Jenkins 8'. 3/4wt.

[joep]

I was looking through a rod rack in a fly shop and saw this written on it. Was this a taper they made many of and can anyone describe the action to me if they cast it.

[creakycane]

I've seen many of the GA80 (4/5 wt) and have owned for many years a GA80L (straight 4 wt). Could be a one-off very light 8 footer.
Was the model number/serial number on the rod or tube? Any indication of era (tube type, seat hardware, wraps)?

[joep]

I've seen many of the GA80 (4/5 wt) and have owned for many years a GA80L (straight 4 wt). Could be a one-off very light 8 footer.
Was the model number/serial number on the rod or tube? Any indication of era (tube type, seat hardware, wraps)?

I don't remember, I am going to have to stop in next week and write it down. My kids were with me when I saw it. I was just trying to get out of there without breaking anything. I am pretty positive of the line wt written on it though because it was a taper I never knew they cataloged or made many of.

[Chopper]

If you can buy a GA80 for a reasonable price, buy it! It is a smooth casting rod. One of my favorites.

[Cimarron]

Indeed! Check it out. I acquired a GA 80 over the winter and it's a very amazing rod. One of my very most favorites. Goes along with my Jenkins 756 as a great combo to take anywhere.

[DaveNJ]

Was this at Tightlines? I look at that rod everytime I go there, haha.

[joep]

Was this at Tightlines? I look at that rod everytime I go there, haha.

Yeah, have you cast it? I was curious about the taper.

[billems]

The 8-ft Jenkins, the 4/5 weight, is a gem of a fly rod. It has something very special about it. I remember what Len Codella wrote about the rod: "Seems like Jenkins rods were designed to cast with little or no effort on the part of the caster." That got to me. I ordered from Steve Jenkins, he built it, and became a longtime friend. He's no longer making rods. His wife left him and he took employment at a big box retailer. Then he was laid off in the pandemic. I hope he is doing well. Steve and Charlie were among the nicest, most honest people you'd ever want to know. And the taper in that 8-footer...hasn't been topped.

[St Vrain Angler]

I hope we hear more about this GA80 3/4wt. My GA803 (3-piece) for a 4/5 weight is one of the finest casting rods I've experienced. Probably heresy, but I may prefer it over my Granger 8040.

[RymanType]

Just purchased a GA70 and have really enjoyed casting it thus far, excited to fish it.
Anxious to learn more about this rod also

[joep]

I've seen many of the GA80 (4/5 wt) and have owned for many years a GA80L (straight 4 wt). Could be a one-off very light 8 footer.
Was the model number/serial number on the rod or tube? Any indication of era (tube type, seat hardware, wraps)?

The rod is labeled a GA80-34. The rod is at tight lines fly shop in parsippany nj. Listed at $1200. Looked to be in excellent shape.

[St Vrain Angler]

Ah, mystery solved!
"34" denotes the "thirty-fourth" GA80 made. My GA803-11 was the "eleventh" 8' 3/2 made and a 4/5wt--not an 11wt. And if the rod's in "excellent" condition, that's an excellent price.

[joep]

I've seen many of the GA80 (4/5 wt) and have owned for many years a GA80L (straight 4 wt). Could be a one-off very light 8 footer.
Was the model number/serial number on the rod or tube? Any indication of era (tube type, seat hardware, wraps)?

The rod is labeled a GA80-34. The rod is at tight lines fly shop in parsippany nj. Listed at $1200. Looked to be in excellent shape.

Then i guess it is labeled incorrectly in the shop. That is why i was very curious about it.

[DaveNJ]

Was this at Tightlines? I look at that rod everytime I go there, haha.

Yeah, have you cast it? I was curious about the taper.

I haven't, but it seems like a fine rod. Maybe one of the best currently in that shop lol. That used been was incredible a few years ago. Got a very, very nice TMF out of it. Also picked up a Sage LL 379 that was super nice, but I sold it after Sage supported the orange one with little hands on instagram.