- 1). Look for rods built using traditional materials. You can rule out graphite and fiberglass rods quickly. Rods built from wood and bamboo require a closer look.
- 2). Look for rods with silver fittings and wedding bands near the grip. These represent high-end rods built before the 20th century.
- 3). Look for rods of considerable length. Traditional rods were built for reach because advanced casting reels did not exist. Rods between 10 and 20 feet may be collectibles.
- 4). Inspect the reel seat. Screw-style seats are much newer and may represent a rod from the 20th or 21st centuries. Reel seats with one set band and one moving band are found on older rods with antique potential.
- 5). Know the brand names. There are too many to list, but the brand can make the difference between a rare fishing rod and a mass-produced rod. If you see a brand that you do not recognize, it may be unique and should be researched further.
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