For sale here is a terrific R.L. Winston 8 1/2' bamboo rod with two sections and one tip. Made for a five weight line. Serial no. 1358 with a marked weight of 4 oz. The rod was built in 1974 by Doug Merrick during the transition from San Francisco to Twin Bridges, Montana. The tube features the Twin Bridges label while the rod bag feature the San Francisco label. The rod remains in excellent original condition. Both sections are full length and straight. 

The rod was made originally for my friend Tom Macy in Boulder, Colorado. Recently 99% of Tom's time has been spent in with a spey rod in his hands, on many of the most outstanding salmon and steelhead waters in the world. Tom has been a wonderful steward of our sport, working in conservation for a very long time. You can find his bio here.

The rod is moderately tempered to a rich golden color. Beige wraps with maroon tipping at the winding check, ferrules, and tip-top. The script remains as clean and bold as the day it was written. Black aluminum winding check. Full-wells grip 6" in length with a rather slender profile. The cork is only mildly soiled. The rod features a classic aluminum down-locking reel seat over a bakelite spacer. The seat and spacer remain in excellent condition with only the lightest wear to the rim of the butt cap. The Duronze ferrules have a great fit. The rod's actual weight is 3.90 oz. Surprisingly light for an 8'6" rod, the action is on the medium side of medium-fast capable of considerable delicacy and finesse with terrific tippet protection. The length of the rod allows for great mending and line control. Includes the original red bag and original tube with label 100% intact. 

Don't miss out on this standout Winston from an important period in their history, you won't be disappointed.