May be the first ever Fenwick Fly Rod??

Question
I have a very old Fenwick Fly Rod. It doesn't have a brand name and much info on it, but its a 7 foot 5 weight that weighs 3 oz. so the code is FF705. It has copper colored metal reel holders and a cork reel seat. The number on it is
P 105012. I would appreciate your help to find when this rod was created, and how rare it is. I have no intention of selling it, ever, because it is the best rod I've ever used and it may be an antique. Thank you, Wyatt.

Answer
Hi Wyatt,

Well, not the first, but definitely an antique and a fine rod.  The FF705 is a second generation fiberglass Feralite fly rod by Fenwick; made in the USA between 1972-1988; and rated at 2 5/8 ounces; a 5wt, 7'0" rod that should be a real pleasure to fish.  I would guess that the Fenwick logo may have been rubbed off the rod or removed for some reason.  I do not have a source for the P105012 number but suspect it is a serial number.

The shorter versions of any fly rod are always the more desirable and tend to be valued higher than longer versions.  The FF705 in Good condition is $75-$90 and in Excellent condition $115-$130.  I doubt the rod is extremely rare, but they certainly haven't made any since 1988 so it is getting more scarce as time goes by.

Fenwick fly rods of this era have a strong and loyal following.  Most owners of these rods, like you, won't part with them and are always on the lookout for another one to add to their collection.

Thanks,  Joe