Vintage Rods

Question
I have recently received two fly fishing combos from a neighbor who passed last month. His wife knows nothing about the rigs so she asked me. Now I am asking you, cause I don't know. They both look brand new.

1.  Scientific Angler System 10 Rod 9Ft 10 Weight. i think it circa early 1970's.  With a Pflueger Supreme 755 Fly Reel with case.

2.  Shakespeare WonderRod KwikTaper Professional FY500A 9Ft 9Wt
   Circa late 1960's. With a Pflueger Medalist 1495 1/2 reel.

He bought the rods for trips to BC and Alaska but she does not remember him fishing on the trips. She approxamated the time he got them.

Answer
Hello Kevin,

Forgive the tardiness of an answer...oh man, the Holidays!

Truth is, you have already answered your own question with the information you have provided.


The scientific anglers set-up is considered heavy and is old-school-perfect for larger king and silver salmon as well as fall run steelhead. If it is graphite, it is probably more from the eighties or nineties versus the '70's but if fiberglass (as I am suspecting), your guess is exactly on target. The combo should be very useable.

The WonderRod  with the Medalist reel is a wee-bit lighter and would be a good fit for someone interested in fishing the same fish as above but a little more useful for slightly smaller fish than the Scientific Anglers set-up will take. This rod and reel will also be fun for someone that wants to learn the basics of fly fishing for the largemouth bass. 8 or 9 weights are perfect for casting big bass bugs and landing a pudgy, scrappy  ol' bass.

It sounds as if this set-up is also very useable if in good condition but the physical weight of the rod is one of the main reasons for the modern graphite and composite rods we see today...she was darn heavy and tough to cast all day long.

Both rods, for their time were at or near the top of their game and it sounds as if your buddy may have had some incredible experiences with them...may we all be so fortunate.

So I hope this helps a bit if you are interested in valuation, please visit OldRods.com. They may be able to assist you with this.

Thank you for your question.

Good fishing to you!

Mark Rimmer