ike walton fiberglass fly rod

Question
i inherited a flyrod from my grampa recently. it is in like new condition and i was wondering if it is too valuable to use.its an 8 ft #7 fly rod. the rod is black with green and white wrap around the eyes.just bove the handle is a white band with-        Div. GLADDING Corp          IKE WALTON          THERMOWELD FIBERGLASS          113-80-8'          LINE SIZE #7          14J          It also has an orange oval with the letters- hi- in it.         the rod is in pristine condition and id hate to de-value it by using it. any info is greatly appreceiated. also just noticed a "made in jamaica" on the very butt.

Answer
Josh,
Your rod was probably made in the 1950s - the era of fiberglass.
Your maker nor rod is in any of my books or memory - at least the books are extensive.
I would fish it but it was might have been made by HI or Horrocks - Ibbotson Co.
The ones I have seen are poor fishing tools. extremely slow
"made in jamaica" ? probably not HI - it's unknown as far as I can tell and therefore not valuable. Might be a great fishing tool.

I have no specific history or books on fiberglass, I believe they don't exist, but here's two web sites that on fiberglass:
http://fiberglass-fly-rods.pbwiki.com/
http://www.fiberglassflyrodders.info/:
Please be cautious about someone telling you your rod is worth thousands until they offer cash. People want fiberglass to be collectable like bamboo but that doesn't make it so.


Luck,
Mac

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