Vintage 6.5′ Wright & McGill Fiberglass 4pc Fishing Fly BEANS PACK ROD EagleClaw
The Vintage 6.5′ Wright & McGill Fiberglass 4-Piece Fly Rod (Beans Pack Rod / Eagle Claw) is a classic, compact fly rod designed for portability and durability. Here’s what you should know about it:
Key Features:
– Material: Fiberglass – Known for its flexibility, slow action, and nostalgic feel.
– Length: 6.5 feet – Short and ideal for small streams or tight casting conditions.
– 4-Piece Design: Breaks down for easy packing (likely sold as a “Pack Rod” by L.L. Bean or others).
– Branding: Wright & McGill (parent company of Eagle Claw) was a major U.S. tackle manufacturer.
– Era: Likely 1960s–1980s, based on fiberglass popularity and branding.
Potential Uses:
– Small-stream trout fishing.
– Backpacking/hiking trips (compact when disassembled).
– Vintage tackle collectors or fiberglass enthusiasts.
Notable Info:
– Some versions were sold under L.L. Bean’s “Pack Rod” label.
– Similar to the Eagle Claw Featherlight series but in a 4-piece configuration.
– Fiberglass rods are making a comeback due to their smooth, forgiving action.
If You Own or Want One:
– Condition Matters: Check for cracks, delamination, or loose ferrules.
– Line Weight: Likely a 4–6 wt (ideal for light fly fishing).
– Collectibility: Not extremely rare, but sought after by fiberglass fans.
– Modern Alternatives: Eagle Claw still makes affordable fiberglass rods (e.g., Featherlight).
Would you like help appraising, restoring, or matching it with a reel?