In the interest of keeping the stack of rods in the corner from growing completely out of control, I’ve decided to move a couple rods over the next few months – starting with a fished-once 8’3″ 5wt George Maurer bamboo fly rod.
You can read the listing and see the pictures at the Classic Bamboo Fly Rod site (but only the Undergrounders get free shipping).
My goal? End up with a handful of 8.5′ rods that get fished regularly, and that means winnowing my embarrassing collection of 8′-8.5′ rods.
I’m asking $1500 for this fished-once rod that sold for $1695 when new (at least it would have if you could get one; George Maurer – the man who taught more people how to build bamboo fly rods than any other – suffered an untimely death a little over a year ago).
See you at the bank, Tom Chandler.
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That rods a damn steal!
BShay(Quote)
Mike: I know it was the first Paradise Valley Special George made, and the odds are good it was also the last.
Hate to let it go, but I’ve got too many, and I’ve discovered I like progressive tapers a bit more than the paras when I’m actually fishing.
Tom Chandler(Quote)
That rod will appreciate in value! If I had the funds I’d snap it up and start a new career as a rod speculator.
Don(Quote)
I need a new job.
On a different note, however, I read with great interest a story in The Spokesman-Review (Spokane, WA) about a man who forgot his rod on a trip to the St. Joe in Idaho and was successful using a stick rigged with paperclips. Here’s a link: http://www.spokesmanreview.com/tools/story_pf.asp?ID=260923
So I’ll try not to feel too bad that I can’t afford a handmade bamboo rod. Sob.
Amy(Quote)
Hello Tom,
I’m George Maurer’s daughter and I found your post while looking around online. I have been looking for my Dad’s rods that are for sale and may be interested in purchasing this one from you. Is the rod still available?
Thank you!
Yahna(Quote)
Yahna! So nice of you to drop by. Unfortunately, this rod sold some time ago. Still, it’s good you stopped in – has anyone purchased George’s rod company? I’ve been maintaining the Sweetwater Rod Company Web site as something of a remembrance of George, but if a new owner bought the rod company (as opposed to just the gear), then he should get the domain.
Sorry for your loss, Tom Chandler
Tom Chandler(Quote)