QuestionI was recently gifted a Hardy split bamboo flyrod which I was purchased in England 20 to 25 years ago. Length of butt section is 39", middle section 39" and tip section 38 1/8". Assembled overall length is 96 1/2". Butt section has inscribed on it the following:
Palakona Regd.
No. 246936
The "De Luxe" Rod
Reel seat tightening screw is nickel and has inscribed on it the following:
4884
B
Rod diameter just above the grip is 1 3/8".
Am interested in knowing approximate date rod was built, line weight recommended and Hardy reel/reels that would have been matched with it.
Many thanks for any information you might provide,
Ed James
AnswerEd,
First the age.
Going from your purchase date it was bought on or before 1983 to 1988.
Looking at a Hardy web site
http://www.hardyandgreyscanada.com/hardy/roddating.php
the serial number 246936 should start with a letter. You can look and see if I am reading this correct.
Send me pictures of the butt section logos to
[email protected].
I will try to pin it down more.
The Palakona was mostly made in the 70s, according to Homel, listed below.
Books:Antique & Collectable Fishing Rods: Identification & Value Guide Homel, Dan. 1997 (2nd edition 2000) add about 30% for age of book
Homel gives the Hardy 8 model "Palakona Deluxe" trout fly rod(c 1935) with an extra tip, 3 sections the value of $95, 200 and $395 for poor, good, excellent condition respectively.
Homel gives the Hardy 8 model Palakona fly rod with no extra tip, 2 sections the value of $80, 160 and $275 for poor, good, excellent condition respectively.
It is an English rod and off my beaten path out here in the western USA. But the cash value is like the numbers given above.
Hardy is still alive and well in Alnwick,England. You might try them.
http://www.hardyfishing.com/en-gb/home/
You can look up dealers in many US states and many other countries.
Most 8 foot rods are going to be 5-6 weight .
I hope I have given you some direction, to ask about reels, too.
Luck,
Mac
Please provide feedback, nominations are appreciated.
