Tom bid on a vintage Fenwick FF 806 6wt glass rod at an auction for me this summer. I was looking for something for my father-in-law who has fished Fenwick since he first bought one in 1972. The 806 he got for Xmas last nite is pretty much 'new-old stock.' Even under a magnified Ott Light, I could not find any evidence it had ever been used or had a reel seated.
He was thrilled (or at least as much as I've ever seen him) and started telling stories about being on Crowley the 1st year they allowed float tubing with his old 806 that was later stolen out of his pick up. My son matched it with a Pflueger Medalist 1594.5, also no longer being made or sold, that he got on ebay as NIB. That is Howards favorite reel as well. It was just awesome to see the appreciation he had for gear that he has had a great relationship with for 38 years.
Thanks Tom and Merry Xmas.