Here's a pretty one!  An 8'0" - 6 wt. 3 pc. Classic Series wrapped in Antique Gold and recently delivered to a happy Michigan fisherman.  The Vintage Maple reel seat filler really sets off the blued nickle silver hardware and coordinates perfectly with the Golden silk wraps and honey varnished bamboo. This is a big water rod that will be right at home on the Muskegon, the AuSable Trophy water below Mio or even on the Madison, Yellowstone or Gallatin - tossing Salmonfries up against the willows below the Palisades.  Also shown is the Powder Coated Black rod tube with Heritage Brass cap and ring and the protective fleece sleeve that accompanies every Classic Series rod.

A close look at a Speckled Jasper stripping guide.  Each stone is a unique blend of Grey, Red, Brown and White color striations and will be carefully coordinated with the silk wrapping color of your rod.  These wraps are Claret - a deep burgundy that results in a very warm, classic appearance.

This is the end view of a Classic Series reel seat with a Bird's Eye Maple filler.  A touch of engraving into the oxidized pocketed cap adds a final touch.  You can see much more about reel seats further into this web page.

All Classic Series rods are delivered with two matched tip sections.  The duplicate tip is identified with the second black band on the tip wraps as well as a dot on the rod serial number inscribed near the male ferrule.  Other features shown in this photo are another look at the Snake Brand bronze guides and notice the fine diamond knurl on the sliding band and cork check.  Once again, this rod was finished with Java Brown Pearsall silk wraps.

Ferrule plugs are included with all rods. Hand made from Bamboo, the portion inserted into the ferrule is cork which keeps out dirt and grime and the larger Bamboo portion will prevent inadvertent nicks and dings on the face of the nickel silver ferrule.  I began looping a short length of bright chartreuse fly line backing to help locate your plugs when you drop them in the grass - not that it has ever happened to me!  This is another look at Claret silk.

Here is my version of the classic Paul Young Midge rod.  This is a two piece, 6'3" - 4 weight rod that is perfect for small streams and tight cover.  In spite of the short length, the rod is deceptively powerful and makes quick work of accurately delivering dry flies and small streamers to those trout who like to hide out a ways off the beaten path.  This is a 5 1/2" long, classic cigar grip with an up-locking sliding band reel seat and a beautiful piece of Black Ash burl wood filler. This combination balances nicely with the Hardy Featherweight shown or other 2.75" - 3" lightweight reels carrying a Double Taper 4 weight line.

This is a two piece, 7'6" - 3 weight parabolic rod that now resides in West Yellowstone, Montana.  Some features seen here are the 6 1/2" long reverse half wells grip similar to the vintage profile used by Fenwick for their HMG and fiberglass fly rods.  The reel seat here is another down-locking pocketed cap with a fine diagonal knurl sliding band and cork check and a Maple Burl filler.  FYI - the reel shown is a J. Austin Forbes "Thistle" reel in the grey ported finish.  A little heavy - but it does balance nicely on a longer Bamboo rod.