extendable, brass, fly fish rod...

Question
Hi there....could you steer me to someone who might be able to evaluate a fly fishing rod, antique, extendable and made of brass. It belonged to my hubby's grandpa, who died in 1963. Can't find anything on eBay like it.....
Hope you can help!
Thanks!
Joyce

Answer
Hi Joyce,

There were a variety of fishing rods made from extruded steel and some with brass components in the late 1800s and early to mid 1900s.  I am not familiare with an all brass rod, but it is certainly possible.  I have three or four steel fly rods that are nice rods, but a little heavy for use all day long.

The Montague Rod Company is one manufacturer that made and an extendable (or telescoping) fly rod.  I assume you mean this rod has three or four pieces and that each piece slides inside the next larger piece until all are stored in the butt section.  To use the rod you simply slide the pieces out, like a telescope, and "lock" them in place.  Typically there is one guide at the end of each rod section.

The Montague rods have a cork handle below an all metal reel seat on the butt section.  These rods could be used as fly or bait rods and probably were more useful for bobber fishing or nymphing than casting delicate flies.  The telescoping feature made them more portable.

If there is a name or any markings on the rod it would help in the identification.  Most of the rods that I've seen in this style are not high priced.  Typically $10-20 or so with an occasional one in like new condition for $30-40 at the most.

Thanks,  Joe