Just found this one about 10 miles from my house. 8’1, 6w, SN A2117 with matched reel. I think that means this was about the 2000th System rod made in the first year of production? I think I've read 1970. Didn’t give much for it.
Love the story behind this one. From a fuzzy photo on CL of a bunch of rods, I thought I saw what may be an early Sci Angler (from seeing them on this site). Met the guy in a local parking lot. Turns out he was a teacher at a Jr. High near where I grew up in the burbs of Portland and we knew some common families…he said he bought this set from a local store (during the same time and where I use to get groceries and various items with my mother) in 1969 or so. He said he remembered paying $185 (for rod, reel and line). Seems a little high for this set at the time, but Idk. He said he doesn’t remember it coming with a sock or tube. Said he only used it four times on the Crooked River for trout. Been sitting in his garage (unprotected) ever since. Came with the original WF6 line, that I discarded.
It cleaned up pretty well and the only issues are some missing finish (Spar?) on two of the guide wraps and much of the labeling is worn away. I'm assuming the ink transfer on these is fairly easily rubbed off. The reel is smooth and functions perfectly.
It's my first Fisher taper and is a joy to cast with a DT5 and WF6.
Question: I'm not a rebuilder. There are several wraps that the finish has partly chipped off and some that show some signs of being dried out and/or cracking, though the wraps all seem to be in place. Should I touch these areas up, and if so, what with? If it needs a complete strip and rewrap, I'll pass it on. Tried to show some photos of these areas.
Sandman