old L. L. Bean casting rod

Question
I have an old L.L. Bean casting rod 5 1/2 ft. solid fiberglass, gray in color no markings except for L.L.Bean written in cursive about 6" in front of the handle. The odd thing is the trigger on the rod is connected to the reel clamp and spring loaded so that you push it forward to attache the reel then release to use the rod.  Any info on who made this rod for L.L.Bean or if there is any value in it to a collector would be appreciated.

Thanks
Darrell

Answer
Hi Darrell,

There were a variety of clever designs for reel seats in the early days of casting rods.  They all work and some are spring loaded as this one is, some are friction devices that you provide the pressure to hold the reel by grasping the trigger, and some have screw locks of various forms.  I find it interesting to note the clever ways these guys made reel seats.

This rod would be valued in the $15-$45 range depending on actual condition of the rod.

Early makers of glass rod blanks and glass rods would include American Fork and Hoe (True Temper), Great Lakes Products, Orchard Industries, Shakespeare, Wright-McGill and others.  I do not know exactly who provided these rods to L.L. Bean, but you might find more info by researching sources for Bean's fishing rods.  They are still in business and may even be willing and able to help...many companies have started including historical information on their web sites.

Thanks,  Joe