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Carlson, Sam - 9'6" 3/2 8wt, 6-strip Bamboo Salmon Rod

For sale here is a rare 9'6" 3-piece / 2-tip hex salmon rod from the bench of Sam Carlson. An early rod signed simply "Carlson" on the butt section in white ink. 6-strip Carlson rods are seldom seen, some were made entirely by Sam prior to purchasing the F.E. Thomas shop in 1958, and some were made from completed FET blanks that came with the shop. It's hard to say where this one came from, but the white ink indicates a very early rod from "Sam". Medium tempered cane with dark snake guides and red agate stripper, beautifully wrapped in oxblood windings with crimson & black tipping on each guide and ferrule. Ferrules fit perfectly and the bluing remains quite dark. Weight is 8.18oz. 7" cork grip with bakelite winding check, the cork is slightly soiled but smooth. Black bakelite reel seat with interrupted threads and aluminum screw lock. The butt cap is ferruled to take a 5.5" extension made of bakelite, cork & hard rubber, or a wooden plug when the extension is not in use. A powerful 8wt capable of driving long casts with heavy flies. Action is medium fast, I cast it with a DT8 but it feels like it would handle a heavier WF8 or even some 9wt lines. An unusual configuration from the master, not one you’re likely to encounter again. Sold in the original bag (w/ separate pocket for the extension), and 2" Champion-style tube. From the collection of Thomas H. Clark.

N.B. this rod recently returned from a trip to the Carlson Rod Co. shop. The reel seat was too tight to accept most reels, but Dana Gray was able to grind down the seat in-situ. It will now accept a nice variety of classic and modern reels. If you have any questions about the fitment of particular reels please reach out to us.

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