Old Fenwick Fly Rod

Question
Joe,
I have an old Fenwick Fly Rod that was handed down to me.  It was originally my late father's.  I have a few questions about it, but first here is what I know from the markings/labels on it.
Fenwick, 8 1/2' Two Piece Type
Serial # I 30710
FF85 4 1/8 oz.
AFTMA Fly Line No. 7-8
There is another label near the break, that says Feralite.
I assume this rod is fiberglass.  
Is "feralite" simply a model name or is it a rod construction material?  
Also, do you have an idea of how old it is, by the serial number?  I would guess late 60's early 70's.

This is really the only thing I have of my dad's so have always though that I would never use it, for fear of it getting damaged.  However, I recently started to learn to fly fish and found that I really enjoy it and plan to keep doing it for the rest of my life.  I intend to buy a combo set-up soon to use for the majority of my fishing.  But would also like to use this rod on occasion.  With that said, I have a few questions.
1. What do you think about using it at all?  Due to it's age, do you think it will be prone to breakage due to being brittle?  It seems to be in great shape and has always been stored in its original felt sleeve in an aluminum tube.
2. If you think it is OK to use, would you have any recommendations/suggestions on a vintage reel that would have
likely been used with this rod in that era, or did Fenwick make reels then?  I wouldn't want to break the bank, but thought it would be good karma to stay "old school" if I were to ever fish with this rod.
3. I know little to nothing about fly fishing, but I believe due to the "AFTMA Fly Line No. 7-8", that this is a fairly stiff rod designed for larger fish.  I mainly would be fishing for smaller trout in Northern MN and North Central WI.  A 12" Brookie is a nice fish, many/mostwould be smaller and on a lucky day maybe up to 18-24" Brown or Rainbow.  Also would want to use for panfish, and small mouth bass.  However, I do have my sites on fishing for bigger stuff like Northern Pike etc sometime in the future once I figure out what I am doing.
Where does this rod fit? Too big for Trout and smaller fish?  But maybe good once I step up to bigger stuff?  But saying that make me think back to, would this rod break easily due to its age.

Sorry for such a long group of questions.

I would appreciate any insight you can offer.

Thank you

Answer
Hi Chad,

These old Fenwick rods are considered very good rods and have a loyal following among many fly fishers.  The FF85 model would be valued in the $80-$100 range.  It would use a 7wt, 8wt or 9wt line in modern terms and would probably perform well with an 8wt for your purposes.

The rod would be good for bass, trout and panfish.  I would probably get a 9wt or 10wt rod for pike.  As long as there are no breaks, cracks or splits anywhere on your rod, it should be fine to use it.  It was made in the 1965-1980 time period as you guessed.  Feralite was the name Fenwick assigned to the rods made using their proprietary process for creating these fiberglass rods during that time period.

You might look for an old Pflueger reel as a good match for the rod. You should be able to find one that is inexpensive on any of the online auctions.  Since the rod has always been stored in its case and well cared for, I would not expect problems in using it.  Check it over good and try it out on the smaller trout to begin with.  I have many customers who won't fish with any other rod than one of these Fenwicks from that era.

Do be careful with it on the water.  If it is all you have left from your dad, you don't want to lose it or damage it.

Thanks,  Joe