Does anyone know of a good sourse, books, website, etc; to identify and maybe appraise old fly rods? I have several fly rods, both bamboo and other types which are very old. Most all still have factory stickers intact. Over the years, my customers have given the rods to me because they don't know what else to do with them and wanted to give them to someone who would appreciate them. I don't collect them but could not tell customers to give them to their kids or grandkids to use as duck and cattail beaters. I am more interested in their history than selling them.

Bill
You can try this bulletin board [server2.ezboard.com]

Angler's Collectable exchange. There are several linked boards that deal with all types of collectable angling bits and pieces. For sure they will help with the bamboo ....
Just by the way I collect bamboo fly rods & started kind of like you -- I just couldn't see them being used for firewood. One thing that you will find is LABELS make the price soar.

Ken

I use Michael Sinclair's "Bamboo Rod Restoration" handbook extensively. A good read as well, not to mention a basic training class on how to restore, repair and identify bamboo fly rods and their makers.

Hi Bill.....
You might try...oldfishingstuff.com.....the site has links for bamboo fly rods...etc...etc.
Hope this helps........
Mary Lou

I would contact Russs Gooding at the Golden Witch website. Golden Witch is one of the sponsors listed on the left.

You people are great! Thank you all for taking the time to help me. I have found the info quite useful. I was going to email two of you with some follow up questions but didn't want to do that without asking permission first. Thanks again.

Bill.........
I was looking through my notes for collectibles and had forgotten to include this website......www.Joes old lures.com......it's an extensive website.......
Mary Lou

Hi Bill try this place value guide for bamboo fly rods.