fiberglass fly rod

Question
QUESTION: I just purchased a "Pan American" fiberglass fly rod with a
.blue blank and reel seat. Original price is printed on blank.
It's in good shape and was cheap! I have many fiberglass fly
rods and like their actions. If possible tell me a little
about this rod including it's line weight and value if any.
Thank you

ANSWER: Hi Don,

I don't find anything that specifically references this model name.

In general, the older fiberglass fly rods tend to run in the $15-$50 price range depending on actual condition and maker, if the maker has a collector following.

Also, typically fiberglass fly rods will work well with a modern 7wt fly line.  Some may do OK with a 6wt or 8wt, but a 7wt is a pretty safe bet.

Thanks,  Joe

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

QUESTION: Thanks for the answer. I have tried the rod with a 6 wt line
and it casts quite well. I do have an unusual square blank
fly rod also fiberglass only marking on it is "Pan Fish Special" Any thoughts on it?

Thanks,Don

Answer
Hi Don,

The square fiberglass rods are usually solid blanks and were sold by a variety of manufacturers.  I suspect the blanks were probably made by one or two producers (like Orchard Industries) and sold to the various companies that wanted them to build out into rods.  It is also possible that one producer made the rods and put the label of many different buyers on them...they are all quite similar.

This one should also do well with a 7wt or 6wt line.

These rods turn up from time to time but the solid glass blanks, square and round, are less common than hollow fiberglass blanks.  They don't have much of a collector following.  This type of rod would be valued in the $10-$30 range depending on actual condition.

Thanks,  Joe