In an Orvis gifts catalog, I ran across a limited addition Orvis Flea bamboo rod outfit (with a Vom Hofe reel) for the meager sum of $8,500. The rod alone was only $3,950. Now I know it’s not my money that someone would be spending on this, but…wow! I could get a Model 21 fully engraved S/S for that. Not that I could/would buy that either. And I already know your $39 Wal Mart rod is just as good. I was just curious how expensive they can go. Might make a fun thread.
BTW the rod has a down locking reel seat. Put that in your pipe and smoke it. Even if it is hand polished and engraved nickel silver.
JC,
While I was searching for the most expensive rod, I noticed Amazon has the Roland Martin Fogo Rocket Rod on SALE!!! You can quit using your Ron Popeil Pocket Fisherman!! SWEET!!!
Amazon even found ONE Good Review!!! WOW!!
St. Croix Legend Ultra? Series/Cabela’s SLA Fly Combo @Cabelas. approx. $500. You could buy a closet full of different weights and lengths, for the price of one these babies. ZOIKS! Of course you can buy a barn full of Chevys for the price of a Lamborghini.
Bob,
I’ve stated this before in another reference but what the heck " when Helios freezes over". That was referring to $800 fishin poles. BUT I view THIS rod from a different perspective. This rod is a collectors edition , concept Orvis has done very well with. I would sooner ( providing the “Helios” scenario ) buy this rod as an investment into my “estate” than the $800 rod for fishing.
“Discount”. Forgot all about that. Me being a big celebrity and such, Orvis gives me things for next to nuthin’. I wonder if they are cheaper in volume?
Seriously, I hope those who can afford rods in that range get much pleasure from ownership and perhaps use too. I have a couple of ‘nice’ rods, and by no means are they in those classes, but I do enjoy owning them and also using them. It just feels good to have some nice stuff sometimes.
I read some place that an orignal “Paul Bunyun” Bamboo Fly Rod is worth over 30 grand If you can find one…I think that is well beyond the limits of any orvis rod …Think I read it in Michael Sinclair’s Bamboo Rod Restoration Handbook…But can’t say for certian…
WAIT!
Ya’ mean, you DON’T use a Pocket Popeil for tossing Muddlers? No wonder, you can’t buy Ron’s rods in various line weights!?
Although, SOMEONE must like those crazy things, because a friend of mine just sold an “original”, (he’d had since it was given to him as a gift, 22 years ago), for $103.00 on eBay. And, yet, they’re still on the shelves!?
With only 10 in the production run I consider this a lookin’ rod; in other words for the collector. Too bad too because I have a Flea and it is a sweet, sweet rod.
But take a look at the price of NEW Winston bamboo. Their rods are OVER $3000 for a three piece and the gang building them has less than two years experience at making bamboo rods.
Or how about a Tom Morgan Rodsmith graphite at around $1500 for a rod NOT built by Tom due to his MS but designed by him and built by others.
And finally; if you REALLY want to have a heart attack; look at classic boo like a Garrison, Gillium or Payne.
The price will go as high as folks are willing to pay but the argument that an old car antenna or a $15 Wal Mart rod fishes “just as good as a $3000 rod” will go on for ever.
Now I am going to let you all in on a very big secret. The U.S. Government has been trying to keep this secret for hundreds of years. I should know because i work for them. Are you ready?
Here is the secret: Fish are not in possession of a sufficiently high enough level of intelligence to count. Therefore, fish do not care how much that rod costs and, furthermore, we being in possession of a sufficiently high enough level of intelligence to count, only have one reason for caring what you paid or could possibly pay for a fishing rod. That reason is taxes. As in we want to make certain we can get every possible penny for that luxury you want out of your pocket.
Should you, by some stupid mistake, manage to mount this rod by some permanent, and we reserve the exclusive right to define permanent, means as a fixture to you residence, we will then be forced to re-asses the value of said residence to a higher level, thus insuring that you are paying the proper amount of property value taxes. Failure to pay said taxes will result in you receiving a visit from your local constabulary.
I found it! The perfect gift for the guy who already has the million dollar Orvis rod and Vom Hofe reel. A solid brass duck press. Used to smash the last bit of juice out of your duck carcass at the table for you to pour over your latest Mallard. Hand made in France! Only $2,900 in the Orvis Sporting Gifts Catalog. I wonder if there is $2,900 left on my credit card so I can order it right now. God I love this country.
Bob:
Since you’re being SOOOOO generous, (your reputation as such, proceeds you), and only IF you have a little room on that card of yours… there’s a "1 carat cut diamond “cell phone-antenna decorating bauble”, available at “Custom Life”, I’m SURE would look “SO divine”, on my bride’s cell phone!?! (I’m not cheap, I’ll back you on the shipping!).
(and, people don’t “fly fish, because they’ve heard it’s very expensive to get started”!?)
Uhhhhhhhh, Bob?? If your NEXT POST is a pic of you bagging, whatever you were aiming at??? PLEASE don’t stand up, for the snapshot!!
CAA-CHIINNGG goes his cash register. 
