Heddon Cane Rod

Question
I found this beautiful rod recently and would like to know more about it if possible. It seems to be in perfect condition, if so, can it still be used to fish with or is it just a collectors item? The rod seems to be a Heddon Blue Water #10 -9' -21/12 F - HCH or D with two tips, original wrap and aluminum tube.
When was it made?
What type of reel would you recommend if it ca still be used?
How large of a fish can it handle?
Do you have a favorite line?
Approximate value?

Thank you,
Michael

Answer
Michael,
You have a Heddon which is a decent rod. The information on the bags, tags and tube are important only if they match the rod.

Heddon made the #10 , Blue Waters  from 1934  to 1954. I am assuming from your brief description that it is a later rod because with 2 1/2F HDH or E written on the rod started in 1939. It was made from 1951 to 1954 if the writing is on the flats not across.

Antique & Collectable Fishing Rods: Identification & Value Guide Homel, Dan. 1997 (2nd edition 2000) gives the value for the 9 foot model #10 Heddon trout fly rod c.1955, 3 sections ,   with an extra tip valued at  $40, 100 and $190 for poor, good, excellent condition respectively. You could add 30% due to age of book. If presented properly you could get more.

I assume it is 2 1/2F  not "21/12 F "; is the butt ferrule size:
The butt ferrule size is designated by "2F" or "2 ?F". The larger the number, the stiffer the rod. For three- piece rods, a 2F is usually a trout rod and 2 ?F is a bass rod. Yours is a bass or salmon rod , stiffer than a trout rod but it's bamboo , it's action is slow.

F - HCH or D  is line size equivalent to modern 6-7 weights

History  of Heddon Rod Company
http://www.macsrods.com/JamesHeddon.htm

To fish or not to fish , if any of your rods is worth $200 then go for it. If you need that cash then sell it.

You should know everyone who asks me about bamboo rods tells me they are in like new, mint or perfect condition and a few are actually right.
Run your finger up all flat services - is it smooth , check threads especially at ferrules (connectors). If water gets into the ferrule it can weaken the bamboo , like wood it will soften or rot and  break. They often break just below ferrules.

I don't use reels very much - I see guys on TV bring in lots of fish without using them, stripping them in. I rarely use reels so I think anyone that has some heft will do . This rod is going to weigh in at 3-4 ounces which is heavy compared to most graphite at 2 ounce. A heavier reel will help balance.

I would catch any sized trout with it.  I have caught 10-20 lbs fish with mine. Lee Wulff caught 30 lb salmon on reel only so it is a mater of knowledge and skill. I admit it would be difficult to pull in a shark or marlin, but I would think most people could land a steel head with the rod.
Line - try silk (Cortland has one) or for made for bamboo lines (airflo). The diameter of modern line is larger than vintage lines. I often put a new set of guides on a rod - 1 size bigger so I can shoot line. Standard 7 -8 weight line will do.

Luck,
Mac
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