Co-worker was given two "old" fly rods, a Horton "Luckie" steel rod from the 30's and an old bamboo fly rod.

The unusual thing to me about the bamboo was the guides, they were simple "O" rings that swing freely, they looked like original equipment and not a repair. Does anyone have information on this type of set up? Thanks.

You're looking at the traditional fly rod guide - the ring and clasp. Nearly all fly rods featured them at one time. They finally gave way to the modern (at that time) snake guide.

.........

I'd never heard of such a guide till now.

Phil

So basically the same concept as a strap and ring hookkeeper? I'd love to see a picture of this.

Mark

Mark Janeck
Custom Rods, Campbellville, Ontario

Yes, pretty much the same. I suspect after they had become somewhat obsolete as guides the remainder in stocks out and about were used as hookkeepers.

If you have never cast a rod with these guides, you should. They work better than you would expect, but are pretty noisy.

If the rings did not move --you have a single foot fly wire guide LOL

Thanks Tom, I'll pass the info to my co-worker.

I recently found a rod maker in either Scottland or England that builds spey rods from greenheart and they use the traditional swinging guides that are mentioned here. I've also seen one or two cane float rods on @#$%& that had the guides mentioned above also.

Randy

As Tom has stated, these guides were the ones used by makers "back when" . Their common name is "flipring guides". As a matter of fact, Orvis used them on their Calcutta bamboo fly rods. Dates around 1880 to 1890's.. (according to my reference materials)

Tight lines

Art

Art
Your just showing your age LOL

I know - - - - - but I still like to put my two cents worth in.......

You should see what I wear for headgear just to wrap a guide these days !!!! Glasses and binocular magnifier glasses on top !!!! Can't wait til I get "older"..... ahahahahaha

Love this board... you can learn so much... and everyone so friendly and sharing to one another.... too bad the "real world" isn't more like the guys on this board ....

Have a great week end.

Art

I know what tou mean, Art. I'm still getting used to these tri-focals My eye doctor made me get this spring. Not LOL. Ralph

If at first you don't succeed, go fishing, then try, try again.