I just picked up a good to very good condition Fenwick glass rod, model FF705 (7’ 5 weight, planning to put a half-weight heavy #4 DT on it, probably RIO Grand). It was worth $40 to me and the guy I bought it from was happy with that, but I suspect I got quite a deal. Any input?
The rod’s serial is N179614. Richard Parks suggests it dates from the late 60s. Any idea?
I don’t suspect -> You did. (A good deal that is) Not sure of the current value but I owned one of those at one time and it is a very nice rod.
Hey Walter,
Take a look at this:
http://fiberglass-fly-rods.pbworks.com/w/page/5182977/Fenwick
This source says the FF705 is from Fenwick’s second generation of rods. Made from 1972 to 1988. (That’s a pretty big range.)
An eBay search shows that they’ve been selling anywhere from $80 to $120.
The “N” serial number would designate the rod was built in 1975/76.
Very nice 5 weight fiberglass rod. In good to very good condition I would estimate the value at circa $100.00, maybe a little more to someone really desirous.
So, $40.00 is a very nice buy!
Fenwick serial number date codes run as follows based on the first letter in the serial number:
So your “N” series rod would have been from the 1975-76 period.
A-1960-61
B-1961-62
C-1962-63
D-1963-64
E-1964-65
F-1965-66
G-1966-67
H-1968-69
I-1968-69
J-1969-70
K-1971-73
L-1973-74
M-1974-75
N-1975-76
P 1976-77
R 1977-78
S 1978-79
That was one of the first fly rods I used. Mine was bought in the mid-70’s. It was a decent rod.
No kiddin!
Might be better with a DT5. I believe the “standard” line rating in those days was for a DT.
An Excellent score! One of the most sought after models in the triple digit Fenwick glass line-up! Do not be afraid to try a WF5F line on it such as a Cortland Peach. An excellent creek rod with enough bacbone to tussle with 3lb smallmouth as well as a good trout! Ive seen near mint 705’s go for $200 or more on the bay. If you are willing to let the rod work, an can adjust your timing, you will be amazed at how well it will cast!
aa
Thanks for the quick replies! I tried the rod with a WF5 and a WF4 and it was a little slow for my taste with the five and a little fast with the four, so I figured on going with one of the half-weight fours. Buying the rod led to an excavation of Richard’s tackle closet, and I’m drooling. Some highlights:
-three Hardy St. Georges from the 50s or 60s
-too many old Medalists to count
-a Hardy Perfect
-three Orvis Impregnated Canes from the 60s, generally with one intact tip per rod (all towards the heavy end of the trout spectrum though)
-Silaflex glass
-original-run Shakespeare Wonderrod glass
and the kicker, a circa 1950 7’ 4-weight Winston cane with Richard’s father’s name on it, with both tips intact. I’ve known about this rod since 2001 and Richard hasn’t fished it in that whole time… 
Wally,
You must have felt like Howard Carter when he discovered King Tut’s treasure. Btw, I have an FF706 R that I bought back in the 70’s and used to terrorize the smallies and sunfish on the Patapsco River outside Baltimore. Last time I fished it was 4 years ago when we were fishing mangrove tangles for snook and snappers; that was fun.
Regards,
Scott
WOW! That collection of rods and reels seems to be in need of some serious lovin’ and fishin’!
aa