Question
fly rod 
fly rod
This rod and reel were left to me by my grandfather and wanted to know what year it was made...
Information on pole close to reel is:True Temper Fly Rod model 1005 8 1/2 feet (AFTMA recommended line wt no.8
Information at the top of the rod reads: Temperglass (trademark R) Ferrule
The reel has this information on it: Hi 1856
on the mount of the reel: Gladding Hong Kong
AnswerHello Harold,
The True Temper fiberglass rods were made from approximately 1950 through the mid-eighties and there were MANY models. I tried to increase the size of the pic you included (thank you for that!) and the rod appears to have a glass-to-glass ferrule. This feature was added to the rods in the early 1970's and lasted through the mid eighties. I don't currently have a True Temper catalog from that time frame so this is the best "ball park" date I can offer. The Gladding reel was also from this time and I would guess the rod and reel were likely sold as a combo.
She "looks" to be in decent condition and as long as the glass is not stressed and the ferrules are holding well, there is no reason why you couldn't take her out fishing. The 8 weight would be a decent rod with which to do a little bass-bugging...Just take care of her and if you would like, let her take a few fish...you Grand Father would probably have enjoyed your smile as you netted a beauty! That would be a perfect toast to him...
- Mark Rimmer
