Vintage Bamboo Fly Rods, Reels, and Tackle

The following are ‘Vintage’ rods, reels, and other classic tackle that I have for sale.  If you have an interest in any of them, be sure to contact me for availability and any questions you may have, or if you need photographs.. This inventory is subject to change as additional rods & reels are acquired and others are sold.  Reasonable offers will be respectfully considered.  Buyer will pay postage. 

Dr. Paul Hermann Reels- Never before offered reels from his family... Contact us if you have an interest in owning a fine Hermann Fly Reel.  All reels are  mint/unused condition with the original red bags. Dr. Hermann was a prolific Atlantic Salmon fisherman, and his specialty was crafting elegant and functional salmon reels.  We now have in stock, 2 of these salmon reels:
   Salmon Reels:  Made with polished aluminum rims, black side plates, and an amazing drag system that will stop any salmon, these two reels are mint, never used, coming from Paul's family, and include the original red felt bags.  Both are LHW, and priced at $2600 apiece.  Serial #140 and 145.
  Dry Fly Salmon Reels: There are only a few of these models in existence.  They are approximately 1/4" narrower than Paul's salmon reels, with the same dependable drag system.  

Sea Trout Reel:  This is one of the rarest of Paul Hermann's models, and is specifically designed for salt-water fishing.  The dimensions are similar to the Large Trout reels, but the drag has been beefed up to the standards of his salmon reels.  This makes it ideal for bonefish, sea trout, baby tarpon, etc.   Only a few of these models were made, so due to the scarcity and salt-water functionality of this reel, it is priced at $4600.  

   

Care Instructions for Hermann Salmon Reels

​The following instructions are from Dr. Paul Hermann, in his own words:

Paul Hermann MD  1995

This 2:1 multiplying reel is handmade from the highest quality solid bar, 6061 T-6 aluminum.
All bearing surfaces are made from high grade bearing bronze and stainless steel.  Each reel is hand fitted and lubricated before shipping.
To oil reel:
Remove oil cap, turn reel on it’s side and fill with good grade machine oil.  Slowly turn reel handle until oil disappears and refill.  Replace oil cap very securely, as it can be easily lost.
Anodized reels may be used in salt water.  Nickel silver reels are recommended for fresh water use only.  For salt water use, flush and dunk in fresh water at the end of each fishing day.  When you return home, carefully remove front face plate (5 large screws).  Use a screwdriver that perfectly fits the screw heads.  With the face plate removed, the spools can then be taken out and flushed with water.  Blow out spool and dry, then spray inside with WD-40 oil.  Re-oil moving parts and reassemble.
DO NOT turn the reel handle backwards to test drag.  This puts unnecessary strain on the gears.  Test drag only by pulling line from the spool.
This reel will hold at least 150 yards of 20 pound dacron backing.  Spool changes are not needed for different fly lines if you use interchangeable loops on your fly lines and backing.
Reversing a reel to left or right hand can only be done by someone who is familiar with this reel and process.  Each left or right hand reel has the drag lever parts made so that the motion to increase drag on a right hand reel is counterclockwise, while the motion to increase the drag on a left hand reel is clockwise.  Multiple mirror image parts must be replaced to accomplish this change.
Each handmade reel is coded with it’s own serial number and is special to me, as are the fisherman who use them. The design of this reel evolved over 20 years of my own salmon fishing experiences. This reel incorporates all I ever liked about the classic reels of the past in modern design with a strong drag system. 
With proper care, this reel should last through a lifetime of great salmon and bone fishing.

Paul Hermann, M.D.  1995
(1946 - 2016)

Charlton & Walker Fly Reels- From Dr. Hermann's Collection

We are offering some new Jack Charlton & Walker fly reels that were owned by Dr. Hermann.  We currently have the 2 largest Charlton models: 8600-B and 8550-C in stock.   

​Charlton 8600B Signature Series:  This flawless reel is New, never lined or fished and comes with the "Offshore" spool.  Dr. Hermann admired the quality of Charlton reels and had this one in his collection.  It is LHW and has an incredibly smooth drag system that was far ahead of it's time and is still the gold standard by which all other drag systems are measured.  It has the original green bag.   Price is $4250 plus shipping for this American-Made reel. 

RODS:
​​The following Bamboo Fly Rods are currently available.  Some are extremely rare and/or in demand, so please contact us to check on availability and  for additional information.  Prices do not include shipping.
​

New:  W & M Granger Registered Rod-Model RX9050

Representing the highest grade made by Granger, these were special rods, and only about 400 were made.  This 9' rod comes from the original owner, who fished it.  It is a 3-pc, 2-tip rod that was made in 1949, and is marked with serial #1949182.  This indicates it was rod #182.  It has black silk wraps with white tipping on each end of the wraps.  All sections are straight with smooth and tight fitting ferrules.  One tip is 1/2" short at the tip end.  The original varnish shows signs of use, and we polished it to clean it up after touching up a few tiny chips in the finish.  The cork handle is excellent and the nickel silver reel seat functions smoothly and has some surface scuffing due to use.  Completing this amazing rod is the original black silk bag and black tube with nickel silver medallion attached.  These Registered rods rarely come up for sale.  This one is priced at $2900 plus shipping.  

Mint: Walt Powell 7' & 8' Companion Rod Set- 

This rod set has never been fished and consists of 2 butts and 2 tips.  One butt is made 12" shorter than the other, so this allows one to make a 7' or 8' rod.  Both configurations have translucent burgundy wrap over chrome guides, ceramic stripping guides, bright nickel silver ferrules, 2x2 node spacing, and composite wood reel seats with gold anodized screw up-locking hardware.  There is the original plastic wrapping over the cork handles.  Each section is marked with serial number: "G.S.#8-22389".  Purchased by the owner directly from Walt's shop, this is one of 5 rods that were carefully stored all these years and never fished.  We carefully lawn cast this set and determined that both rod configurations are excellent 5-wts.  (smooth, easy casting medium/fast action.)   Priced at $1450.   

New: Mint: Walt Powell 7' & 8' Companion Rod Set.-SOLD

This gorgeous bamboo Companion rod set has serial #4-2-87.  It was made by the Powell shop and has never been fished. This is one of 5 Powell rods the owner bought new and set aside without ever fishing them. It consists of 2 butt sections and 3 tips. One butt was made 12" shorter than the other, so when assembled, you have 2 rods: 7' and 8'.  Essentially, this is 2 complete rods with 3 interchangable tips. All sections feature light-to-medium flaming, maroon wraps, 2x2 nodes, bright nickel silver ferrules, and chrome guides.  The reel seats are composite wood with alternating layers of light and black wood with screw up-locking aluminum hardware. Inked above the handles is: "A Walton Powell" Rod, Made for G.... by Walton Powell". We took the liberty of lawn casting to determine the line size, and they are superb 5-wt. rods with both handles. As was common with Walt's rods, he made them to cast 3 different line sizes.  Completing this rod set is the original forest green bag and black crinkle-finished tube with brass caps.  . It is a fine example of Walt's craftsmanship in mint original condition.  Priced at $1550. 

Mint 6'8" & 7'8" Walton Powell Companion Rod Set.-SOLD  

Made in Chico, California, the mint rod set has never been fished.  The owner purchased a total of 5 rod sets from Powell and stored them carefully without ever fishing them.  This set consists of 2 butt sections and 2 tips - all of which are interchangeable.  One butt is made 12" shorter to assemble into a shorter rod.  All sections feature translucent cinnamon-colored wraps over chrome guides, ceramic stripping guides, bright nickel silver ferrules, 2x2 nodes,  modified full Wells shaped handles, and composite wood reel seats with gold anodized screw up-locking hardware.  Inked above the handles is: "A Walton Powell Rod" and each section has serial number: "G.S. #722389".   We have gently lawn cast this set and it is a delightful 4-wt. rod configuration.  It is complete with the original green bag and black crinkle-finish tube with brass caps.  Priced at $1450.  

New- 7 1/2' Arthur Taylor Fly Rod 

This 2-piece, 2-tip bamboo rod was made from Leonard blanks by world renown artist, Arthur Taylor of Maine.  Taylor was commissioned by many customers to paint famous people (Stan Bogdan), places (salmon rivers), and tackle (Bogdan & Zwarg reels).  He assembled this beautiful rod with a teak reel seat, nickel silver cap & ring hardware, chrome guides, translucent orange silk wraps, and bright Z-style ferrules.  Inked above the handle is: "H. L. Leonard by Art Taylor, 2989".  The tips are marked above the ferrules with "H.L.L #1" and "H.L.L. #2".  Each section is full length and straight, with properly seating ferrules.  Mr. Taylor's workmanship is top notch, and he made very few rods.  The light soiling on the cork shows that this rod has seen only light use.   It comes with a dark olive bag and tube bearing Taylor's paper label.  He rated it for DT-4 and WF-5 lines.   A rare chance to own a nice light rod from a famous artist.   $900. 

7' 6" Schroeder.  
​This mint 3/2 rod looks like it has never been fished and features medium flamed bamboo, dark maroon wraps, truncated blued Swiss-style ferrules, a tapered cigar shaped grip, and knurled aluminum ferrule plugs.  The butt cap has exposed wood on the bottom side.  The burled walnut reel seat shows no signs of a reel haveing been mounted on it.  Of note is that the space between the butt cap and wood is narrow so it needs a reel with a thin foot.  When flexed, this rod this rod has nice medium fast action.  There is a slight click in the female mid section ferrule but it doesn't hurt the action of this rod.  When assembled, the rod is 1/4" longer than 7' 6".  The varnish is perfect and it comes with the original bag and black crinkle-finished tube (missing it's cap) with Schroeder's card taped on it.  All sections are full length and straight.  Built in 1994.   Offered at $1300.

7' Schroeder Rod. 
​ Made in the 3-piece, 2-tip format, this rod is in excellent condition.  It features lightly flamed bamboo shafts, blued truncated Swiss-style ferrules, knurled brass ferrule plugs, a tapered cigar shaped grip with light soiling, translucent brown wraps tipped black, and blued cap & ring hardware with a curly maple (?) spacer. The butt cap has exposed wood at the bottom end.  All sections are straight and full length, with tight-fitting ferrules.  When flexed, it has a nice dry fly action and is rated for #4 lines. Tne rod is 1/4" longer than the stated length.   It comes with the original khaki bag and black crinkle-finished tube with Schroeder's card taped on it. Built in 1996.  This is a compact rod that travels easily.  Priced at  $1400

7 1/2' F. D. Lyons Rod.  
​This 2/1 rod has rich orange colored shafts, brown wraps tipped orange, blued ferrules, and a cork handle that tapers down into the reel seat.  a black cap and sliding band anchor the reel.  There is mild soiling on the cork.   When assembled, it feels slightly parabolic and is 1/2" shorter than the stated  length.  There is no inscription or stamping on the rod but the bag has a Lyons tag, indicating it is rated for #5 line.  It has a bag and labeled tube.  A very attractive price for a rod of this quality :  $485.  ​

REELS:
If interested, let us know and we'll be glad to send photos.  Buyer to pay shipping & handling costs.

​'Baby' Bogdan Trout Reel.  This 2 3/4" diameter reel is in mint/unfished condition. Stanley listed it as a "Small Trout" size but many of us refer to it affectionately as a "Baby Trout" reel.  It is the quintessential small trout size reel and is made for WF-3 lines but we also use ours for #1 and #2 lines with backing.  It is listed as weighing 4 oz. and is set up for LHW.  It can be reversed for an addional $40.  The original owners tag in Stan's own handwriting accompanies this great little reel.  We think it gives our bamboo rods an extra classy look.  A great reel for $2200.   Sold

​Ultra rare Fin Nor No. 1 Wedding Cake reel & Spare Spool. 
​ It has the gold anodized finish, black drag adjustment knob, chromed foot and line guard... In excellent condition with faint scuffing on rims but hardly noticeable.  RHW. Has original light orange leather pouch.  This is the smallest size wedding cake model made.   Included are two 6-wt. lines.   Offered at  $800.-SOLD
​

6/0 Edward VomHofe Model 621

This beautiful vintage reel is in very good original condition.  It features hard rubber side plates, nickel silver rims & frame, un-molested foot, star drag, on/off lever, and the patent- dated sliding oil plate  ("Pat. May 20, '02"). It may have been professionally cleaned and there is slight discoloration on one side plate which can probably be polished out.  It is mechanically excellent and could be fished or collected as a great example of Edward VomHofe's craftsmanship.   Reasonably priced at $200. SOLD

Carlton Mfg. Co. Vintage Nickel plated fly reel. -SOLD 

Measuring about 2 1/2" diameter, this little reel shows lots of use but still would make an interesting display piece.  Normal wear of the plating reveals yellow brass underneath.  A nice old model that would fit any old 1890's or 1900's vintage rod for display.   $45

 

​Vintage Pre-War Hardy Perfects & St. George Reels

​#4.  3 1/8" Perfect-Earlier model.  Beautiful aged leaded patina, smooth brass foot, smoky agate (not cracked), Price without line is $525.  Cortland Silk WF-4F line for additional $40.  Modern Hardy bag included.  See photos to right.-SOLD

​#5. 3" Perfect.  We recently learned from a Hardy collector that this reel has an earyl 1900's frame with a 1950's era smooth aluminum foot.  The face plate has apparently came from a larger diameter Perfect reel that was professionally machined to a smaller diameter to fit this early frame.  The handle is a newer Hardy one that was re-located to the present position. It also has a  single clicker, tensioner, smoky agate line guard (no cracks), and modern Hardy bag.  Actual size is 3" but is not stamped on reel face.  Mechanically, it is as good as the originals.  This one has the nicely worn  leaded finish and is ready to fish.    Price without line is $475.  Cortland Peach WF-4F line is available for $40 more.    

#16.  3" St. George- Refinished by Hardy to be a "Spitfire" reel.  This reel has been completely restored at the Hardy shop and  has a dark blue/black frame, and bright spool with satin finish.  The foot is ribbed brass.  3-screw model.  Unblemished dark smoky agate line guard in nickel silver frame.  "28" stamped inside spool.   Has modern Hardy bag.  Asking $750  for this rare reel.    Photos to the right.

​#8.  3 3/8" St. George.  Another leaded finished pre-war reel. Ideal for #6 or #7 lines.  This one has crecent stamping, 3-screw latch, blemish-free smoky agate line guard, tensioner, ribbed brass foot, and Hardy leather case.  $400.  Line included is a Cortland 444 Peach DT-6F.  Line looks almost new.  Photos to the right.

​#9.  3 3/8" St. George.  A great pre-war reel with aged leaded finish, 3-screw latch, smoky agate line guide, ribbed brass foot, tension adjuster, cresent stamping, and the letters "AA" stamped inside the spool and frame.  Has newer Hardy bag.  Reel only- $400.  Photos on the left.

11.  3 3/8" Hardy St. George.  This reel has a fair amount of the original leaded finish still present and has cresent stamping, 3-screw latch, blemish-free smoky agate line guard, ribbed brass foot, tensioner, and new Hardy bag.  The initials "J.S." (James Smith- 1908-1960) are stamped inside the frame and "25" stamped inside the spool.   Priced at $400 without line.  The line appears to be a new Rio Trout LT WF-6F and can be bought for an addtional $40.  Photos on the left.

#17.  Hand-Made Vintage 3 3/8" Aluminum Reel.  The only markings on this reel is "July '45" etched on the side of the foot.  It is all aluminum including the foot.  Inside the spool it measures 1/2".   There is a scratch on the back side plate and light marks from use.  It can be fished either RHW or LHW.  The hard leather case has green velvet lining it and was made to accomodate this reel as it fits perfectly.  $325. Photos to the left.

​#6B.  Post-War 3 3/8" Perfect.  Post-War model with enamal finish, smoky agate line guide (hairline crack-cannot be felt), straight line stamping,  smooth aluminum foot, and modern Hardy Bag.  This reel was once owned by the Rev. Edgar Rohrbach, who fished it on a Payne rod, and drown in 1949.  His friend, Philip Chase, retrieved the rod and this reel 3 days later.  Attached is interesting provenance from Mr. Chase.  See photos to the left.  Price is $375. 

Archives of Recent Sales:
​
 The market for high quality vintage bamboo fly rods and reels is strong and new rods & reels  are constantly coming into our shop.  The following rods and reels  have been sold by us recently.  We pride ourselves in accurate descriptions and honesty in all transactions.  

RODS:
9 1/2' Payne Model  #435 Dry Fly Salmon rod. SOLD
​8 1/2' Thomas & Thomas Salmon Fly rod.  SOLD
 7 1/2' Walt Carpenter,  "Browntone".  SOLD
7 1/2' Winston, 2/2.  SOLD
8' Winston, 3/2.  SOLD
7 1/2' Daryl Whitehead Custom Engraved Rod. SOLD
7' Thomas/Campbell 'Browntone' Fly rod.  SOLD
8' Thomas/Campbell 'Browntone' fly rod.  SOLD
7' Edwards "Quadrate".  SOLD
7 1/2' Edwards Model 50 "Quadrate". SOLD
8' Leonard Model #50.  SOLD
9' Paul Young "Para-18".  SOLD
8' Summers Model 856. SOLD
8' Summers Model 856.  SOLD
7' 3"  Summers Model 735. SOLD
9' Gillum Salmon Fly rod.SOLD
12' Olaf Kundrus Spey Rod.  SOLD
8' F. E. Thomas "Special".  $650.- SOLD
9' Payne Model 208.  3/2 rod.  $1850---SOLD
9' W & M Granger 'Victory'.  $350-- SOLD
10' Payne Model 415 Dry Fly Salmon Rod.   $1400-SOLD
11' Payne Model 222 Two-Handed Double-Built Salmon Rod.  $1100--SOLD​
8' F. E. Thomas "Special".     $1400-SOLD
 8' H. S. "Pinky" Gillum.   $7500.   SOLD
8 1/2' F. E. Thomas "Browntone" Special Fly Rod.   $1300-  SOLD
Empty F. E. Thomas Tube.    $125. -SOLD
8' F. E. Thomas "Special".    $1300.-SOLD
8' Mint H. L. Leonard Model 40-6 "Hunt" Bamboo Rod.    $1700. - SOLD
Mint 8 1/2' W & M Granger 'Aristocrat' Model GA8642. $600- SOLD
8 1/2' South Creek Limited Fly Rod.  $2000- SOLD
6 1/2' Bogart "Brookie" - $975- SOLD
9' Garrison Model 230- $3000.  - SOLD
7' 2" Pezon et Michel Parabolic.-$500 - SOLD
Garrison Model 228 - SOLD
​​​​​9' Heddon Model #50-$500 SOLD
8 1/2' A & F by Heddon -$350 SOLD
8' Al Bellinger- $1500- SOLD
Orvis 'Midge'- $495-SOLD
7' Whitehead Engraved rod- $1825- SOLD
Pair of T&T Royalty Rods- $6750- SOLD
Orvis Flea (refinished- $350- SOLD
8 1/2' F.E. Thomas Browntone- $1350- SOLD
7 1/2'' Phillipson/Reading- $550- SOLD
9' Payne #400 Salmon Rod- $1100- SOLD
6 1/2' Orvis Flea- Original- $525- SOLD
8 1/2' Dickerson 861711- $2300-SOLD
7' Payne Model 98- $4100- SOLD
8' Carpenter, LAT - $2850- SOLD
​Powell "Ultimate" Rod Set- $1800- SOLD
Powell Pak Rod Set- $1600- SOLD
Powell 7' & 8' Combo Set- $1450- SOLD
Powell 6'8" & 7'8" Combo Set - $1450- SOLD
Phillipson 'Paragon'- $400- SOLD
​
REELS:
3" Hardy Perfect Reel.  Made before WWII.  $650-SOLD
3 3/8" Hardy  St. George Reel.   $400- SOLD
Bogdan Model #1 Large Salmon Reel.   $2200. - SOLD
EVH Model 423, 2/0 Size Salmon Reel...$1400- SOLD
Edward Vom Hofe Model 423, 6/0 size... $1500.  - SOLD
Bogdan "Trout Reel".   $2000- SOLD
Archie Walker TR3 Trout Reel.   $1500-SOLD
Bogdan No. 00 "Grilse/Sea Trout/Salmon" Fly Reel.  $2500 -SOLD
Zwarg Model 400, 2/0 Salmon Reel.   $1700- SOLD
​​A Pair of 2 7/8" Hardy Perfects- $575 each  - SOLD
Hermann Salmon Reel, RHW-$2600- SOLD
Herman Trout Reel, RHW- $2600-SOLD
Hardy 3 3/8" St. George- $425- SOLD 
Bogdan 0 Salmon Reel- $2300- SOLD
Hardy 3 3/8" St. George- $550-SOLD
Hardy 3 1/8" Perfect- $350- SOLD
Baby Bogdan Wide Spool/all black- $2300-SOLD
Bogdan Trout- $2100- SOLD
Hermann All Nickel Silver Reel- $4000- SOLD
Hermann Salmon Reel- $2600- SOLD
Bogdan 00 Salmon Reel- $2350- SOLD
Hardy 3 3/8" St. George - $424- SOLD
Hardy 3 1/8" Perfect- $500- SOLD
3 1/2" Leonard Salmon/Grilse reel- $525- SOLD
Baby Bogdan Trout Reel- $2200- SOLD
EVH Model 621 Reel-$200- SOLD
Hardy 3 1/8" Perfect- $525- SOLD
Charlton 8550C- $3400- SOLD
Finnor No.1- $750- SOLD

                                 Books

Schmookler & Sils' Rarest Limited Editions- SOLD