JG63
Well-known member
- Joined
- Mar 7, 2013
- Messages
- 1,474
I finally found a pristine backup to my first rig (which I still own and fish from time to time). Those who know me, know my affinity for vintage “3 digit” Fenwick Fenglass rods - Don Green worked quite a few miracles in those days. The first rod that was “mine” was the ubiquitous Fenwick FF 756 with the uplocking cork reel seat version - a marvel at 3 ounces for a 6 weight. It is paired with a Pflueger Sal-Trout 1554 and several iterations of Cortland 333 “Rocket Taper” WF6F lines over the years. Backing is 100 yards of Gudebrod 20# green spot Dacron. I bought the Fenglass wand for $35 back in ‘73 with grass cutting money. It is my oldest and favorite rod as it was the only rod I had for almost a decade - I learned much while using that rig for Trout, Bass, and Panfish. It is still a record holder for many “firsts” in my run - first wild Letort Brown, first fly caught Smallmouth, first wild Brookie, etc etc. I often thought what would happen if it were broken or destroyed somehow - the longer I waited, the more sentimental I became about having a backup - I enjoy the smooth power and the graceful arc of a well delivered cast with this rod - it balances perfectly in my hand - I wanted a backup but started accumulating rods as the years went by - fast forward to a couple months ago - while browsing EBay, I found a pristine version of the exact FF756 with the same sock and silly triangle brown plastic tube which usually bends with the heat of the trunk - and the even sillier white plastic cap which invariably breaks off with repeated use - I bought it for less than $150 and found a dead mint Sal-Trout 1554 for $25. I had recaptured my fly fishing youth for under $200! I splurged and put 100 yards of Cortland Micron 20# seafoam green backing and a 444 Peach DT5F on this rig - and couldn’t be happier with the perfect compliment to my favorite rig. Expect fish pictures like the attached with the new setup in the coming months.
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