TXRazor wrote:
After all of y' all's detective work, I am leaning towards a Shakespeare 1380T.
What would be a good reel to put on it? I do believe it is a 5wt. I used the Common Cents System to arrive at that.
I know I tried my Liquid 8 wt. and it was not heavy enough for good balance.
I agree you have a Shakespeare 1380 from the early fifties. It appears the rod was painted gray and sold by Montgomery Ward (or painted gray by a previous owner). The numbers stamped on the reelseat are unlike anything I've seen from Shakespeare. Sears, LL Bean, Montgomery Ward, Pep Boys and others often sold fishing tackle made by the large companies, but given the store label. In addition, at some point a layer of varnish was added over the gray paint. That varnish imparts a greenish tinge. Certainly the color is unique.
The Common Cents System was badly designed for graphite rods. The system is even worse with fiberglass. While your rod will likely cast a 5 weight line, try a 6 or 7 weight to see how they feel. The correct line is the one that works best
for you. That line may well vary depending on the day's fishing conditions. Don't get hung up on the rod working with one particular line.
Tom