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- Rich Mac McGaughey
Fishing/Expert Profile
Expertise
I can answer questions on graphite fly rod building and bamboo rod restoration and making. I can guide people to restorers . I can guide people to rod building components on the internet as well as catalog. I can help them identify and value their bamboo fly rods with a picture .
If you are asking for the id of an old rod
please give a complete description
,
, send pictures especially labels or logos to me macsrods@yahoo.com and a complete including as much the following as you can:
Is it? fly or casting rod ? Reel seat is below or above the cork handle ?
Check metal for id and patents ? What is it made of; bamboo ( flat sided) fiberglass or graphite ( round)? Weight in oz? What is the diameter of the rod above the cork? Where was it purchased ? What type of metal nickel-silver, tin, or chrome platted brass? A complete description of any logos or labels. Length of rod per section and number of sections. Total rod length.
Please read the following if the rod has either of the following two labels Montague or H-I (Horrocks-Ibbotson).
They are looked down upon by the collecting community and often they are justified. They were mass produced , rather heavy and very slow. They are not going to resale for very much.
Two books are available at larger libraries to get history and or value:
Antique & Collectable Fishing Rods: Identification & Value Guide Homel, Dan. 1997
Bamboo Rod Restoration Handbook -Michael Sinclair
Commission Sales
Because of my knowledge I can help you sell and get a good price for your vintage bamboo fly rod. email email Mac
Experience in the area
I have been restoring bamboo fly rods for 15 years and making graphite for 17 .
Publications
website = www.macsrods.com
click home page
What do you like about this subject?
I love bamboo fly rods. I rebuild them for a living. I have several books on makers and history of bamboo fly rods.
Something interesting about this subject that others may not know:
A vintage rod may not have collectors value but may be a great fishing too.
Something controversial or provocative about this subject
Most fly fishers either love or hate bamboo fly rods. I believe taking a fish with bamboo is a completely different experience that graphite. It is the same difference as fishing with worms.
Average Ratings
Recent Reviews from Users
K = Knowledgeability C = Clarity of Response P = Politeness| User | Date | K | C | P | Comments |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| jack | 02/03/12 | 10 | 10 | 10 | |
| Simon | 01/18/12 | 10 | 10 | 10 | Many thanks for such a quick and ..... |
| Curtis | 01/17/12 | 10 | 10 | 10 | Very fast response. Answered my question directly ..... |
| MIKE | 01/12/12 | 8 | 8 | 8 | |
| Charles | 01/04/12 | 9 | 8 | 10 | Thank you Rich for response. I didn't ..... |
Recent Answers from Rich Mac McGaughey
2012-01-31 heddon black beauty:
Jack, Forgive me but almost everyone who emails or asks on all experts, tells me their rod is in excellent condition. And some small portion are actually right. If Heddon is written across the flats
2012-01-22 Orvis rod serial numbers:
Don, Looks like Orvis has paired down their site- but I took good notes. http://www.orvis.com/intro.aspx?subject=447 The old location was on Banjo fishing and he may be shutting down , too But I
2012-01-19 sale price:
Lukas, Each South Bend rod was made in three actions; Wet Fly or Trout Action, Bass Action, and Dry Fly Action. The model number designates the rod's grade, or quality and the series number represents
2012-01-18 Hardy Kenya:
Simon, Hard to say how much it is worth from a picture. Condition is only one element in the value of a bamboo rod. Rod length, model and date heavily influence my estimate. It has intermediate wraps
2012-01-12 Shakespeare bamboo fly rod:
Curtis, I know what you mean that you only see a couple of blemishes. Bamboo rarely has a few blemishes. Often when it shows some use, the finish is not smooth or fully covered- flaking off. Price
Answers by Expert:
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