PEZON MICHELE “RITZ VARIO POWER” FLY ROD 8’2”

PEZON MICHELE “RITZ VARIO POWER” FLY ROD 8’2”

The Charles Ritz Vario Power fly rod by Pezon et Michele is a radical rod made with a fiberglass first section and a bamboo tip.  It was sold by Norm Thompson Outfitters in Portland, Oregon, and appeared in their 1968 catalog. As far as I know, it is the only commercially-made fiberglass and cane fly rod.  It has a staggered-ferrule design, with the butt 44” and the tip 55’.  A bamboo spacer is provided to equalize the two sections for storage.

As shown in Norm Thompson’s 1968 catalog, the Vario Power was made in 6’6”, 7’1”, and 8’2” lengths.  The 8’2” model was rated for a 7wt line, and this rod casts a 7wt WF very well indeed.

Condition of the rod is excellent.  The rod offers a skeleton reel seat over cork spacer, 7” Ritz style grip, hook keeper, maroon silk, bright offset stripper, black steel snakes, blue NS Swiss-style ferrules, original bag and probably original tube.  Rod weighs 4.4 ounces on my scale.  Action is parabolic, and designed for Charles Ritz’ high-speed, high-line casting style.  Former owner’s name engraved on the rod tube.