Hello I picked this up at a yard sale the other day and was wondering if anyone could give me some information about it..I tried looking up the River rat brand and found some but non that look like thins I think it is due to it being a custom...I was wondering if anyone would know how much it could be or even if it's a collectable

If your rod says Vince Cummings River Rat, it's an extremely desirable rod for Fishing.

The writing on the rod is certainly not indicative of a Vince Cummings rod.

Larry

I have this example of Vince Cumming's pen, though it's been inked-over.

As already shown well, not a Vince Cummings rod. Could very well be a "custom build" (or rebuild) by a hobbyist or small shop. I haven't time to search here thoroughly, but probably the "River Rat" blanks or one like them were available--although not necessarily tweaked in building as Cummings would have. Quite likely, it is a satisfactory 8' 6-weight--a good configuration in fiberglass blanks from several makers of the time period--that will perform well and be worth more than a garage sale price. No high dollar value, but could prove to be a great fishing value. Did you find out anything (or could you) from the seller about the owner named on the rod and its history? That is a likely way to get closer to identifying the original builder and/or the blank used.

Thank you for all the help I really appreciate it.