Hello
To each your own what ever blows your skirt up and all that jazz.
You see that's the difference I'm focused on optimal performance over "The Look" as I call it.
I've seen and handled some really amazing looking rods that fish horribly.
On there other hand I've picked up rods that looked really horrible that performed amazingly.
At the last gathering I lined up an Old H.I."Utica "8' 2/1 6 weight with too few guides 6@,Gold Mylar, Bright Red size D thread with hardly any finish,black tobacco era blank,chrome plated brass ferrules,aluminum reel seat,a real classic manufactured as an affordable piece when it was made.
The rod after a few cast to loosen up and clean off some of the rust from the guides,the rod actually cast like a dream.
Even had the Stewart Reel that H.I. would have offered with the rod,spooled with a very early worn out Cortland 333 plastic #5 level line.
The rod was as joy to cast and just performed amazingly,I'd venture to say with a few more guides the rod would be in line with anything out there today.
While not a pretty as some of the more contemporary style rods on the field that day. I'd say the rod impressed everyone whom handled it, some were very surprised.
Just think how it would perform with the recommended #6 line
I'm of the club that's very cautious about going after "The Look" I've found that going after a look can trip you up,focusing on optimal performance never disappoints,especially where & when it counts out on the water.
We hear lots of folks saying this or that don't make any difference or doesn't matter.
To that I Say
Hog Wash,I choose to Pay Close Attention to Every Detail no matter how insignificant others may deem them.
After being at this for a few years you get to know what really matters
Again I like "The Look" of the burl and think the gold thread "Looks" nice in contrast to the blank color.
Tight Lines And Utica Loops
Andy M