I’ve been dabbling in background research into the eBay tackle phenomenon, noting that two or three rod companies were well represented, and others fit the traditional auction mode – someone finding some treasure while cleaning out Grandpa’s closet.
One of the companies that caught my eye was the Powell Rod Co, formerly of Chico, California. I owned a couple Powell graphite rods and had met both Walton and Press many years ago on Fall River.
It’s an old story, “old world” craftsman meets well-to-do “SugarDaddy” with a gleam in his eye, the demise of fine rod company follows.
Being neither lawyer nor investigator, I don’t know what the truth is – but an interesting story from the 2001 Chico News & Review outlines the chronology of events from the Powell perspective.
The rods on eBay explained, they’re not the Powell’s that share their lineage with E.C Powell, Walton Powell, and his son Press – they’re the new company, run by the folks that purchased the firm from Charles Schwab.
I’ve worked at a half dozen fly shops in my youth, and ownership by rich patrons always ended badly. They might share some of our passion for the sport, but the tax writeoff is equally compelling.
In Japan, skilled artisans of bygone arts are designated as national treasures, and receive a stipend so that they can teach others. Perhaps that practice would be appropriate in the US as well.
Technorati Tags: Chico News & Review, Walton Powell, Press Powell, Charles Schwab, Powell Rod Company
Keith,
I’ve fished with Chuck on occasion for 40 years both in Montana and at the club in the midwest. You know where it is. There are 20 something kids in Montana that will fish the boots off Chuck day in and day out so save your bragging for the golf course. I’d also like to suggest that you add some damn humility to your fly box.
Hello. I was wondering if anyone might have any info on a rod I have. The only markings on it are in hand written white paint that say
Walton Powell
8′ 0″ 5-6 wt
It has a burgundy’ish colored blank with green thread guide wrapping. The blank has the (for lack of a better word) sheen of graphite, but the action feels more like fiberglass.
My grandfather said he bought it from the Powell shop in Chico, but what year I don’t know. I would guess in the early to mid 90’s, but he is no longer around to ask now so I don’t know for sure. I did have one person speculate that this was a rod that was made during the transition from the Powell’s in Chico, and that was a reason that it said Walton Powell on it.
Any info would be appreciated.
Thank You,
Casey
ngrcbr@gmail.com
Casey, I’m not totally sure, but that may have been one of the earlier series of graphite rods that became the COHO line. I have a COHO 9-10wt. For the other guys that are pitching a fit over the Powell name/rods etc… I suggest that you enjoy the company for what it once was (As I remember it)… a Small company that produced a number of fine quality rods. I know from sitting in the back room helping out on occasion, that G.Loomis at one point provided them with blanks built on Powell Designed Mandrels. Does it matter? No, not in my opinion, because that was just one component in the manufacturing process. (I personally cut reel seat blanks out of specialty woods in the back room of the rod company) Press and Walt were good guys, and for those that knew him at the shop, Walt could be a crotchety old SOB, but that was Walt. We could criticize many different companies that have changed. G. Loomis is one of the biggest, after it sold out to Shimano in 1997. The reality of today is that in order to survive, companies are forced to form partnerships with larger businesses that do not always see the product for what it was, but rather what it might be. Times change, products evolve, and not always for the best. Remember “New Coke”? it flopped, and Coca-Cola was forced to return to the original recipe. Until people are convinced that the old Powell Rods or other brands are superior, they will be a memory of the past, with those that possess them the lucky ones. Tight lines, and thats my .02 worth of soap box etiquette 🙂
Hello. I was wondering if anyone could please provide me with some information on the following Powell rods I just became the new owner of:
1.) Powell LGA 904-4 (9ft 4wt) blue blank and case, made in USA.
2.) Powell 9ft 7in bamboo rod. 2-piece. Beautiful older rod in excellent condition; no writing on it; appears to be 5wt. Reel seat stamped E.C. Powell Maker Marysville, CAL
Any info would be appreciated.
Thanks,
Mike
Mike – The LGA is post sale and probably from the Rancho Cordova facility…but I don’t know for sure. The bamboo sounds like an EC Powell solid built…very hard to date those as there were few changes made over the years…only the late era Maslan rods had the different reel seat – which you don’t have. Could be worth anywhere from $600 to probably $1000. You could email Jim Adams at adamsangling@comcast.net – he is a reputable rod dealer who could tell you alot more about that bamboo rod.
Thanks Rich:
A friend’s father who was an avid fly fisherman passed away several years back. Recently the family went through his stored belongings and I became the happy recipient of his fishing gear; about 13 rods total; seven bamboo all in socks and tubes. I was able to trace some of the bamboo rods back to the late 1940’s. The standouts are the LC Powell and a Heddon Expert with two tips; both appear to have never been used and in excellent condition – they are on display in my office and receive a lot of attention. I have a Powell 3/4 wt. reel and intend to pair it up with the LGA for still water trout.
Mike
Mike – could you please explain/describe your Powell reel?
Rich
Just posting this here…I’ve got an original Chico Powell Legacy Light built on the cobalt blue blank. It is a 9 foot 5-6wt rod. It is in good condition – it has been fished and has a little scuffing on the butt section. It does not have a tube or sock. I can supply a new aluminum tube and sock if needed for additional cost. These original Legacies harder and harder to come by. I’m asking $275 for it. Email me at gyro@suddenlink.net if you are interested.
Rich
I have a friends rod who recently passed. It is a 9′ graphite with the only label on it being “the walton Powell rod”. It seems to be a 8-9 wt. it hs two tips and two stripping guides. the other guides are of a double loop design. the reel seat seems to be aluminum ( for salt water?) Email me and I’ll send you photos if you think you are interested.
I have a friend’s rod who recently passed. It is a 9? graphite with the only label on it being “the walton Powell rod”. It seems to be a 8-9 wt. has two tips and two stripping guides. the other guides are of a double loop design. the reel seat seems to be aluminum. over 20 years old at least. interested?
I still have that Legacy Light for sale. I’ve lowered the price to $225 including shipping. Here is link to an ad with photos.
http://www.ncffb.org/joomla_1.0.12/index.php/component/option,com_adsmanager/page,show_ad/adid,179/catid,2/Itemid,102/
The above mentioned rod has been sold.
Tom McCoy – I am interested in talking to you about that rod. I can’t email you since you did not post your address – please email me at gyro@suddenlink.net and we’ll talk. Thanks,
Rich
Rich
What a wealth of knowledge. I have a 9′-6″, 4 3/4oz., 2 piece with extra tip. Everything original, including tube and cloth. My grandfather bought it from EC in the 40’s. My grandfathers name is written on the butt. They were apparently friends, as he had a number of flyrods and they were all Powells. He also lived in Marysville. This particular rod has been unused for over 40 years, which is a shame. I was affraid to use it and risk damaging such a beautifull heirloom. I am considering selling it but I’d like to see it go to someone who would truely appreciate it and it’s legacy.
Any suggestions?
Dave – please email me at gyro@suddenlink.net and we’ll talk. Thanks,
Rich
I have a Press Powell fly rod that has never been used (looks that way. I’m try to find out whats its worth for the estate. It’s signed as was a custom rod so I’m told.
It’s a 9′ 6,7,8 wt.
I have photos
Thank you for your time.
Don
Don – I’d love to see the photos and talk to you about this rod. Please email me at gyro@suddenlink.net .
Rich
I am heartbroken! I just broke the tip section of my LT 9034 and of course, they’re no longer available. Does anyone know where I can either replace that tip section or just get another LT 9034? I recently was inadvertently fishing a 6 wt line on it, thinking I had packed my 6 wt Powell on a fishing trip and it cast that line with ease! When I discovered my error, it just made me love my Powell even more. HELP anyone?!
Tony – What a bummer!! A 9034 Light Touch will be hard to come by. But contact Jim Clarkson at http://www.raptorrodworks.com . His phone number is on his website. He has some old Powell blank stock as well a bunch of odds and ends vintage Powell rods in his shop for just such an incident. If anyone can help you – it’s Jim. You can also email me at gyro@suddenlink.net. I am always dealing in vintage Powell rods and I have a number of contacts – I’m usually able to find what folks are looking for if I have afew months to work on it. Either way we’ll get you and that sweet rod back on the water.
Rich
I have two “old” powell rod’s that I am selling. My dad just retired and inherited over 20 fly rods. I have “summer run” 7-8 weight. ( 5593*9 Dr. Keith Hansen) also have a SS 8’0″ 3-4wt (A54088). Both are in great condition. If you have any questions email me at anguyen3131@gmail.com
I have a Walton Powell bamboo rod that Mr. Powell gave to my great uncle Milton Black on the Fall River…..The case and rod were both signed by Walton….Still the labeling(#74-10, 4 3/4 oz)& (B-9,8’91/2) on the case and the cloth insert……It has two tips and measures 8′ 9 1/2″ If interested ….blpicton@gmail.com
I have a Walton Powell bamboo rod that Mr. Powell gave to my great uncle Milton Black on the Fall River…..The case and rod were both signed by Walton….Still the labeling(#74-10, 4 3/4 oz)& (B-9,8’91/2) on the case and the cloth insert……It has two tips and measures 8? 9 1/2? If interested ….blpicton@gmail.com
I have a Powell Silver Creek IM6 4-5 WT,Serial #1502-93 .Rod is 8’Green blank with green and black wraps. Cork grip, reel seat has maple insert. Rod is in it’s original cloth rod bag with the Powell white label with the brown,black and green fly. Case is black aluminum with brass screw top marked Powell”A tradition of Excellence in Flyfishing” PO Box 4000 Chico CA 95927 916-345-3393. Rod fishes as well as my Payne model 102 or my Phillipson Pacemacker both circa 1945-1946 and that’s saying alot.Thanks for all the info on the Powell rods
Richard – a fine rod indeed. I also have a Silver Creek but mine is a little earlier vintage. With the green and black wraps it must have been a custom rod. Are you the original owner? And I think you’ll find the rod is 8′ 3″ vs 8′. Are you interested in selling it?