Let's see your South Bend fly rods

[bamboo rodley]

Unfortunately I don't own any South Bend fly rods, but I would be interested in seeing others', and am starting this post in response to Webfly's comment in the appraisal section. So post 'em up, especially the rare ones.

[Webfly]

Thanks Rodley, I guess that I'll start with my recent restoration. An 8 1/2' Cross grade 5256. A great looker and caster.

[HeddonSilk]

Just so you'll know this post hasn't fell on deaf ears, I'll post some pics of my one South Bend rod after my next landing. I don't have any on my computer and I don't want my wife opening my fly rod wardrobe to get any photos for me, so I'll wait and take them when I return home.

It's a mid 1930's SB/Cross

[para_adams]

I found this SB Cross Double Built 9' #164 missing most guides and what wraps remained were dried out. My guess is its a late 30's or early 40's rod. The varnish was haggard and the cork was badly damaged. A little refurbishing later and with some help from "Troutcreek" to replicate the original cork handle, the rod turned into a veritable cannon perfect for our larger PNW waters. It's a 6 wt that responds to a long line and double-haul with surprising power.

The wrap colors are possibly my favorite, similar to a Granger Registered.

It got a good workout last fall in the Okanagon with some husky browns and bows.

[HeddonSilk]

What are the wrap colors, white/black? I love that combination and that's a great looking SB!

[bamboo rodley]

Those are both great looking rods. Keep those photos coming. Anyone have an 8' SB. Those are few and far between.

[PaducahMichael]

Here's a #290 I restored a few years back - it has that really pretty yellow-marbled reel seat that just happens to look really good with an old Pflueger round - guide reel. Sadly, I had to break up the band - sold the rod, kept the reel.

[Southbranch]

Here are a couple of 2/2s -- my original condition 290 and restored Cross 1500:

[barnesspecial6]

Beautiful looking Cross model 1500, I bet if casts as good as it looks!

[wrong66]

Another Cross/South Bend No.1500 7-1/2 ft. This one has the bag labeled "Light Tip" and "Heavy Tip". Believed to be factory, as these rods were basically made to order.
Mark

[para_adams]

Beautiful

[Webfly]

Here's a nice 8 1/2' 312 Doublebuilt:

[wrong66]

Awesome! That's a model you seldom see. Beautiful!
Mark

[solo8232000]

I stood as long as I could and I just can't stans it no mo'!! Here are some of my SB rods..Most have been updated and refinished for my personal tastes..I have not had any work done on the SB 323, SB Cross 1500 or the SB 12 I bought from Dana Gray..For the purists out there ya may want to skip over my SB 290 and 359 pics as they have been refinished with the hardware upgraded to work with modern lines..I hope you enjoy the show cuz I just love these rods!! They all fish like a dream!!

SB290


SB Cross 1500 - Post WWII based on serial number I think this rod was surely produced after Wes Jordan left the company..Sweet little rod nonetheless


SB 12 - I purchased this gorgeous rod from Dana Gray..Several members on the Forum were instrumental in providing indentification of this rod..What a wonderful rod. Note the Winchester hardware and intermediates!!



SB323 - Thre has been no work done to this 5 - 6 wt dry fly action SB..It is almost mint with little or no time on the water as shown by the new looking Comficient Grip label!!


SB359s - These rods are 9' and were rebuilt by my friend Ed Beck...Ed has since retired but he sure knew how to make a rod look and fish great. Ed's niche was taking old rods and refinishing for use with modern lines..He typically rebuilt a rod from stem to stern...and he was damned good at it..again the purists are forewarned...





Whew.I have several other SBs..but this is enough for now!! Glad you started this string!! As you can tell I like those South Bend Bamboo rods!!

[andre49]

Here is a 7 1/2 ft rod. This rod is a cannon.

[Doug K]

359, 8.5' one of the best fly rods I've ever cast.. bought as a set of raddled tomato stakes for $10, took quite a bit of rebuilding but fortunately the problems were mostly cosmetic.



more at viewtopic.php?f=66&t=85288

Fish it with a Langley Riffle and DT5,



359 9', bought for bass fishing but it turns out to be a bit light for the big bass flies. It's a fine streamer rod though.



more at http://dkretzmann.blogspot.com/2015/10/ ... -cane.html

Shopping for a 290 now but they seem to be going up in value, hmm.

[andre49]

Just bought an 8 1/2 ft # 12 on the baY. Can be seen there under sold.

[Webfly]

My favorite bass rod:

[bamboo rodley]

Great looking rods.

[uppercreek]

South Bend 290 First Model c. 1939-40. Black & white wraps. "Shaped" (pre-comficient) grip. Oval decal. Agatine stripping guide. Antique mall find
- Kevin

P.S. The rod in my avatar is a Cross/S Bend 1500. Love to fish it!