Question
Cortland bamboo fly ro
Hi, Rich--
Info. for Dad's second bamboo rod:
The inscription on the rod near the handle reads: "7', 2 1/2 oz., Line #5". The flip side reads, "Cortland 444". Part of the decal/letter beyond and underneath the 'Cortland 444' appears to be rubbed off/missing.
The handle is cork; it looks dirtier than the first one, so I suspect Dad used this one more. The metal at the bottom of the cork is just a silver-color; I'm guessing it is aluminum. It also has two end pieces, both 3 1/2 feet long; total assembled length is 7 feet. There is no lettering or numbering on the two end pices. The diameter of the rod just above the handle again appears to be about 3/8 of an inch.
I will say that although this rod is incredibly light, it doesn't seem as "delicate" as the first one.
Pics attached.
Thanks,
Kim
AnswerKim
Now, I have heard of Cortland - they came into the line making business in 1915 and continue thru today ( with a stint of making parachute lines during WW II). http://www.cortlandline.com/content.asp?id=706
I don't think they have ever made rods and if they did they were not bamboo. But anyone can slap a label on a product.
Are you sure it is a fly rod ? reel below handle ?
Is the rod round or flat sided ? I suspect it is a fiberglass rod or round . They were made in the time frame you mentions , from the 50s to the 70s. Line weight #5 is also a much more modern line weight - same as we use today. Your words "is incredibly light, it doesn't seem as "delicate" as the first one" says not bamboo to me , also.
You didn't send me a picture of the rod , only got the bag and I don't rely upon tubes or bags. I have seen a treasure in a dog makers bag / tube. And I have found junk in a premier makers tube/ bag.
I am a bamboo man not fiberglass. Fiberglass is just not collected like bamboo. And spin / cast rods aren't collected like fly rods so low resale values.
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/
Luck,
Mac
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