A particularly fine and increasingly scarce H. L. Leonard 4099½, a more powerful development of the celebrated 50½ model. Originally conceived as a tournament rod, the 4099½ is equally at home on large rivers and lakes, where wind, distance and substantial trout demand a little more authority from the rod.
As the original description aptly puts it: “Think big waters, big winds, big fish.”
This is a rare pre-fire Leonard from the Harold Reynolds era, dating from the 1940s, and it remains in excellent condition. The rod handles lines from approximately #6 through #8, giving it considerable versatility for the angler who appreciates a traditional Leonard with some additional power.
The rod retains its original 1940s grey bag and intact hang tag, with burgundy wraps and black tipping. The cane is straight and the ferrules remain tight. The rod has seen only light use, with very light hand soiling and minor ridging to the cork grip. There are some small cracks to the wraps consistent with casting and age. The rod bag shows some fraying at the top.
Few descriptions better capture the character of this model than Marty Keane's account in 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."
The 4099½ occupies an especially interesting place in the Leonard catalogue: a powerful, purposeful taper that retains the elegance and refinement for which the great Leonard rods are known. Examples retaining their original bag and hang tag are particularly desirable.
A rare Leonard, preserved in remarkable original condition and ready for the water.
Explore our collection of H.L. Leonard bamboo fly rods, spanning several generations of American rodmaking, from the pre-fire era to the workshops of Tom Maxwell and Marc Aroner. Discover the 50DF Tournament, Hunt 50-5, The Duracane, and the Catskill Special 48-4.
Maker
H.L. Leonard
Model
4099½
Period
Pre-fire, c. 1940s
Length
8'6"
Configuration
3-piece / 2-tip
Line
#6–8
Weight
5 1/8 oz
Action
Powerful, progressive
Wraps
Burgundy with black tipping
Condition
Excellent original condition; minor age-related wear to wraps
Includes
Original grey bag with hang tag
Questions about this piece, international shipping, or price are always welcome.
A particularly fine and increasingly scarce H. L. Leonard 4099½, a more powerful development of the celebrated 50½ model. Originally conceived as a tournament rod, the 4099½ is equally at home on large rivers and lakes, where wind, distance and substantial trout demand a little more authority from the rod.
As the original description aptly puts it: “Think big waters, big winds, big fish.”
This is a rare pre-fire Leonard from the Harold Reynolds era, dating from the 1940s, and it remains in excellent condition. The rod handles lines from approximately #6 through #8, giving it considerable versatility for the angler who appreciates a traditional Leonard with some additional power.
The rod retains its original 1940s grey bag and intact hang tag, with burgundy wraps and black tipping. The cane is straight and the ferrules remain tight. The rod has seen only light use, with very light hand soiling and minor ridging to the cork grip. There are some small cracks to the wraps consistent with casting and age. The rod bag shows some fraying at the top.
Few descriptions better capture the character of this model than Marty Keane's account in 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."
The 4099½ occupies an especially interesting place in the Leonard catalogue: a powerful, purposeful taper that retains the elegance and refinement for which the great Leonard rods are known. Examples retaining their original bag and hang tag are particularly desirable.
A rare Leonard, preserved in remarkable original condition and ready for the water.
Explore our collection of H.L. Leonard bamboo fly rods, spanning several generations of American rodmaking, from the pre-fire era to the workshops of Tom Maxwell and Marc Aroner. Discover the 50DF Tournament, Hunt 50-5, The Duracane, and the Catskill Special 48-4.
Maker
H.L. Leonard
Model
4099½
Period
Pre-fire, c. 1940s
Length
8'6"
Configuration
3-piece / 2-tip
Line
#6–8
Weight
5 1/8 oz
Action
Powerful, progressive
Wraps
Burgundy with black tipping
Condition
Excellent original condition; minor age-related wear to wraps
Includes
Original grey bag with hang tag
Questions about this piece, international shipping, or price are always welcome.
