A fine Gary Howells “The Westerner’s choice” bamboo fly rod with exceptional provenance, both as a piece of American rodmaking history and through its previous owner, the Danish fly-fishing legend and author Preben Torp Jacobsen.
Measuring 8'6″ and built in two sections with two tips, this rod is marked “G. H. Howells” and “8 1/2' 4 1/4 oz #4154” on the shaft. The serial number places its manufacture in 1978–79. Although originally designated for a #6 line, the rod performs beautifully with a modern #5, bringing out its smooth, medium full-flexing action.
The cane is a handsome medium wheat-straw colour, with nodes arranged in Howells' characteristic three-up pattern. The varnish remains excellent, while the familiar brown wraps are finished with yellow tipping. The ferrules feature Howells' distinctive Winston-inspired brown overwraps, complemented by chrome tip tops.
The 6″, Full Wells-style grip shows only light soiling but is completely smooth consistent with use. Ferrule fits remain excellent, and both tips are straight and free from set. The reel seat is an aluminium uplocking slide-band design with pocket cap, built around Gary Howells' trademark zebrawood spacer.
The rod is accompanied by its original bright red cloth bag and aluminium tube with brass hardware, with the original Howells data sticker still intact. The original aluminium tube shows some dents and transport marks consistent with age and use.
This particular rod was formerly owned by Preben Torp Jacobsen, one of Denmark's best-known fly fishermen and authors. His name, together with his “Flyleaves” mark, is engraved on the tube cap, providing a particularly appealing connection to Scandinavian fly-fishing history.
Maker
Gary Howells
Length
8'6"
Configuration
2-piece / 2-tip
Line
#6 (also fishes well with #5)
Weight
4 1/4 oz
Serial Number
4154
Year
c. 1978–79
Action
Medium, full-flexing
Reel Seat
Aluminium, zebrawood spacer
Condition
Very good used condition
Includes
Original bag and tube
Questions about this piece, international shipping, or price are always welcome.
A fine Gary Howells “The Westerner’s choice” bamboo fly rod with exceptional provenance, both as a piece of American rodmaking history and through its previous owner, the Danish fly-fishing legend and author Preben Torp Jacobsen.
Measuring 8'6″ and built in two sections with two tips, this rod is marked “G. H. Howells” and “8 1/2' 4 1/4 oz #4154” on the shaft. The serial number places its manufacture in 1978–79. Although originally designated for a #6 line, the rod performs beautifully with a modern #5, bringing out its smooth, medium full-flexing action.
The cane is a handsome medium wheat-straw colour, with nodes arranged in Howells' characteristic three-up pattern. The varnish remains excellent, while the familiar brown wraps are finished with yellow tipping. The ferrules feature Howells' distinctive Winston-inspired brown overwraps, complemented by chrome tip tops.
The 6″, Full Wells-style grip shows only light soiling but is completely smooth consistent with use. Ferrule fits remain excellent, and both tips are straight and free from set. The reel seat is an aluminium uplocking slide-band design with pocket cap, built around Gary Howells' trademark zebrawood spacer.
The rod is accompanied by its original bright red cloth bag and aluminium tube with brass hardware, with the original Howells data sticker still intact. The original aluminium tube shows some dents and transport marks consistent with age and use.
This particular rod was formerly owned by Preben Torp Jacobsen, one of Denmark's best-known fly fishermen and authors. His name, together with his “Flyleaves” mark, is engraved on the tube cap, providing a particularly appealing connection to Scandinavian fly-fishing history.
Maker
Gary Howells
Length
8'6"
Configuration
2-piece / 2-tip
Line
#6 (also fishes well with #5)
Weight
4 1/4 oz
Serial Number
4154
Year
c. 1978–79
Action
Medium, full-flexing
Reel Seat
Aluminium, zebrawood spacer
Condition
Very good used condition
Includes
Original bag and tube
Questions about this piece, international shipping, or price are always welcome.
