Rockland Tackle / Lou Feierabend Bamboo Rod

For sale here is a very historic five-sided bamboo rod made by Louis Feierabend while he worked with John Bishop at the Rockland Tackle Company in Hillburn, NY circa 1948. Lou later worked at the Uslan Rod Company before retiring from rodmaking in 1951. This rod was made for Wm E Blodgett, whose grandfather held the post of mayor of Woburn, Mass. in the early 1900s.

This eight foot pentagonal rod, "The Bishop Rod" is in very good, original condition. The varnish softened at some point in its life, resulting in bag marks in the varnish. The rod is straight and each section is full length. The rod weighs 4 1/2 oz. The ferrules don't appear to be Super-Z's which as you know were invented by Mr. Feierabend circa 1948. Uplocking bright aluminum reel seat over what appears to be spanish cedar. Feierabend worked in the Payne shop for a spring and summer under Jim Payne's tutelage, so this wood could have been sourced from the Payne shop. The grip is unusually long (8 1/2 inches) but is nicely tapered and comfortable in hand. The ferrules are size 15/64 and the ferrule fit is excellent. The action of the rod is medium and parabolic. The butt section definitely flexes into the grip. Bag and tube appear to be original to the rod.