Payne, E.F. – Highland Mills 8' 0" 3wt

For sale is an early pre-1920s Highland Mills Payne bamboo fly rod made in the Catskill idea. This is an 8' 0" 3/2 for a 3 weight line. In 1914 Ed Payne's passing left Jim with a legacy to move forward. Jim continued making rods of his father's design until two years after Ed Payne's passing when he began experimenting with tempering the cane to a darker tone – downstream becoming his legacy. The medium tempered cane places this rod built within the first three years of Jim Payne using this method.

It is believed there is only one of this model in existence with all original bamboo. This one has replacement tips made to match the previously mentioned which are the specs of a Model 95. Steve Blake has masterfully restored this historical rod.

This consists of medium tempered cane with red intermediate wraps and black tipping at the ferrules. Oxidized guides accompanied by a red agate stripper. Bright nickel silver truncated ferrules in size 8/13. These are 30% shorter resulting in a full flexing experience. Grip measures 4 3/4" in length. The diminutive nickel silver reel seat requires an equally sized reel foot and is stamped E.F. Payne Maker, Highland Mills, NY. In my hand, the action is on the slow side of medium-slow. Original tip tube, butt and mid, reel seat and hardware. Replacement cork, tips, and bag.