Expert: Joe Douglas - 7/6/2009

Question
I HAVE DISCOVERED AN OLD ROD/REEL COMBO THAT IS QUITE UNIQUE AND WAS HOPING YOU COULD SHARE MORE ABOUT IT.  WHAT I HAVE IS A METAL ROD IN WHICH THE LINE PASSES THROUGH THE CENTER OF THE ROD INSTEAD OF THROUGH EYELETS. THE MARKINGS INDICATE W.E CO. L.A.CAL. & ON THE OTHER SIDE IT IS STAMPED GUIDE FREE PAT. PEND.  THE REEL IS AN OLD SOUTH BEND 550 ANTI BACKLASH.  IS THIS A COLLECTABLE?  THANKS IN ADVANCE! TODD  

Answer
Hi Todd,

Here is a link to an interesting article in Popular Mechanics from October 1997 about this type of rod.

http://www.popularmechanics.com/outdoors/adventures/1277791.html?page=1

There have been a few of these "pass-through" or "interline" or "guideless" rods over the years.  Modern ones seem to be finding favor.

I honestly don't know if the older models have much collector value.  They are an oddity and could very well bring buyers looking for something a bit unusual.

Your rod is probably made of extruded steel.  Companies like Horton Manufacturing (Bristol), American Fork & Hoe, Gephart and others made a variety of steel rods.  You might want to search some of the old patent data online to see if you can find a rod that looks like yours.

You might want to try posting a comment or question on one of the forums like fiberglassflyrodders.com or bloodydecks.com and see if there is any interest.  At the very least you might find someone who knows more about them than I do.

Thanks,  Joe