H.L. LEONARD 8’ “HEWITT” BAMBOO FLY ROD

SALE PENDING  H.L. LEONARD 8’ “HEWITT” BAMBOO FLY ROD     $1800

This rod is a variation on Leonard’s familiar 8’ Model 50. Hewitt pattern rods are recognized by their elaborate variegated silk wraps and their distinctive flattened snake guides.  This rod was completely restored by Steve Blake.  In their 1930 Spring catalog, Leonard has this to say about the Hewitt pattern rods: “For those who desire it, we can supply [three-piece trout rods] made with quite stiff butt and middle and limber tips.  These rods have slightly longer and larger diameter handles than regular.” The Hewitt rods are fun to cast with a quick and lively dry fly action.  This rod features a slide band reel seat over butternut, 5” cork grip, floppy ring hook keeper, variegated silk tipped red with full intermediates, agate stripper, flattened snake guides, correct bag and 1 7/16” tube.  The rod weighs 3 ¾ ounces on my scale.  Ferrules  are 16/64” and 10/64”.