Usability of a Tonkin Cane Fly Rod

Question
Hi Rich,
 30 years ago I started learning to fly fish with a Fenwick pole.  Before I made it far along I shipped out with the US Navy and the pole was stolen.  I'm bitten by the bug to get back at it again and have been looking at a number of used old rods to try my hand with.  One I'm writing about now is an old Tonkin Cane rod from an estate sale.  Supposedly it was never fished with.  It is a H.&I. TONKIN CANE FLY ROD, IKE WALTON model.  Would this be a decent rod for pan fishing? It is said to be a light action, but no line weight is labeled on the rod. It has both tips but I'm not sure of the durability of aged cane.  The rod is cheap enough and I was wondering if it would be fun to fish with for bream or crappie, and give me an idea of what the difference in feel is btwn cane and fiberglass rods.  If I pay $50 or less for something like this rod in great condition, is it worth it for the fishing pleasure of the rod?  Thanks in advance for your advice.  Best regards, Harvey

Answer
Harvey,
Horricks Ibbotson made the Ike Walton in the 30s. It cost $10 then , others ranged from $1.75 to $30. So it was on the bottom third.
They are looked down upon by the collecting community and often they are justified. They were mass produced , rather heavy and slow. They are not going to resale for very much.
I find two books are available at larger libraries to get history and or value:
Antique & Collectable Fishing Rods: Identification & Value Guide Homel, Dan. 1997
Bamboo Rod Restoration Handbook -Michael Sinclair
A website with historical type information on HI:
http://mysite.verizon.net/vze2h7gi/fishnbanjossliceoflifeincyberspacecopy/id22.h...
I generally don't pay over 15 for this rod but then I fix them up so I avoid good condition or better rods.
My first advise is not to pay more than 50.
I hear this allot but rarely see rods that were unused. The cork should not be dark if it is unused because sweaty hands leave a sheen of dirt on the handle. Make sure it is straight when put together.
The rod may have some letters that designate old style weight. Search the other questions here for line weights. But we fish much like our ancestors and most rods are / were 6 weight.
Cane will outlast most materials if kept from getting wet and staying wet for long times. So make sure the finish is complete and dry it off when done. I have seen rods made in the 1600s still holding up well because they were stored well. Bamboo needs a cool dry horizontal position.
I have fished older rods for bass, crappy and blue gill so I say yes to this rod.
You will find most bamboo to have slow action, much less stiff than modern graphite rods. I am guessing your Fenwick  was fiberglass and is similar to the bamboo.

Good Luck
Mac