R.L. Winston Fario Club Bamboo Rod 8'5" 2/1 #5/6

For sale here is a very interesting and unique R.L. Winston bamboo fly rod. Dubbed the "Fario Club" and made during the Doug Merrick era -- 8'5" 2/1 5-6wt. Serial no. 9962. The rod was made based on the specifications of a Pezon et Michel "Fario Club" at the request of a customer. The Fario Club model was initially designed by Charles Ritz. Staggered ferrule construction. The butt section is 48" and the tip 54". The rod is in excellent original condition. It shows light varnish wear. All sections are full length with a slight set at the end of the tip section. 

The rod features a rich pumpkin tone cane finish with tan wraps and burgundy tipping at the winding check, signature wrap, ferrules, and tip-top. Bright guides. The script remains clean and bold. Bronzed ring hook keeper. Classic bakelite winding check. Full wells grip 6 1/8" in length with light soiling. Bright aluminum down-locking Pezon et Michel reel seat with a cork spacer. The butt cap features the P&M stamp. The Duronze ferrules are size 15/64 with a perfect fit. Includes a 6 1/2" ferrule plug made from a small piece of bamboo. The rod weighs 4.35 oz. The parabolic action is quite smooth, on the faster side of medium-fast with plenty of power and is capable of casting considerable distances. Includes a replacement bag and a newer Winston tube provided by Glenn Brackett in the late 90's.