Hello,

Iam an avid Fenwick fan if you can't tell. I have some questions about the FL series rods that Fenwick sold to builders as blanks.

I have owned a FL96-5, FL90-5, FL84-5 all in 2 pc config. All of these I sold or gave away. I regret selling the 2 but the 3rd I gave to a friend whom enjoys it and I don't regret that.

Anyways, I currently own a FL72-6 6'1" 1pc yellow Fenwick and a FL72-6 6'4" 1pc brown Fenwick. The brown one is like the "glow stick" style Fenwicks. It really glows in the light. Any idea which one is older? I purchased both these rods second hand and have no idea.
What came first the yellow (chicken) or the brown (egg)? Or maybe produced in the same time frame?

Next I might have an opportunity to get a FL60-5 2pc. This rod is brown (glow) like my FL72-6. Interesting enough I never knew they made a FL60-5 and cannot find any info on this rod at all. The guy told me it's a pre feralite blank. Perhaps my brown 72-6 is also pre feralite also? Can't tell because it's one piece. Iam to understand all these are Fly rod blanks according to the FL on the rod. Right? Also if anyone has experience with the FL60-5 would you consider it comparable to the FF535? I own one of those in near mint and like it a lot.

All that said I absolutely love these rods. Great action and feel. My favorite is my FL72-6 6'4" 1pc. It's a dream to cast.

Anyways thanks for any help.

Pretty sure they are two distinct lines of blanks, the yellows being a mainstay to hobbyists and custom builders. Personally, I prefer this line to any of the brown factory feralites or comparable blanks, but others will know the similarities better. For info on the yellow blanks, check here: viewtopic.php?f=3&t=37987

I appreciate the responses. I only question which came first because the feel and act like the ff two digit Fenwicks, not the ff 3diget Fenwicks but don't appear to be made like the early only numbered Fenwicks.
I could be wrong though.

That said, I saw that thread you posted sometime ago, even on that there is no mention of a FL60-5. I find it to be an interesting rod. If they were made during the ff 2 diget series rods, there is no comparable 5' fenwick then. The 5'3" fenwick didn't show up until the FF535.

On a side note both my brown and yellow FL72-6 is only marked that way. No FL72-6F on the brown one.

My brown one is not labeled blank either. Neither is the FL60-5
Interesting.

I looked in the Victor Johnson book and the only thing in there was an FF60.It was a 6ft. 5 wt.I looked in an old blank catalogue and the shortest blank was 6 ft..It was an FL72.There was very likely an FL60 blank but he didn't carry anything that short.Im going to check my FL96-6 and see if it says BLANK on it.Its a yellow blank.An FL60 blank is likely 5 ft.

I checked my FL96-6 and there is no Blank marked on it and I know it was a blank because I built it.It definitely casts well.

Yes the FL60-5 is 5'.

It certainly is interesting to think about. I love these rods and agree that they are an excellent fishing tool even when compared to today's equipment.