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Hi, Mac! I am attempting to sell an antique South Bend rod. It was won at a church raffle in the 1940s by my grandmother. It has never been used and has been stored in it's original sock and cyclinder since it was won. It's a South Bend #57 9' bamboo with four pieces. It's in mint condition.
I keep getting questions from potential buyers about line weight. There are no other markings of any kind on this rod other than the model number. I was told this wasn't rated for a weight of line because back than they didn't make too many different weights. How can I determine what weight would work? I'm stumped. Any help you can provide is appreciated! Best Regards, April
AnswerApril,
They have always had line weight . They used letters not numbers to designate weight. example:
GBG or C is Double taper or Weight Forward line in 7 or 8 weight . Like most rods today yours is probably a 6 weight, Most South Bend 9 footers are 6 weight. If you live in Denver , I'd have you come over , borrow some reels of different line weight and prove it.
Modern lines are thicker , larger diameter than lines used in that time frame. I usually put on bigger guides but WF 6 will work , juts not shoot as much as other rods.
You might take it to a fly shop , test some reels with different line weights , or ask one of the guys to cast it if you don't fly cast.
Price Book:
Antique %26 Collectible Fishing Rods: Identification %26 Value Guide Homel, Dan. 1997 (2nd edition 2000) add about 30% for age of book.
Shorter rods sell for more
Homel gives the 8.5 Southbend Model #57 fly rod with an extra tip, 3 sections a value of $35, 90 and $165 for poor, good, excellent condition respectively.
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Luck,
Mac
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