need info on a fly rod...

[Lovestafish]

I just got a rod given to me - it's a bamboo South Bend fly rod. On one side is "MDH or D" and on another side is 377 - 9'. the hook keeper is a small metal ring. It also has a cork handle with a place for your thumb. The rod color is medium brown with kind of tiger colored wrappings around the eyes. Wish I had a digital camera about now... Any ideas on age, worth, availibility, etc? Any info would be appreciated........

[lilnorthfork]

I checked with my bro who deals antique fishing gear. Here is what he said (keep in mind he is a collector/dealer and avid fisher who knows a lot (IMHO) about gear, but he is NOT a flyfisher):

In the world of bamboo rods, there are several fairly common oldies......Montague, South Bend, Horrocks-Ibbotson, Heddon (somewhat), Shakespeare, Abbey and Imbrie.......these were all larger makers or dealers of sporting goods for many, many years. The second theory of the bamboo rod is "Longer is worse, shorter is better"........9 footers are the kiss of death....usually used for big fish, bass, salmon, etc........value-wise, it's probably $150 if it's nice, no broken tip, extra tip, bag, etc........anywhere from $100-$175 most likely....the upper end would be if it was complete, extra tips, bag, tube......

I was just given a 9' H-I and cast it for the first time on our Laurance Lake outing. Caught 2 small bows with it which was great fun. After about a half hour of casting I was ready to ice my shoulder, but it was still a blast. Plus, the rod belonged to the father of my Dad's old fishing/hunting buddy so it has great value to me. Enjoy! Jon

[drbfish]

I would guess the value at about $100 if it is in good shape. I have a 9' 359. These type of South Bend rods are heavy and only cast 'ok'. I would guess the rod weight twice what my Orvis bamboo rod weighs, so yeah, your arm will get a work out. I would guess most people would use this for big bass streamers. I have a book at home that may be able to help date the rod if you are interested. if so email me at DRBfish@aol.com I can also look up what line wt is the same as 'MDH' or 'D' I would guess 6 DT or 7 wf