Heddon #35 Line Weight
Question
I have a beautiful Heddon #35. I have dated it as best I can using Sinclair's book/specs to 1930-1933. The only miss on that is the reel seat spacer - it is NS (1920's era)and not Heddylin (1930's) as Sinclair reports, and the wrap colors are closer to the 1930's colors (BLK/YLI 78) and not named "Peerless", just #35. It is a 5 piece (two mids/2 tips - diff lengths) which also leads me to belive it was either restored or custom ordered by my great grandfather. It was mint until a basement flood a few years ago. I just finished restoring only the affected areas (lare male ferrule, stripper and wraps, and a few of the intermediate wraps), all to spec and it came out perfectly, (i.e. you'd have to look hard to see repairs). Here's my question... what modern line weight would be appropriate? I plan on using it under controlled situations and have no intention of selling it. I have not really experimented with it yet.
Thanks
Answer
Chuck,
Sinclair has written several books, did you mean Heddon, The Rod with the Fighting Heart or Bamboo Rod Restoration Handbook .
What is the length of the rod when put together ? I am assuming that it is a fly rod in all configurations. I usually guess if it is 5,6,7 or 8 weight. Keep in mind The diameter of modern line is going to bigger than the guides were designed to use. In later models there were letters such as HDH designating line weight , any on yours ?
If is a light nine foot or shorter rod it is probably six weight.
Luck,
Mac
Please provide feedback, nominations are appreciated.
mohawk rod
Bamboo rod /Occupied Japan