted much of the emphasis away from the origin stories of the east coast to show how the sport evolved and broadened as its practitioners moved into new and unfamiliar watersheds (in the American West, in warm water, and in salt water) that challenged anglers to adapt and develop their own tackle and techniques to meet the needs of the local waters and fish species. So quickly was its authority recognized that in 1989, only two years after its publication, Trout magazine recognized American Fly Fishing: A History as one of the most important trout–related books of the previous thirty years.
This volume's ordinary-sounding title masks a unique compilation by some of North America's foremost fishery personnel, biologists, and conservationists. Not written from the sportsperson's perspective, but of ultimate relevance to anglers and naturalists alike, it covers trout ancestry, physiology, environment, and habits. A section on the 13 distinct trout species found in the United States comprises nearly half of the book with ( full descriptions and charts with fin ray counts , scale counts , other measurements and weights ) . A useful bibliography of over 700 items enhances its value. Despite efforts to ensure readability, the book is essentially technical and provides more information than most anglers will want. Full color photos , maps and tables . This is in excellent condition .
One of the most important modern books on flyfishing. Pioneering stuff on rise-forms, presentation, and on the way natural and artificial flies appear to the trout. Chapters include: The trout and the fly; The approach; How to see trout; Where trout lie; The light patch; Clues to feeding behaviour; How the trout sees; What the trout sees of the fly; What the trout sees of the angler; Fishing the nymph; Reading the take to the nymph; Fishing the dry fly; The search for truth; What we set out to achieve - and why; How to tie the new patterns; Postscript - the barbless hook.
1980 1st edition. 4to (211 x 276mm). Pp192. Colour & b/w photographs, line illustrations. Binding B. Red boards, spine titled in gilt. End-paper inscription o/w very good in dust-wrapper.
“Fly Fishing the River of Second Chances is about starting over, about navigating our way when our choices take us in over our heads. Delightful, sometimes bittersweet, often hilarious, and always deeply affectionate, here is a portrait of Sweden and a memoir about second chances that no reader will forget.”
49 standard clips and 20 Deep clips. Good used condition. Probably from 60’s or 70’s. The light and trustworthy silmalloy material with some scratches and patina.
NB: Throughout Richard Wheatley’s long history boxes have always been referred to as 3 inch, 4 inch and 6 inch and this continue to be done in the old way. The boxes are actually 3 ½ x 2 3/8 x 1 inch (89 x 60 x 25mm) 4 ¾ x 3 ½ x 1 1/8th inch (121 x 89 x 29mm) and 6 x 3 ½ x 1 1/8th inch (152 x 89 x 29mm) or 6 x 3 ½ x 1 ½ inch (152 x 89 x 44mm)
50 small clips and 35 medium clips. Good used condition. Probably from 60’s or 70’s. The light and trustworthy silmalloy material with some scratches and patina.
NB: Throughout Richard Wheatley’s long history boxes have always been referred to as 3 inch, 4 inch and 6 inch and this continue to be done in the old way. The boxes are actually 3 ½ x 2 3/8 x 1 inch (89 x 60 x 25mm) 4 ¾ x 3 ½ x 1 1/8th inch (121 x 89 x 29mm) and 6 x 3 ½ x 1 1/8th inch (152 x 89 x 29mm) or 6 x 3 ½ x 1 ½ inch (152 x 89 x 44mm)