RE: Winchester Model 6035 fly rod

Question
QUESTION: I have a Winchester Bamboo fly rod that reads Hop Brook on the rod and on the tag that is on the canvass bag.  The model number is also on the tag and is 6035.  The rod has both of its tips and appears to have been fished very little if any.  The canvass bag is also in excellent condition and has the original tag on it which is still readable. The rod used to belong to my fathers uncle and I was just wondering about an approximate value.  I haven't been able to find too much information on the web so any information you may have would be extremely helpful.
         Thanks, Bob

ANSWER: Hi Bob,

Winchester Repeating Arms entered the fishing tackle arena about 1919 by purchasing some existing companies that made reels, rods and various tackle.  They spent about 10 years in the fishing tackle business before dropping that and concentrating on firearms which was always their specialty.

Winchester bought E.W. Edwards rod building company in 1919 and convinced Edwards to stay on as production supervisor.  Edwards left after 5 years at the end of his contract period.  Winchester produced many high quality rods and also produced lower priced rods by lowering the quality of the appointments/components used on some of their rods.

None of my reference books specifically lists the model #6035.  However, it is a model number that fits right in the middle of the Winchester series.  I can't say if it is a higher or lower quality rod.  I suspect that the cane used would be the same, or quite similar, regardless of appointments so it should be a very nice rod based on Edwards design and construction techniques.

You also did not say whether it is 8.5, 9.0 or 9.5 feet in length.  These appear to be the standard lengths for Winchester with the occasional 10.0 foot rod built as well.  The difference in value is affected by rod length, with the shorter lengths being more desirable in bamboo fly rods.

Assuming your description as "fished very little" translates into a Very Good/Mint condition appraisal for this rod, the value should be between $400 and $600.  The original bag and, if one is present, the original tube will help keep the value in the higher end of this range.  The real value is, of course, subject to negotiation between you and any potential buyer and the buyer's appraisal of your rod's value.  If you were to offer it for sale, the selling price could be lower or higher depending on any negotiations.

If you plan to keep the rod and use it, I think you will be pleased with the way it performs.  It would be difficult to buy a new rod on today's market of comparable quality for that price.

Thanks,  Joe

---------- FOLLOW-UP ----------

QUESTION: The rod is 8.5ft.  Sorry I forgot to tell you this it was right on the tag.  I never thought of actually using it but may consider it now after hearing your response that I may like the way it fishes.  I guess I just thought that advancements in technology have made better fishing rods.  Are there any precautions or maintenance issues I should be aware of if I do plan to use it?  I'm just not familiar fishing with a bamboo rod so I don't know what to expect.

Answer
Bob,

The 8.5 foot length would be the most desirable of the Winchester rods.

Bamboo rods are fairly rugged, at least much more so than you would think.  General cautions would be: 1) don't shut it the car door or trunk lid, 2) if it has a tube use it to transport the rod, 3) if it doesn't have a tube, get one or make one out of PVC pipe to help protect the rod,  4) never lean any rod against a car or lay one on top of your truck (they will fall or you will drive off and forget..don't ask how I know), 5) watch for obstructions in your backcast.

For bamboo rods specifically:  1) peridoically check the rod finish and apply a light coat of varnish if needed (this is not something that needs to be done often but it should be checked at least annually), 2) never put a bamboo rod away wet, dry the rod off and allow it to air dry well before returning to it's bag and/or tube (captive dampness will cause rot)...I always remove my bamboo rods from the tube and bag when I get home and allow them to air dry for a couple of days before putting them away until the next trip, 3) don't lean a bamboo rod against the wall or cabinet or porch railing...pressure from leaning aganist something for an extended period will cause the rod to take a "set" (bend) in one or more sections...lay it flat or stand it up straight with some support, 4) store the rod in it's bag and in it's tube in a relatively dry and cool place like your bedroom closet...many of the older rod bags have a loop sewn into the open end...this loop is to be used to hang your rod (in the bag) from a nail or hook in the back of your closet during the winter, 5) keep the rod clean...wax or polish can be applied to help keep it clean, 6) if the rod is accidently broken or damaged in some way, get it to a competent rod builder right away and get it fixed.

If you are not used to fishing with bamboo, you should clamp on a reel and do some lawn casting to get the feel of the rod and the stroke needed to be effective.  Bamboo is easy to cast and very forgiving which is probably why I prefer it since I am not the best caster around.  Hooking and playing a fish on bamboo is much more enjoyable in my opinion and my favorite way to fish.  The old bamboo rods were made to fish with and I use mine all the time.  You may or may not wish to use yours, but should you decide to try it, you might find the real value is in the fishing enjoyment rather than collector value.

Thanks,  Joe