Folks,
I recently purchased a Dawn Holbrook 8' 2/2 rod on e-bay. I have conducted research as best I can on the net and through old catalogues and desk references. I have found very little information related the maker. Some history and one link that I have collected:
http://www.geocities.com/davesrods/main.htm
Holbrook ran a flyshop (in the back of a barbar shop) in Seattle in the thirties and forties. He built rods between 1960 and 1970 (mid). He made approx. 1000 rods. Most in the 8.5 - 9.5 foot range. Apparently he was a steelhead fishermand and built rods for that market. You will notice that the rod is very influenced by EC Powell (same grip, node spacing, wrap style - note photo compare).
While building rods he ran classes on building. Apparently Darryl Whitehead? took his class.
Last bit of information - he was a founding member of the Seattle Flyfisher Club in late thirties.
The rod is built with 14/64th ferrules, tip diameter is .110 with a thick coat of varnish. Winding check diameter is .385 with thick varnish. I expect the rod is a 6-7 weight. If there was script written on the rod it is gone and the varnish was removed prior to receipt.
Any additional information related to the rod or the maker is appreciated? I attached a couple of photos. BTW I love the rod and I can not afford an EC Powell 8' Rod.
Thanks
John
I recently purchased a Dawn Holbrook 8' 2/2 rod on e-bay. I have conducted research as best I can on the net and through old catalogues and desk references. I have found very little information related the maker. Some history and one link that I have collected:
http://www.geocities.com/davesrods/main.htm
Holbrook ran a flyshop (in the back of a barbar shop) in Seattle in the thirties and forties. He built rods between 1960 and 1970 (mid). He made approx. 1000 rods. Most in the 8.5 - 9.5 foot range. Apparently he was a steelhead fishermand and built rods for that market. You will notice that the rod is very influenced by EC Powell (same grip, node spacing, wrap style - note photo compare).
While building rods he ran classes on building. Apparently Darryl Whitehead? took his class.
Last bit of information - he was a founding member of the Seattle Flyfisher Club in late thirties.
The rod is built with 14/64th ferrules, tip diameter is .110 with a thick coat of varnish. Winding check diameter is .385 with thick varnish. I expect the rod is a 6-7 weight. If there was script written on the rod it is gone and the varnish was removed prior to receipt.
Any additional information related to the rod or the maker is appreciated? I attached a couple of photos. BTW I love the rod and I can not afford an EC Powell 8' Rod.
Thanks
John
