A trip to the dark side...

MrFishingToughGuy · #1 09-29-2009, 06:39 PM

...begins with a single rod.

So I finally took the plunge and picked up a 2pc 1 tip Orvis Madison boo, serial #57233 (1969 Jordan era stick), which came in the mail today. What a sweet little thing she is!

The line designation is HDG (4), and thus far I have thrown a rather well-used WF3F line. Not bad but I plan on picking up a DT4 line.

Now I need to pick up a period reel and then brookies beware...

At 6'6" this will make a fine SNP rod. By far the most I've coughed up for a stick but no regrets. Looking forward to adding more notes to the history of this 40-year-old boo!

Scud · #2 09-29-2009, 09:37 PM

That rod is in excellent condition. I've got a 3 piece 2 tip Orvis Rocky Mountain SR #28905 in good condition, but not quite as fine as yours. What attracted me to your post was the line weight designation of a 4wt. I've tried it with a 5 as that was what I came up with from some source, but I was never happy with the way it cast. Maybe I should try a 4 wt. Enjoy that pretty rod.

**FlyDoctor** · #3 09-29-2009, 10:27 PM

Congrats Marty--I almost bought a Madison once but it arrived with a broken tip section and a really poorly done repair wrap so it went back in a flash. With my Battenkill I often fish it with a DT4 even though it is rated a 6 wt but it seems to prefer a DT5. If you want to meet for some fishing I can bring 3, 4, 5 wts for you to test it on. I mainly use Cortland Sylk lines but also have a 4wt TT and a 3wt Peach. Unfortunately my wife leaves for a week starting Sat. and I have dog duty until she gets back. After that I should be able to break free Columbus Day weekend--Larry

dshort · #4 09-29-2009, 10:46 PM

It sure is a fine lookin' stick. I betcha she'll throw a DT4 or WF4 smooth as silk.

My choice for a reel for that baby: Hardy Uniqua

Or maybe a Young.....

MrFishingToughGuy · #5 09-29-2009, 11:02 PM

Thanks guys. Larry, we had better hook up before you go!

I was pretty lucky to find this one for under $500 shipped, and even though it only has one tip, it's totally intact and doesn't appear to have a set at all. Came with the original matching tube to boot, serial # and all. Having become quite accustomed to rods in the 6' to 6'6" range this one already has a familiar feel. Ideally it will be paired with a period-correct CFO II if I can find one, but I am ready to start throwing flies and catching big SNP brookies in all my favorite places again.

A special thanks to FlyDoc and dshort who gave me some top-notch feedback and advice whether they were aware of it or not.

MrFishingToughGuy · #6 09-29-2009, 11:05 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by dshort

It sure is a fine lookin' stick. I betcha she'll throw a DT4 or WF4 smooth as silk.

My choice for a reel for that baby: Hardy Uniqua

Or maybe a Young.....

You know that will require at least 2 more Coach purses for my old lady before I can even up the tab with that sort of buy!

That reminds me - we've uploaded the 850ish pics from Ireland. I gotta put up a few in the TB lounge - no pics of the 5-inch brownies!

MrFishingToughGuy · #7 09-29-2009, 11:07 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Scud

That rod is in excellent condition. I've got a 3 piece 2 tip Orvis Rocky Mountain SR #28905 in good condition, but not quite as fine as yours. What attracted me to your post was the line weight designation of a 4wt. I've tried it with a 5 as that was what I came up with from some source, but I was never happy with the way it cast. Maybe I should try a 4 wt. Enjoy that pretty rod.

What's the scripted line designation on yours?

dshort · #8 09-29-2009, 11:51 PM

Quote:

A special thanks to FlyDoc and dshort who gave me some top-notch feedback and advice whether they were aware of it or not.

I'm rarely aware of when I offer up top-notch advice and when I do it's purely by accident.

I've got a Uniqua over here that's collecting dust on a shelf. It's a little older than your rod I think, but there's just something about a Hardy on a bamboo rod. I'll bring it the next time we meet up and you can take a look. If you like it, it's yours. We'll call it payback for all the secret spots.....

Scud · #9 09-30-2009, 08:35 AM

Toughguy,, there is no designation on the rod itself. The rod simply says Orvis impregnated and Rocky Mountain. Serial numbers are on each section. The rod tube has the same serial number and says HDG. The rod appears to be original as does the tube. Maybe they did not put the line weight on the lower serial number rods?

MrFishingToughGuy · #10 09-30-2009, 08:50 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Scud

Toughguy,, there is no designation on the rod itself. The rod simply says Orvis impregnated and Rocky Mountain. Serial numbers are on each section. The rod tube has the same serial number and says HDG. The rod appears to be original as does the tube. Maybe they did not put the line weight on the lower serial number rods?

Quite possible. I'll let you know how it handles a DT4 and WF4 (I have a WF4 spooled on another reel somewhere in the house). Having lawn cast it for a bit yesterday, I think a WF4 might be the trick, but really I am still getting used to the action as a whole.

Marty