Fly Rod Estimated Worth

Question
A bamboo rod in six pieces measuring 8.5 feet
Seems to be in good condition
The decal says "Genuine Tonkin Cane" (in light green letters)
Beneath "FISH HI (in a yellow dimond) ROD"

How much is this worth? Thank You.
Beneath "HORROCKS IBBOTSON" inside green background

Answer
Hi Bill,

In general, the H-I rods are not real valuable.  They were very inexpensive rods to begin with but it is possible to find one now and then that fishes well.  From the description of the decal, this one sounds like it was made in the late 1940s or early 1950s.  If it has a model name written on it in white ink, that would help in assessing a value.  The green color on the decal probably was turquoise in its original state.

H-I rods from that era are probably better fishing rods than the earlier models.  They still are not particularly valuable.  A six piece rod is of interest to someone who might want a pack rod, but all those inexpensive ferrules and the clicking that comes with them might put some people off this rod.

If the condition is very good to excellent, you might be able to sell it in the $100-$150 range to the right buyer.  If the condition is good to very good, maybe $50-$100.  Any less than a solid good on condition would be less than $50 for a price.  Depending on the buyer, you might also do much better than these guesses.

I don't mean to sound negative about your rod, it may be one of the real gems that found its way out of the H-I production line.  I have kept two or three of the old H-I rods that I have acquired over the years when I found one that handles well.  But, they are just not as valuable or as desirable as the better made brands.

Thanks,  Joe