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Post 22 Jul 2021, 15:51 • #1 
Sport
Joined: 11/16/20
Posts: 73
Got this old Wonderod off the Bay earlier this week for $40 and it arrived today, complete with original case. The thing is 7'9" long was absolutely filthy but I had a feeling it would clean up nice. Here's what it looked like upon arrival.






After 20 minutes of 320 sandpaper and some mineral oil with a cotton cloth and fine steel wool it looked a lot better. Boy, after putting a 1494 on it it's just looks and feels like it wants to go trout fishing. I've got a larger Wonderod in similar colors, an 8'6" FY-300 in sterling condition, but it feels like a club compared to this guy. This guy is going with me on the next trip and can't wait to fish it.








I'm going to try it with both 5wt and 6 wt line and see which I like better. It's surprising you can get a rod of this quality for this price.


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Post 22 Jul 2021, 18:15 • #2 
Glass Fanatic
Joined: 06/23/05
Posts: 4966
Location: US-MT
Nice!

I've had a few of those 7'9" rods, they have all been 7wts in my hand, but whatever works good for you is the ticket.


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Post 22 Jul 2021, 18:26 • #3 
Sport
Joined: 11/16/20
Posts: 73
Yes, I've done some research on what you guys like on these and it seems 6-7 is the most loved.


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Post 22 Jul 2021, 19:44 • #4 
Glass Fanatic
Joined: 06/11/05
Posts: 1008
Location: US-NY
I use a 6wt on my 848 7’9” Wonderod


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Post 22 Jul 2021, 21:24 • #5 
Sport
Joined: 11/16/20
Posts: 73
Gadabout, is that you? Really enjoyed watching you and your Wonderods back in the 60's.


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Post 23 Jul 2021, 11:27 • #6 
Guide
Joined: 02/18/19
Posts: 157
Location: US-ID
I saw that rod for some time on ebay. The price you got was a lot better than it was originally offered for, nice job.

I have one 7' 9" wonderod 1240 that is most definately a 6wt. It weights 0.4 ounces heavier than the wiki indicates. But all other members report it is a 6wt too as well as the wiki.

I put together a listing of the Wonderods that were lighter weight and lighter line weights, based upon the wiki. I thought that the 1290 was one of those 5wt rods.

Can't wait to see are report from you on it, to see what you think about it.


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Post 23 Jul 2021, 21:11 • #7 
Master Guide
Joined: 09/23/18
Posts: 614
Location: Eastern Wa
Awesome!! Glad you got one. It is one of my favorite fly rods (have a beater and a pristine one). I enjoy fishing a 4wt line on each of my samples the most.



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Post 23 Jul 2021, 21:19 • #8 
Sport
Joined: 11/16/20
Posts: 73
Cool stuff guys and that's a great pic Mike. I'm originally from western Washington where I used to use an old bamboo rod for trout fishing in the Olympics.

Turns out I have to postpone my trip for a couple weeks but I will for sure bring it with me. This afternoon I also picked up a nice 1280T with case


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Post 23 Jul 2021, 21:52 • #9 
Glass Fanatic
Joined: 06/23/05
Posts: 4966
Location: US-MT
I was just out crick fishin using that same automatic pictured above.

That E WA landscape is where I grew up, fond memories of healthy trout.


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Post 23 Jul 2021, 22:37 • #10 
Glass Fanatic
Joined: 03/30/09
Posts: 1525
Location: Hamilton,Ontario,Canada
I think I would re-wrap the guides and any other thread but I really like the grip shape and reel seat.


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Post 23 Jul 2021, 22:40 • #11 
Master Guide
Joined: 09/23/18
Posts: 614
Location: Eastern Wa
Thats cool you were both from Washington! Funny but I picked up a 1380T a few weeks ago and havent fished it yet.

I love the Martin 47s (got 3 of them). Seems like they are a perfect fit (as far as automatics are concerned) for smaller fiberglass vintage rods, compared to other bigger heavier automatics.


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Post 24 Jul 2021, 11:23 • #12 
Glass Fanatic
Joined: 06/09/05
Posts: 2524
Location: US-CO
There is something magic about 7'9"...I think it is the PERFECT length for a flyrod. Shakespeare had that right from day one!


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Post 25 Jul 2021, 19:45 • #13 
Glass Fanatic
Joined: 09/18/09
Posts: 5561
Location: Relocated to the Drought Stricken West.
Elwha73, You're driving me crazy with the bargains you're finding. I was tempted by a 1280T for $75 without the original tube a couple of years ago. You got that 1290 with tube for a steal. It's a 5wt in my hands. The 7'9" 1280T and 1290 are wonderful trout tapers and handle 5wt (or even a heavy 4wt) fine. These are two of the finest Shakespeare fly rods produced. When I pick one up, It's hard to realize that a 70 year old glass rod is good competition for many modern rods. A good taper is a good taper.

I hope they find some good action soon.


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Post 25 Jul 2021, 20:22 • #14 
Sport
Joined: 11/16/20
Posts: 73
Lots of buys out there Carlz! ;)

I have an FY-300 8'6" Professional made in 1966 but it's stayed in the closet ever since I bought it. I heard so many good things about the 1280 / 1290 I thought I'd give it a go. Wow, I know this rod is going to perform well.

Will post pics when I get it out on the water.


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Post 25 Jul 2021, 20:33 • #15 
Guide
Joined: 08/21/18
Posts: 168
Location: West Yellowstone and Atlanta
I have two 1280T's which are great rods. I have been looking for 1290, and the OP snagged this one before i saw it!!! Some of the 1280T's and 1290's have an interesting historical twist to them: manufactured early 50's so among earliest glass rods in general production I think.


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Post 26 Jul 2021, 17:39 • #16 
Glass Fanatic
Joined: 09/18/09
Posts: 5561
Location: Relocated to the Drought Stricken West.
Besides the early manufacture date, there is also the fiberglass wraps (instead of thread) on some. It's hard to pass one up, even when you have one.


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Post 12 Aug 2021, 20:00 • #17 
Glass Fanatic
Joined: 06/11/05
Posts: 1008
Location: US-NY
Elwha73 wrote:
Gadabout, is that you? Really enjoyed watching you and your Wonderods back in the 60's.


Thanks. The “real” Gadabout has been gone for 35 years. ;)


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