Unique 7-pc Rod!
- john elder
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Unique 7-pc Rod!
Jon sent along this little blessing. It's only new life may be to be a total replacement of the wood sections. However, since it isn't going fishing again, regardless, let's see what can be done.
- john elder
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- Ron Mc
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here's the original taper:
Dr. James Henshall's specification for the bass rod (The Book of the Black Bass, 1881):
Total length, when put together, 8'3"
Length of each piece, 34-1/2", includng ferrules
Butt:
Extreme end of butt, 3/4" dia.
Small end of butt, 1/2" dia.
Grip or hand-piece, 1-1/16" dia.
Reel seat, 1" dia.
Second piece:
Large end, 7/16" dia.
small end, 17/64"
Tip:
large end, 1/4" dia.
small end, 3/32" dia.
reel-seat, 4" long
From extreme butt to reel-seat, 7"
weight about 9 oz.
"The angler who seeks lightness in the rod at the expense of anything is worse than an infidel." Messrs. Abbey and Imbrie.
He used a mix of different woods for the 3 pieces and said that, while split bamboo was nice, it was prohibitively expensive.
Dr. James Henshall's specification for the bass rod (The Book of the Black Bass, 1881):
Total length, when put together, 8'3"
Length of each piece, 34-1/2", includng ferrules
Butt:
Extreme end of butt, 3/4" dia.
Small end of butt, 1/2" dia.
Grip or hand-piece, 1-1/16" dia.
Reel seat, 1" dia.
Second piece:
Large end, 7/16" dia.
small end, 17/64"
Tip:
large end, 1/4" dia.
small end, 3/32" dia.
reel-seat, 4" long
From extreme butt to reel-seat, 7"
weight about 9 oz.
"The angler who seeks lightness in the rod at the expense of anything is worse than an infidel." Messrs. Abbey and Imbrie.
He used a mix of different woods for the 3 pieces and said that, while split bamboo was nice, it was prohibitively expensive.
John's isn't a Henshall bass rod. Over time, the specs varied, and even Henshall described his personal use of an 8'1" Leonard split-bamboo version. Here are some commercial versions, as shown in a later edition of B.ofB.B. Various catalogs show all-wood versions, including combinations of lancewood and ash, which Henshall labeled as "standard." All were supposed to be strong, flexible, and light, somewhere in the 8' to 8'6" area, weighing something in the 9oz. area. John's looks like a much heavier ex-rod.reel-seat, 4" long
From extreme butt to reel-seat, 7"
- john elder
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Yes, Jon's rod is a saltwater rod...would look great with an EVH 3/0 in the driver's seat!
it is now, once again, a 3-pc rod, but will require a bit more work to make prime time...wish I was sure of the type of wood I have here...it's a tight grain wood and doesn't have enough figuring to be hickory...maybe ash is the best bet, among the woods that were used (of which I'm familiar).
Late edit...on further examination of the rod, it could certainly be for black bass and would, in fact, be pretty light for saltwater...I don't believe I'd like to hook a tuna over 10-15 lb on this rod (when new), that's for sure!
it is now, once again, a 3-pc rod, but will require a bit more work to make prime time...wish I was sure of the type of wood I have here...it's a tight grain wood and doesn't have enough figuring to be hickory...maybe ash is the best bet, among the woods that were used (of which I'm familiar).
Late edit...on further examination of the rod, it could certainly be for black bass and would, in fact, be pretty light for saltwater...I don't believe I'd like to hook a tuna over 10-15 lb on this rod (when new), that's for sure!
Last edited by john elder on Mon Nov 06, 2006 11:16 am, edited 1 time in total.
- john elder
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- john elder
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