AboutJoe Douglas Expertise I can answer questions on custom rod building and rod restoration and rod repair for bamboo, graphite and fiberglass fishing rods. I also have experience in estimating the value of vintage rods and determining the original manufacturer.
Experience I operate a custom rod building business providing fly rods, spey rods, casting and spinning rods in bamboo graphite and fiberglass. I also operate a custom rod building school where myself and other professional rod builders teach individuals to build custom rods. I have a personal interest in vintage rods and have a small collection of reference books and articles which often help shed light on the origins of the older rods.
Organizations Rod Builders International, Rod Builders Institute
Publications Web Site: www.blackdogtackle.com, www.rodbuildersinternational.com, www.rodbuildersinstitute.com
Education/Credentials BS, Business Administration, University of Tulsa
Past/Present Clients I have a large number of individual clients for whom I have designed and built custom fishing rods of all types. I also have two commercial clients for whom I build private label rods, one in the USA and one in Europe.
Question Hi Joe, Thanks for the info
I recently purchased a fenwick yellowjacket then did some research. One sold on ebay a few years ago for $285.
Is this price a fluke or is this rod that valuable?
Thanks again
Answer Hi Dennis,
I don't see any casting or spinning rods by Fenwick that carry that kind of value in my reference books. I am looking for more books on Fenwick and may find additional info later. I don't have listings of the individual models on anything but fly rods.
I did take a look online and saw the same sale report you did. I don't know whether the Yellowjacket is a rare model or not. It could have been someone filling out a collection or it could have been a really nice and really rare model. Sorry, I don't know.
I do know vintage Fenwick rods have a strong following and their owners are very loyal, refusing to fish with anything else. I have done a number of repairs on vintage Fenwicks to keep them in service as their owners can't bear to part with their best fishing rod.
You may have a real winner or maybe just a really good rod. Enjoy it.
