For sale here is a classic R.L. Winston bamboo fly rod -- 8'9" marked 4 5/8 oz. Serial no. 1103 made in San Francisco by Doug Merrick in the early 1970s before Tom Morgan moved the company to Montana. Designed for a seven weight line. This is a one-owner rod and is very good+ overall condition. The varnish is slightly flaking in a few areas and shows wear on both sections. There is also a not-so-slight chip in the varnish on the butt section that needs a light protective varnish touch-up. The female ferrule and first guide down have been re-wrapped. Fully assembled the rod measures 8 feet 7 3/4 inches with the butt section being 1 3/8" shorter than the tip section. 

The rod features beige wraps (NCP) and burgundy tipping at the winding check, signature wrap, ferrules, and tip-top. Bright guides. Bronzed ring hook keeper. The script remains clean and bold and includes the original owner's name along with the usual rod information. Aluminum winding check. The full wells grip measures 6 1/8" in length with moderate soiling as well as some slight ridging. There are also a few small chips on the rim of the nose of the grip. Down-locking, bright aluminum reel seat with a classic Winston bakelite spacer. The ferrule fit is good but not as tight as some would like although the "pop" is there upon disassembling the two sections. The rod weighs 4.40 oz. The action is on the medium side of medium-fast. Includes what may or may not be the original bag and original tube with label 85% remaining.

While not in collector condition, this rod is a workhorse and light summer steelhead work on your favorite water. Don't miss out at this great price!