March 18th, 2002

Used Fly Rods
By James Castwell


Over the years I have received a few small, often home-printed, pamphlets or so called, catalogs from folks selling old books. Fascinating stuff, heady reading, memory stirring material. Just to spend an hour or two browsing thru the pages is soothing, takes me back into times past as the names of the authors and the great books of history stream across the pages. There are quite a few places specializing in old books and there are a very few who make a business of buying and selling old rods, fly rods, mostly bamboo fly rods at that. One such company is the Jordan-Mills Rod Co. owned and operated by a fascinating fellow, Carmine Lisella. New City, NY. And yes, he does sell some new rods too.

As you know by now, I try to bring you information here, how to, where to, when to and sometimes, when, why and where not to. So here is some more information.

The latest mailing contains 44 pages of mostly cane rods, some repaired, some new and some used in varying stages of condition. The same nostalgic aura surrounds the names and descriptions contained inside the pages. Carmine is not a sponsor here, probably never will be, but I wanted to share this with you.

Let him know if you want a catalog, call 845.639.7630 or drop him a line at 4 Kolka Lane, New City, New York 10956. He buys and sells rods and reel in singles or quantities, seems to pay a reasonable figure and does not seem to be out of line on his charges for used equipment. He has a five day return policy and will even hold your selection if you give him a phone call.

Some of you newer guys may not get glassy eyed at names like, Orvis Mitey Mite, Lee Wulff Ultimate, Walton Powell or Phillipson, Garrison and Leonard Duracane, but trust me, a lot of us do. And with good reason. These are some of the names in vogue as we ventured into this great sport. These are the threads to the past, for some of us, rods we in no way could afford then, but perhaps can now. For others, rods we have known well and may have regrettably disposed of.

Anyway, there you have it. I hope you find as much delight and interest in his company and the latest catalog as I did. Kind of a 'dream-book' with a wish-list included. Did I mention Abercrombie and Fitch? Now there's a great old name for ya. ~ James Castwell

Till next week, remember . . .

Keepest Thynne Baakast Upeth

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