Each year our Church host an ice fishing derby at near by Knik lake. They get 30-50 folks to show up each year and they’re fishing for stocked Rainbows. Typically something in the 12 inch range wins the prize but they all have fun. One year no one caught a fish! It’s more about the journey.
It’s set up like most with some trophy’s for different age groups and fish sizes etc.

I decided to spice it up a bit and put together some Vintage Blue Collar tackle and need to come up with a category that will determine a new owner?

Shakespeare Wonderod 8’8” FY-700 and a Lake City 77 both appear to be close to “un-fished”. I spooled the “77” with a new WF-7F line too. This get-up will be perfect for “harvesting” anything up to the local Red’s and Silvers.
I’m hoping it ends up in someones hands that will appreciate the nostalgia; whether they catch any fish or not!

Good looking combo there.

With the exception of the model dates, that pretty much matches my first fly rod combo from 16-y-o.
Differences, my Shakespeare rod had the faux-bamboo look, and my O/C reel was the Berkley version (supplied then by TrueTemper)
No fond memories of either, though I learned and caught fish.
My next combo made up for it, Orvis Green Mountain starter kit, with 7'6" Fullflex A and Orvis 1914 (Martin).

You're a good man, Charlie Brown!

If copyright allows, would love to read some of the essays.