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 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
Publications Web Site: www.blackdogtackle.com
Education/Credentials BS, Business Administration, University of Tulsa
Question Dear Joe, I have my father's Heddon Expert split-bamboo rod. It is in the original cloth case and has also been kept in a sealed tube.The label says # 125 Fer. 2 1/2 Lgt. 8 1/2. I am looking to find out how much this rod is worth. It is in like new shape. My dad only used it about 6 times. Always stored properly.
I also have a Heddon Pal #6276-5 1/2 muskie special. Again seldom used and looks like new. The cork handle is a little dry but still in good shape. How much is this rod worth? Thanks Larry
Answer Hi Larry,
The Heddon Expert model #125 was built between 1948 and 1952 and was made specifically for Sears & Roebuck to retail in their stores. It has a companion rod called the Premier model #115. The Premier was called the "Better" rod by Sears and the "Expert" was called the "Best" rod by Sears. It is made of quality bamboo but the components and the guide spacing are not comparable to the rest of the Heddon fly rod lineup. These changes were made to keep the price to Sears as low as possible. The Sears name does not appear on the rod as this was another way of getting a lower price for Sears by allowing Heddon to advertise their name in the Sears stores on these rods.
These two rods are often assumed to be part of the regular Heddon lineup, but they are not. They are good rods and they are fairly high quality rods, but not necessarily in keeping with the regular Heddon rods.
The Expert in 8'6" length and in Excellent condition would be valued in the $500-$550 range. Perhaps a bit more for the right buyer.
The Heddon Pal casting rod doesn't have as great a following among collectors as the fly rods and would be more in the $20-$30 range.
