The joy of Granger rods

[JHolton]

Dave,
I don't think Granger or W-M ever made rods with different tips. Most likely one of the tips was a replacement, maybe from a 9052 with a replaced ferrule or a tip from another maker. Several years ago there were a bunch of South Bend tip blanks floating around that were being used as replacements for Granger tips. The taper was much stiffer, but the color was roughly similar. They also had dark purple resourcinol glue lines so some folks wrongly described them as Phillipson tips.

[Brian K. Shaffer]

I enjoy the study of my Granger rods... careful to examine - with help from above.

The way the 8642 casts - it stays with you.

It becomes the one - for a while.

[archer829]

Actually, my 8642 didn't become the one....it multiplied into FOUR 8642's because of how well it casts!

[scarlet>fire]

It was certainly a joy to fish my WM Granger Favorite 8642 to some high country Golden Trout yesterday. Had a wonderful day being back in the mountains. Cheers and tight lines!

[archer829]

Wow! Great rod, great fish, great scenery! Thanks for sharing!

[Dave Westburg]

i have a granger 9660 , which i've only fished a few times . i'm wondering what lines you folks like on that rod ?
thanks , jim

I have a 9660. I think it's a 1935-1938 era rod because of the old 5 and ¾” coke bottle grip and Patent Pending on the uplocking reel seat. It seems to cast best with a 406 7 weight fly line. Here are some pics.

[scarlet>fire]

Wow! Great rod, great fish, great scenery! Thanks for sharing!

Thank you archer!

[checch]

Hey guys you know more about this than I. Just bought a WM granger 7'6" 3/2 with 3 tips. It has intermediate gold wraps every 2 inches and a fancy wrap along the swelled butt. The main wraps are brown/gold. It is very nice condition all original,with a few spot where the varnish is worn.The cork is velvety smooth and little dirty, just what you would expect from a very well kept ,used rod. The taper is fine and smooth.It feels like a 3 WF-4WF. Can'y upload pics yet.What do you think? Has the original metal can with no label. Cheers,Chet

[Mpheckler]

Was really interested in that rod, because was listed as 7’8”. I asked for the measurements and was told butt 31”, mid and tip 30 1/2”. Is this something unique, bad measurements, or a 7633?

[checch]

The reel seat was screwed out to the max and sort of stuck. I just screwed it back. Beautiful rod. I took a chance and could not believe the rod when I opened it up yesterday.I think he measured to the end of the ferrules also. The three tips is unusual,no?Cheers,Chet

[archer829]

I’ve been on a vacation and missed that one. Nice rod! W/M Granger Favorite 7633. My dream rod. I think the shorter tip is from another older rod based on the spacing of the intermediates and varnish color. Enjoy!

[archer829]

I should have mentioned that I have the same rod as an Aristocrat, and I like a 406 DT4 with it…

[NEKexpat]

I’ve got the poor man’s version: a 7.5’ True Action. Definitely one of my favorite rods. And with the “cheap” aluminum reel seat, I think it feels lighter in the hand than a standard Granger/W&M.

[checch]

Thanks guys. The intermediate wraps give the rod a bit of flair. It is hard to believe neither of the tips has any set,the taper is so fine. Can't wait to hit a stream in western Massachusetts! The other canes I have are a couple of Sewell N.Dunton's which were built in my town Greenfield and a couple Green Rivers which were built in Guilford,VT. Just over the border on the Green River. One of the streams I'll be tossing the Favorite! Sometimes you get lucky in life and fishing! Cheers,Chet

[checch]

Just got to throw my new Granger Favorite 7633.Sweet between 30-40 ft Soft and accurate! DT3 !

[kevinhaney1]

Wow! My Granger 7633 likes a 5wt.

Kevin

[St Vrain Angler]

Mine too...Maybe just my casting style. I sold it in favor of a couple of true 7'6" 4wts.

[kevinhaney1]

Well, I think the better caster you are, the lower weigh line you can throw with a given rod. Maybe after another few years I could cast a 3wt with it.

Kevin

[checch]

It didn't want to go any further out, it was a bit windy, here at the Angler's Club in SF. I'll be trying a 4 with it maybe this weekend.Don't have all my gear here in SF, visiting my kids. I'm not a very good tosser. LOL.It is a sweet and gentle rod,though. Further update, Just went out infront of my son's house a threw a 4 WF, much easier and 10-20 ft further. Don't really need the distance where I fish in western Massachusetts, but it is very smooth and easy like sitting in a lazy boy with a nice glass of wine or cold brew! Cheers,Chet

[scarlet>fire]

Spent the morning casting dry flies to wild brookies and rainbows with my WM Favorite 7633. Beautiful day!