Bamboo Fly Rod by South Bend Bait Co.

Question
I have a bamboo fly rod (case, reel, fly's and bag also) that I would like to obtain the value, and possibly sell the unit.  The fly rod is in a metal carrying box painted orange.  The fly rod has a wooden handle and on the handle end there is a green sticker that reads "Best-O-Luck" and also a 57 and a 9'.  In the box is a cloth carrying bag with a tag that states "Best-O-Luck, Trademark, Fishing Rod, One, No.57, Length 9, and Made in U.S.A." There is a reel and four trout flies.  The reel is a St. Joe No.1170-South Bend Bait Co.  The flies are also St. Joe Trout flies.  Inside the lid of the carrying box is "No. 666, Fly Fishing Outfit".  The Fly Rod has been restored by a professional rod builder and is in excellent condition. The bag and reel are also in excellent condition.  The box is in very good condition.  

As I mentioned earlier, I am interested in a value, and information on possibly selling the unit.   

Thank you.

Answer
Robert,

Rod:
According to Antique & Collectable Fishing Rods: Identification & Value Guide Homel, Dan. 1997 (2nd edition 2000); the value of the  8 1/2 ft model #57 with an extra tip , is $35, 90 and $165 for poor, good, excellent condition respectively. So that's close 9 footers sell for less and the book is 8 years old. You get a little more for having the reel and case.

Reel:

Antique & Collectable Fishing Reels: Identification, Evaluation &  Maintenance Homel, & Jellison. 1996 says the St. Joe click reel (c.1920) blued brass goes for $10, 25 and $40 for poor, good, excellent condition respectively.

Most people over evaluate vintage fishing equipment, I doubt if they are in excellent condition , that means they are like new. Homel gives  detailed criteria for condition. You could be right but that's just my experience. Who did the restore?

I don't do value / condition estimates without seeing the rod. I am in Denver. email [email protected]

No. 666, Fly Fishing Outfit would probably sell for more than the sum of the individual components.

Ebay is a decent place to sell rods but the market is depressed. I could do a better description because I know the rods but you can research using the above books and Bamboo Rod Restoration Handbook -Michael Sinclair . Most of the above books can be found at major libraries.

Good Luck,
Mac


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