A recent acquisition of a Heddon #8540, 6' 6", Golden "Mark 50" Pro Weight, Controlled Flex Action. May be the longest nomenclature string ever assigned to a fly rod.
I don't purchase allot of rods off Ebay. Probably paid up for it, but couldn't resist this one. I don't think you'll see allot of these. The shortest glass rod Heddon made. From the catalogs here (posted below) they may of made these for 3-4 years. From what I can tell, this may a 1972 model, or so. Pretty nice condition and came with the original "Rich, gold vinyl case"...though its not so rich anymore...the vinyl has turned pretty crispy and stiff. Ferrule fits well with no clicking or movement. Has "indestructible gold plated guides", though some of the indestructible gold is peeling off, and "Carboloy tip top". Its really a pretty amber blank and a nicely appointed rod. These were early entry into glass ferrule rods for Heddon.
It casts very nicely a WF4 and DT5 in the backyard. I would say it is a medium soft rod and should a blast catching 16"-18" trout on it next year.
Comments welcome,
Sandman