Leonard, H.L. – Four-Piece, 4/5wt.

For your consideration is a rare H.L. Leonard Western Saddle Rod bamboo fly rod in original condition. This is an 8' 0" four-piece for a 5-weight line weighing 4.25 oz. At longer distances, some might like a 4-weight line. At 20 feet, in my hand, I feel a 5wt is appropriate. All sections are full-length and straight.

This was previously listed as an Appalachian but I learned that designation did not come out until after the fire. This pre-fire rod would have been referred to as the "Western Saddle Rod," model 76 or 76L.

This rod consists of straw-colored cane with Leonard's red wraps. The all-cork grip measures 5 1/4" before tapering to the reel seat. The cork shows only minor ridging in select areas. The stamp on the butt cap indicates this rod was made between 1922 and 1964. My guess is in the latter part of the period. The ferrules are sizes 16, 13, and 8 with a perfect fit. The varnish at the wraps on the ferrules and a few guides at the ferrules display stress cracks that could use fresh varnish. In my hand, the action is a pleasant medium flexing into the lower ferrule – not what I expected from a four-piece rod. With a short stroke and little effort, I threw smooth tight loops effortlessly. Original bag and tube. The Leonard Western Saddle Rod or "Pack Rod" is quite rare and exceptional to find in this shape in all original condition.