Paul Young Midge #3729

Question
I have a Paul H. Young Midge rod, numbered 3729, double tip which I believe puts it's build date as 1958. I am trying to match the rod in terms of real and line. I noticed the rod is marked for HEH line. Do you know how to convert that to our standard weights?

I have a number of older reels which I would like to work in, but I feel a 4 weight line would limit the amount of line length i could put on these older, smaller reels.

In checking out Young's information on the web I saw a reference to dry fly tips and wet fly tips. I had never seen this before and just assumed the extra tip was there in the tube in case one was damaged. Is there reliable information on different cane tips made by Young?

Thank you for any help here

Answer
Dave,
I will take your word on the year , 1958 but how did you come to that , what is your source ?

HEH - I got this years ago from the Internet and have verified it with my expereince.
AFTMA #   DT   WF            LEVEL   MM - OD   IN - OD
5   HEH   HEG       E     1.02     .040
But the diameter of HEH was smaller than modern 5 weight. It will cast ok but not shoot very well. I have frequently added 1 size larger in all guide sizes  and had good luck with older rods.
The better makers including Young made different action tips. Stiffer , faster tip would be dry.

I would refer you to Clarks Bamboo Fly Rod Forum ,Paul Young area
http://quashnet.clarksclassicflyrodforum.yuku.com/

And I have found this felow to be accurate and he confirms your 2 tip for wet and dry idea.
http://home.myfairpoint.net/and96jac/fishnbanjossliceoflifeincyberspacecopy/id28...

You might try the library for Paul Young's book , Making and using the Dry Fly - 1934, there was a 1992 reprint of it with notes.

History of the man:
http://www.paulyoungtu.org/index.php/history-of-paul-holden-young

I built one of his rods and made a 2 taper tip. I used taper (diameter of rod every 5 inches) from a reliable source on the Internet.

Classic & Antique Fly-Fishing Tackle: A Guide for Collectors & Anglers by A.J. Campbell has several pages on Paul Young , ncluding the Midge is a 5 weight. p 199 he confirms the 2 tips on another model.

You did not ask for value , let me now if you need more.

I quote these books written by researchers so you know I am not making it all up, But I include my experience as well.

It has taken me the best part of an hour to write this up , please take a few seconds to provide feedback. Please remember I am a volunteer , the feedback is the only result I get from doing this.

Luck,
Mac

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