Hi All, Im have just acquired two vintage Fenwick glass rods that a swapped for an "as new" Loomis GLX #4 rod.
Ive been a fan of contemporary fiberglass rods for some years now and I use little else unless its bamboo occasionally on the local creeks so I thought it was time to try some vintage glass.
One rod is a factory build and has model number of FF85-3 3/78oz 8 1/2 feet long Line number 6
After putting lines through this rod Im concurring with the #6 line. What an absolute beautiful rod to cast!
I have looked at model number chart telling me it may have been made between 1963-71
The rod also has a serial number - capitol letter I 16669 Can anyone tell me what year of manufacture would this rod be please?

The other rod is a custom build on a slightly darker colored blank almost brownish. (I will try and upload some pics off my phone if possible) It is a 2 piece 8 foot rod, it has a decal or sticker with Fenwick fiberglass on it and an oval mustard coloured area for a serial number that is blank.
This rod feels noticeably faster than the F85-3 and casts a #6 line very well.
Can anyone has at a guess of the blank - I know pictures would solve all - I will try.........
I swapped these rods with a mind to use them on the local stillwaters for trout and maybe on some of the local carp as well.

Put it this way I had an order in with a custom rod builder to make me another Epic 686 - I canned it as soon as I'd finished casting these two rods! - Ill swap it out for a glass #4 instead.
Both rods are in good to very good condition and its was a worthy trade from my point of view.
Also as a foot note the lines I put through the rods were both WFF #6 RIO lines.
Any information on the above rods will be helpful and certainly input regarding what lines people favor- should I get myself some DT lines for these style of rods?
Thank you and regards............Alex

Thanks Carlz, all great information.
So ive found out the factory build is a 1968-69 build date.
I cannot believe how good this rod is for its age both in its conditions and how well it casts a fly line!
I really like to think Ill be wearing this rods out over the next couple of seasons.
I tried to load pictures from my phone yesterday but it seems I had no luck, I will try again this evening after work.
Thanks again....................Regards..................