Vintage J C Higgins 7ft Bamboo Fishing Rod with Ocean City Reel - Pristine Condition

Question
You sound as though you'd know, so... Darling hubby died & left his vast collection of fishing gear, including a 7-foot J C Higgins bamboo pole. It has a smooth wooden handle (a foot or more long and a big Ocean City reel attached. There is a leather-strip wrapping beyond the reel, followed by the little, green, oval label that says, 'J C Higgins 30/56. It is pristine. I have to use both hands to hold it up, so I'm assuming it was made for deep sea fishing or that I need vitamins. At any rate, I need to sell it (our young'un needs a new bathroom) and wondered if it's worth anywhere near a million dollars. Shucks, I'd be thrilled if it was worth a hundred. Thank you so very much.

Answer
Hi Kathy,

The rod was most likely made by horrocks-Ibbotson for Sears and labeled J.C. higgins which was/is a brand name Sears used for sporting goods.  You are correct in assuming it is a saltwater rod, possibly a trolling rod, used for bigger game than we find in the local trout stream.

In pristine condition the rod is not worth a million, but it should be valued in the $100-$120 range. The reel has value as well, but I'm not well versed in saltwater reels...I would guess at least $25-$40 if it is also in pristine condition.

Thanks,  Joe