desperately need an answer

Question
QUESTION: I have come across what appears to be a deep sea rod that has a manufacturer label imprinted on it... it says Betts fishing tackle betts mfg co division of the mb corp chilton wisconsin and has a serial number on it of 8111 or 8711 with a red circle and a fish in the middle. The rod is yellowish clear as if it were clear fiberglass and is now dingy...that is the color as close as I can describe it. I can send you pics if need be. What I am trying to find out is the value of this rod/reel and if possible someone I can contact with the serial number as to an approx age or value if you cannot advise of this as well. My son is hoping it is worth something as it was given to him by someone who was going to throw it out. He is an avid fisherman at 12 yrs old and hopes he has found something possibly with some history???? please help me. Thank you very much. Barry

ANSWER: Hi Barry,

There is an outfit in Florida that is called Bett's Tackle or Sporting Goods if I remember correctly.  I have never established that it is linked the original Bett's, but it is possible.

I doubt that Bett's actually made the fiberglass rods and assume they had the rods made by a third party and labeled as Bett's...this is a common practice and is called private label rods.  I'm pretty sure Bett's was a Sporting Goods company that sold a lot of gear in the upper midwest.

Value on an older fiberglass boat rod would not be high...perhaps $20-$30 depending on actual condition.  Value on the reel would likely be in the $5-$20 range depedning on actual condition.

Thanks,  Joe

---------- FOLLOW-UP ----------

QUESTION: Joe, I really appreciate your help! Do you by chance know of anywhere I could call to find out about the rods age etc, like I said it has a serial number on it, or is there a website that may contain a possible search engine for things like that?

Answer
Hi Barry,

No such website or listing for rods that carry the Bett's name...at least not that I know about.

It is most probable that Bett's did not actually make the rods.  They probably had them made as private label rods by one the many rod making companies of the time.

I have spent time in the past doing some internet searches regarding Bett's rods, but have never found much at all.  If you find anything useful, please let me know.

Thanks,  Joe