I watched a GFF 805T go through the auction a couple of weeks ago...I thought about bidding, but then got distracted by an FF86 and completely forgot about the GFF 805T and it got away...I didn't let the FF86 get away

If you are looking for a graphite rod with a bamboo "feel" then try a boron/graphite. That is the reason they started using boron, to slow the action down. I have a wonderful old Ted Simroe b/g that is bamboo-like. I know what some will say, that boron rods are stiffer than graphite, and the later Orvis borons were. AJ Campbell describes the boron rod development in his book.

i had the stinky bag problem 20 years ago. Nothing worked, so I just pitched the bag and got a replacement.

Hi folks, first post under my "new" moniker, the old one broke.

I've been an HMG fan since the beginning, I'm currently fishing 1st generation 805, 756, and an 856. Love these rods. They have that sweetness which has only been found in a choice few graphite rods, one of the first and still one of the best. CarlZ, I still owe you some casting time with the 805 - You'll love it!

Now, if I could just find a reasonable 1st gen. 704........

Paul

Carl, I bought a table, but I won't be able to attend. Family matter. Every year it's something, plus it's right before our youth camp. I have some pretty nice stuff to unload. Somedaaaaayyyyy................ Perhaps we can get together over the summer?

I have a few of the first grey HMGs: 6´ # 4 , 7,5´ #5 , 9´ #10, 9´ #12.
All are original made.
My 2. homemade rod (1981) was on a 7,5 #5 HMG blank and i have a HMG 8´#6 red/brown blank, waiting to be made up.

The 7,5 # 5 is an absolut "modern" rod, beautifull casting, not fast but I throw a DT 5 a long way.

Compared with the Shakespeare graflites ( i have 3 of them), that came on market at the same time, the Fenwicks were/are much better for casting.

One of the original rods, that I bought new 15 years ago, was/is also stinking and nothing helped to get rid of the smell. After washing the bag it became a bit better - but you can still smell its originality