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.

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 standard by which all other drag systems are measured.  It has the original green bag.   Price is $4900 plus shipping for this American-Made reel. 

​Charlton 8550C Signature Series Reel.  This mint, New American-Made reel was part of Dr. Hermann's personal collection and is fitted with the "Tarpon" spool.  It is set up for LHW and features the incredibly smooth and powerful drag system that was way ahead of it's time.  There is a minor (1/64") nick in the frame which is hardly noticeable and must have occured while Dr. Hermann was handling / admiring it.  The original blue bag accompanies this fine reel.  Price is $4000 plus shipping.    

​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.
​RODS:

8 1/2' Dickerson 861711.  
I've owned this 8 1/2' rod for over 20 yrs. and it's not getting enough use, so time to find a good home for it. When I purchased it from friend Joe Garman, it needed some work. Tip #1 was 2" short at the top end, so I scarfed it back to full length. Tip #2 was short about 1" at the ferrule end, so I left that way. It had numerous chips and blemishes in the varnish, so I refinished that one and tip #3, re-using the tip tops and guides. So, the butt, mid, and 2 tips are full length, and one tip is down 1".  The butt and mid only needed polishing- which I did and preserved their originality. I cast both #5 and #6 lines on it and it has a more mellow action- typical of Dickerson's pre-WWII rods. The wraps are nice and tight, all sections are straight, ferrules seat fully and are tight, so this rod is ready for more time on the water. It has the original tan hooded bag with draw strings and brass-capped tube. [It balances well with a 3 3/8" Hardy St. George reel...just like you see on the cover of the Dickerson book]. We don't see many Dickerson rods for sale in recent years, so here's your chance to own one that you can fish and display. It's priced fairly at $2300  plus shipping. 

​7' Payne Model 98.  
​This phenominal 2/2 rod has the highly prized orange colored shafts, brown wraps tipped gold, English twist snake guides, blued ferrules, 5 3/4" cigar handle, and Spanish cedar reel seat with blued cap & ring fittings with the "Sold By A & F" stamping.  The varnish is flawless and the ferrules seat so smoothly as only Paynes do.  There are 2 small areas of varnish flaking off the top side of the reel seat but we have sealed them with a drop of new varnish.  This rare and amazing rod casts a 3-wt. line and feels like a feather in the hand !!!   It comes with the original light olive bag with tag and brass-capped tube. The actual weight is 2.8 ozs.  The "Sold by Abercrombie & Fitch" stamping on the butt cap makes this a pre-WWII rod.  This model is seldom seen on the market, especially in this fine condition.   $4100.-SOLD

​
​8' 6" Payne Model 204.  
​This all-original 3/2 rod is stamped: "Sold By A & F" and is an easy casting 5-wt.  It has brown wraps tipped black, blued ferrules, a 5 3/4" cigar handle with some soiling and light ridging, and Spanish cedar reel seat with cap and ring hardware.  The bluing has worn off the ring and there is a dent on the cap's rim. In typical Payne style, the sections are dead straight and full length with smooth-seating ferrules. It weighs 4.5 oz. and is so easy  to cast you'll think it's a shorter rod.  This rod is ready for your next trip to the river.  It has the original bag, tag, and brass-capped tube.    $1850

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.  ​

​

12 1/2' Payne Model 225.
​ Two-Handed Double-Built Salmon Rod.  Made for the big ones, this 3/2 rod has been nicely refinished and now has new varnish, American twist bronze snake guides, and cinnamon wraps tipped yellow.  The original red agate stripper was retained.  All sections are straight with tight ferrules. Both tips are short by 1 1/2" and 4" respectively at the top end. The moisture cap is missing on the mid section male ferrule and there is a clear over-wrap between the upper two snake guides on one tip (no damage is seen).   Hand engraved on the reel seat is:  "W.A.J. , 12 1/2', 15 oz.".  Completing this rod is the original canvas sack, aluminum tip tube with brass caps, and olive tip bag.      $900

8'  Carpenter "L.A.T." Fly Rod.
​Many of you know that Walt is no longer making rods, so to own one of his rods in mint condition is a rare opportunity.  This 3-piece, 2-tip rod is Carpenter's rendition of a F. E. Thomas Browntone Fly rod.  Hence the model name L.A.T ("Like A Thomas").  Very few of these rods were made and this one has serial number WC 7 inked on the tag.  It was made in 2016 and has Thomas brown wraps over English twist bronze guides, blued ferrules, and a walnut reel seat with blued cap & ring hardware.  The sliding ring is a near perfect copy of the thin early era Thomas style bands.  There is only a hint of soiling on the cork.  Varnish is perfect.  There is slight fading of some bluing on both female ferrules.  The butt cap is stamped "W. E. Carpenter, Maker".  It weighs 4 1/8 oz. and is rated for DT-5 lines.  It comes with the original khaki bag, tag, and brass-capped tube with a black & yellow Thomas Rod decal and Walt's card . All sections are straight, full length, and have tight-fitting ferrules.   Made by one of the more respected rod makers, this one is $3100-  well below the prices of Walt's last rods.   SOLD ​

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

​Mint Bogdan Model 00 Reel.  
From the bench of master reel maker Stan Bogdan, this one has been in my collection and never used, so here's a mint reel ready for fishing. Stan named this model as a "Grilse/Sea Trout" reel but it can handle larger salmon and steelhead too.   It is a single action model, and set up for RHW.  It has the exclusive drag that can be adjusted by a lever on the back plate... it's an incredibly smooth drag that can handle most any fish.  It also has what Stan described as a "poachers" knob on the back plate that removes the sound of the clicker when the drag is engaged. It's made for those of us who don't care to let the other fly fishers know when a big fish is taking out line.   It is 3 1/4" diameter, weighs10 oz., and is rated for WF-7 lines with 75 yds of 20# backinbg.  It has the original leather pouch and tag signed by both Stan and Steve Bogdan!  Reasonably priced at $2350. SOLD 

​Bogdan Trout Reel.
This iconic reel is in mint/unfished condition.  It is 3 1/4" diameter, weighs 5 oz, and is made for WF-5 lines with plenty of room for backing.  It comes with the original owners tag in Stan's handwriting and is set for RHW.  For $40, we can change it to LHW.  If you want to fish in style, this reel is for you.   Priced at $2100.-SOLD 

​Bogdan '0' Multiplying  Salmon Reel.
This mint reel has never been lined or fished.  It has Stan's legendary drag system that can tame any salmon,  This reel  has a 2:1 multiplying ratio which allows for faster retrieval of line, and is set for LHW.  Stan  lists it  as weighing 11 oz. and  rates it for a WF-9 line with 150 yds. of 20# backing. It is 3 1/4" wide and has a  1 3/8" wide spool.  Affordably priced at $2300.-SOLD 

​'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. 

​Wide Spool Baby Bogdan Trout Reel.
This reel has a new peach colored Cortland 444 line but appears to be unfished and in mint condition.  The are no marks on the reel foot, nor any scratches or nicks in the frame.  Having the same diameter as the Baby Trout models, this one has a wider spool and is rated for WF-4 lines with  20 yds. of 20# backing.  It is the best 4-wt. reel for short bamboo rods.  It is set for LHW and we will reverse it if you desire for $40.  A great value at $2250.   SOLD

​New Hardy "Bougle" Trout Reel.
Bearing serial number USA467, this  reel comes with the original box, leather case, owners card, and a Wulff TT-4/5-F line.  It may have been fished a few times but shows little if any signs of use.  It measures 2 15/16" diameter from pillar to pillar and has a satin finish with cream colored handle.  It was made on July 10, 1998 by I.W. Evans.  The true weight is 5.4 oz with the line.  It is set for RHW but the clicker is not directional, so it can be used for LHW as well.  There is a tensioner screw with an over-lapping strap.   This beautiful reel is priced at $550.     

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​Vintage 3 1/2" Leonard/Mills Raised Pillar Grilse Salmon Fly Reel.  
​This one has very faint stamping:  "Leonard Mills" on the front plate.  Solid black side plates.  Aluminum frame, nickel silver cross bars, handle,  and foot.  Straight n/s handle with counter balance.  Back plate has sliding oil plate and is stamped "Light" & "Heavy".  RHW.  Excellent condition with only light scuffing on rims.  The foot has not been modified.  It comes with a green #8 wt. line.  Very fishable and collectible reel.   $550.- 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  $900.
​

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.

Carlton Mfg. Co. Vintage Nickel plated fly reel.  

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

​#2.  3 1/8" Perfect.  Leaded finish worn to a great patina.  Ribbed brass foot, smoky agate line guard, tensioner, Abercrombie & Fitch Badge, modern Hardy bag.  . Price without line is $500.   Brand new Rio Trout LT line WF-4F is available for $40 more.  See photos to left.-SOLD
​

​#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.

​#5.  Very scarce 3" Perfect.  Has smooth aluminum foot, no stamping except within circle between 3 brass pins, single clicker, tensioner, smoky agate line guard (no cracks), and modern Hardy bag.  Actual size is 3" but not stamped on reel face.  It was made with the  handle mounted closer to the center of the reel -presumably for faster winding.   Price without line is $525.  Nearly new 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 is a Cortland 444 Peach DT-6F for an additional $40.  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.

#12.   3 3/8" St. George Reel.  Another classic pre-war reel with smoky agate line guide, leaded finish, tensioner, ribbed brass foot, crecent stamping, 3-screw latch, and the initials "J.S" (James Smith, 1908-1960) stamped inside the frame.  Comes with soft bag and priced at only $425 with the line.  Line is almost new Cortland Peach WF-6F.   Photos on the right.-Sold  

#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.  $350. 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

​
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

                                 Books

Schmookler & Sils' Rarest Limited Editions- SOLD