A superb Mike Clark bamboo fly rod, measuring 8'6", three-piece with two tips, and built for a #5 line. This is one of Clark's signature “Gierach Best Special Taper” models, serial #20141.
The rod has a quick-tippy action and is presented in fine condition. The cane is lightly flamed, with beautifully small, tight spiral nodes achieved through pressing. Green wraps with red tipping complement the cane, while a striking red agate stripping guide and snake guides complete the guide set. The varnish remains intact throughout.
The ferrules are oxidized Super Z-style ferrules. The 6½" grip is built from ¼" cork rings and shaped to a generous Full Wells profile. The reel seat features a beautifully varnished, mortised walnut spacer, paired with a nickel-silver down-locking screw-lock seat. The nut, slide and cap all carry ornate engraving, giving the fittings an unusually refined character.
The rod comes with its blue Moleskine rod bag and a black-painted aluminum tube with brass hardware, retaining the original South Creek data sticker.
The Gierach Best Special Taper
The Special Taper was developed by Mike Clark in collaboration with two influential figures in American fly fishing: outdoor writer John Gierach and writer and fly tier A.K. Best.
Mike Clark describes the 8'6" #5 as follows:
“The Special Taper rods were originally designed in conjunction with outdoor writer John Gierach and writer/fly tier A.K. Best. The 8'6", 2 tip, 5 weight has a quick, tippy action that handles distance casting well and still cushions long, light tippets. This is a good all-around rod that will handle anything from small dry flies and nymphs to medium sized streamers.”
Clark goes on to explain that Gierach and Best fished these rods extensively before the taper became a standard South Creek model, and that the rods are inked “Gierach Best Special Taper” on the blank.
It is a taper with a particularly interesting pedigree: conceived by a master rodmaker and refined through the fishing of two writers whose influence helped shape modern American fly-fishing culture.
Specifications
Maker
South Creek Ltd — Mike Clark
Model
Gierach Best Special Taper
Length
8'6"
Configuration
3-piece / 2-tip
Line
#5
Action
Medium-slow
Serial Number
20141
Cane
Lightly flamed bamboo
Ferrules
Oxidized Super Z-style
Grip
6½" Full Wells cork
Reel Seat
Engraved nickel silver, walnut spacer
Condition
Fine used condition
Includes
Original bag and tube
Enquiries
Questions about this piece, international shipping, or price are always welcome.
A superb Mike Clark bamboo fly rod, measuring 8'6", three-piece with two tips, and built for a #5 line. This is one of Clark's signature “Gierach Best Special Taper” models, serial #20141.
The rod has a quick-tippy action and is presented in fine condition. The cane is lightly flamed, with beautifully small, tight spiral nodes achieved through pressing. Green wraps with red tipping complement the cane, while a striking red agate stripping guide and snake guides complete the guide set. The varnish remains intact throughout.
The ferrules are oxidized Super Z-style ferrules. The 6½" grip is built from ¼" cork rings and shaped to a generous Full Wells profile. The reel seat features a beautifully varnished, mortised walnut spacer, paired with a nickel-silver down-locking screw-lock seat. The nut, slide and cap all carry ornate engraving, giving the fittings an unusually refined character.
The rod comes with its blue Moleskine rod bag and a black-painted aluminum tube with brass hardware, retaining the original South Creek data sticker.
The Gierach Best Special Taper
The Special Taper was developed by Mike Clark in collaboration with two influential figures in American fly fishing: outdoor writer John Gierach and writer and fly tier A.K. Best.
Mike Clark describes the 8'6" #5 as follows:
“The Special Taper rods were originally designed in conjunction with outdoor writer John Gierach and writer/fly tier A.K. Best. The 8'6", 2 tip, 5 weight has a quick, tippy action that handles distance casting well and still cushions long, light tippets. This is a good all-around rod that will handle anything from small dry flies and nymphs to medium sized streamers.”
Clark goes on to explain that Gierach and Best fished these rods extensively before the taper became a standard South Creek model, and that the rods are inked “Gierach Best Special Taper” on the blank.
It is a taper with a particularly interesting pedigree: conceived by a master rodmaker and refined through the fishing of two writers whose influence helped shape modern American fly-fishing culture.
Specifications
Maker
South Creek Ltd — Mike Clark
Model
Gierach Best Special Taper
Length
8'6"
Configuration
3-piece / 2-tip
Line
#5
Action
Medium-slow
Serial Number
20141
Cane
Lightly flamed bamboo
Ferrules
Oxidized Super Z-style
Grip
6½" Full Wells cork
Reel Seat
Engraved nickel silver, walnut spacer
Condition
Fine used condition
Includes
Original bag and tube
Enquiries
Questions about this piece, international shipping, or price are always welcome.
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