Yes, Fenwick's Jim Green invented the Feralite Ferrule. But the patent application was submitted in March, 1962 with the first sales later in the year.

As early as 1968 Don Green at Grizzly and Monroe Lindler at Shakespeare were experimenting with graphite fibers. Lindler built a solid graphite spinning rod prototype in 1969/1970. Don Green and Jim Green at Fenwick collaborated to develop the prototype fly rods brought to the 1973 Federation of Fly Fishermen conclave (most of the prototypes broke at the conclave). Both Shakespeare and Fenwick first marketed graphite rods (including fly rods) at the 1973 American Fishing Tackle Manufacturers Association meeting. Both firms used the name "Graflite" for their product (Shakespeare filed for the trademark first).

So, first prototype rod - Shakespeare. First prototype fly rods - Fenwick. First to market - tie.


Tom

Reference: "Fenwick" by Vic Johnson