Winston, R.L. - 7'6" 2/2 4wt (3oz) Bamboo Rod

For sale here is a San Francisco-era R.L. Winston 7'6" 2/2 4wt bamboo rod in excellent+ original condition. Serial #1397, made in the early 1970's just prior to Winston's move to Montana. Featuring pumpkin toned cane with 3x3 nodes, hollow-fluted construction and "putty" colored wraps. Duronz ferrules fit perfectly, and all sections are straight, full length & serialized. The script is in Tom Morgan's handwriting, and the scripted & actual weight of 3oz is 1/8oz less than the cataloged "Leetle Feller". The original owner's name is inked on the butt. Skeleton grip & reel seat with aluminum cap & ring reel seat. The cork is clean and smooth. The guides have a golden tone from the varnish and there is very little varnish loss inside the snake guides. It's hard to tell if this rod has even been cast. Medium fast, dry fly action. It feels like a true 4wt in my hands. An extremely clean SF-era Winston, made during the short period when Tom Morgan, Doug Merrick and Glenn Brackett were all working in the shop together. Sold in the original bag and tube with nearly flawless Winston decal affixed. This item comes from Dean Malencik’s generous donation of vintage rods & reels to Trout Unlimited. Proceeds from the sale benefit both the national organization of Trout Unlimited and your local chapters. Learn more about Dean’s gift in the March 2025 issue of Trout Magazine.