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Very early
Fenwick FF84

Early Fenwick FF84

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Collecting Fenwick's Question

Author	Comment
southernflyfisher	Collecting Fenwick's Question	Lead	[-]
Sport Posts: 15 (08/01/08 06:09:37) Reply Quote More My Recent Posts Message Me Connection Blocking Invite Ignore User's Posts Report Post	So I was watching an E-bay auction for a "Vintage Fenwick FF856-5 81/2 foot Fly Rod / 5 Piece" that looked really nice, and it finally went for something like $180 - probably to somebody on this board I would venture as a guess. I know nothing about glass rod values, and was wondering how that compares in the Fenwick market? I'm interested in possibly collecting Fenwick's, and have ordered the book by the Johnson's - Thanks -
fisherofsmallstreams		#1	[-]
Guide Posts: 121 (08/01/08 07:30:05) Reply Quote More My Recent Posts Message Me Connection Blocking Invite Ignore User's Posts Report Post	My guess is that the higher price was due to the relative rarity of a "5-piece" rod. I have never heard of a 5-piece Fenwick however. Anybody know??
jgestar		#2	[-]
Posts: 2545 (08/01/08 08:29:27) ezOP Reply Quote More My Recent Posts Message Me Connection Blocking Invite Ignore User's Posts Report Post	Fenwick made a pair of 8½ foot Voyageur rods. The FF856-5 was a 5 piece, 6 weight and the FF858-5 was a 5 piece, 8 weight. When they are in minty shape, they tend to sell in the $150ish range. If you are going to fish them, rods that are less than cosmetically perfect are usually a better deal. Vic Johnson's book is a great read about the history of Fenwick and the individuals involved. There is also a lot of information about the various rods, fiberglass and graphite. Also check out the Fenwick Wiki page where there is a list of fly rod models that guys on the forum have owned or used, etc. Tom
nativebrownie		#3	[-]
Master Guide Posts: 295 (08/02/08 07:29:37) Reply Quote More My Recent Posts Message Me Connection Blocking Invite Ignore User's Posts Report Post	That fenwick is a 5 piece and a very pleasant rod for a 4-6 weight for me. I agree with the above - like new usually is in the $150 range, maybe more now. There was a limited number of longer multi-piece pack rods of glass with fiberglass ferrules at that time ( except the Scott and winston - truly nice and pricey as they should be). A fine design and nicely medium in action with a sensitive tip section - I see it as a mid-range rod, not as a distance powerhouse. My 2 cents.. NB
streamcaster	FF856-5	#4	[-]
Guide Posts: 107 (08/02/08 09:55:43) Reply Quote More My Recent Posts Message Me Connection Blocking Invite Ignore User's Posts Report Post	Nativebrownie, You've just said that, for you, this rod is a 4-6. I've seen opinions on it that say 6 for sure, and I think someone said 7. I'm looking for an 8 1/2' 5 wt rod, so let me wonder with you: what would make this a 4 weight (or a 5) in your opinion? What do you use as criteria? I have their regular FF856, and I think it's a strong 6 and a sweet 7. It will cast a 5 weight, but there's no feel of loading, not even really a feel of bending with the 5, although, sure enough, it gets the line out there. Is it a 5 wt? Not in my opinion. My sensibilities say that a fiberglass should feel the resistance to casting, but not feel too overloaded. The FF 856 does that with a 6 and a 7, to my feel. What's the FF856-5 like? My guess is that for me to feel this rod bending and loading with a 4, I'd have to be casting with a quick, sharp tempo. Is that your style? Style is style, with no judgments cast, so to speak. Oh, and by the way, Fenwick made 5 piece rods in the earlier, 2-series numbering. I have an FF85-5 (or is it an FF86-5 -- the rod is at home, and I'm at the office . . . . .) It's an 8 1/2' 6 weeight with a slower sensibility than the 856, as were all the 2-number Fenwicks, it seems. fish on! Peter
paveglass		#5	[-]
Master Guide Posts: 758 (08/05/08 10:40:32) Reply Quote More My Recent Posts Message Me Connection Blocking Invite Ignore User's Posts Report Post	Another 8 1/2 ft rod for a 5 wt by Fenwick is an FF84. I have one of these with a B serial number and the early grizzly glass blank, with the early mylar underwraps. If there was ever a vintage Fenwick spring creek rod...this is it. An honest 5 but I have seen very few of them around for sale. I believe there are one or two of us here who have them. Generally I do not have many rods over 8 ft but this is one that was really worth keeping.
nativebrownie		#6	[-]
Master Guide Posts: 296 (08/05/08 14:22:55) Reply Quote More My Recent Posts Message Me Connection Blocking Invite Ignore User's Posts Report Post	Agree with Pave, have a FF84 and that is a definite 5 (or 5-4), we have talked of this taper before here. An excellent offering from fenwick - actually the blank itself has a different look to the weave than the other Fenwicks that I have seen or owned. Has an interestingly staggered ferrule - the tip section is 1 inch longer - not usual for Fenwicks. Also the tip is a little thicker - yet slow and nicely dampened. Have not seen many of them around. Streamcaster, my criteria is just my preference and feel and many years on the trail of trout. I put a 6 on that rod when i am out West in the wind (actually a WF7 bug taper) or at the local pond. A 4-5 is my preference for lighter work. Very versatile for me, as i have stated in other posts. And perhaps mine is a renegade blank - that happens. Also, for better or worse, mine is a later model, that rod did carry through some years, i believe. As a 5 piece, it has traveled some nice meadow streams after a good hike. The FF84 is better balanced and smooth - a top rod - yet the 5 piecer is convenient and that light tip section is disliked by some if i remember previous posts. Just an additional 2 cents... NB Last Edited By: nativebrownie 08/06/08 07:12:31. Edited 2 times.

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