PAUL FRENCH 8’ 5wt BAMBOO FLY ROD, DICKERSON 8013

PAUL FRENCH 8’ 5wt BAMBOO FLY ROD, DICKERSON 8013

This rod was made by Paul French, probably in the 1990s, following an 8013 Lyle Dickerson taper.  The rod is marked “Vaden/French,” probably indicating Charles Vaden, a Seattle rod dealer active at the time (thanks, Bob; thanks, Carmine).  The rod is also marked as “Rod #2,” perhaps indicating French’s second rod.

Paul French was a taught rodmaking by Darryl Whitehead in Seattle.  Whitehead’s influence is most clear in the care and attention to detail that French lavished on his rods.  The reel seat is uplocking nickel silver over a hardwood burl spacer. The cork is 6”, made from 1/4” rings.  Silk is dark brown ripped red at the guides and gold and red at the ferrules. The node pattern is spiral, and the tips are book-matched. The stripping guide is an agate guide probably made by Whitehead, with the NS wire frame darkened slightly.  Snake guides are blackened steel.  Ferrules are Super Z style, again slightly darkened. The finish is exemplary.  Condition of this rod is excellent, with some soiling to the cork, as shown.  The rod casts a 5wt WF with considerable authority.  Provenience on this rod is available on request.