Leonard, H.L. – 38L 1.95 oz.


  • For your consideration is an exceptional all-original H.L. Leonard Model 38L "Fairy Catskill" bamboo fly rod. This is a 7' 0" two-piece weighing 1.95 ounces. All sections are original full-length and straight.

    This consists of straw-colored cane with red wraps. The grip portion of the all cork seat measures 5 inches. The reel seat is adorned by the desirable "wedding band" style slide ring. The tips mic at 0.0525. The blued hardware would have been a custom order. Swiss-style ferrule is size 8. In my hand, the action is medium -slow. This post-fire rod has the HLL logo roll stamped on the butt along with "Leonard Rod Co. Makers." Serial number 379 dates to approximately 1970 – they implemented serial numbers in 1969. Ted Simroe shared with me that post-fire rods with serial numbers up to or just past 900 were made with pre-fire tapers. There are some stress cracks in the varnish and wraps at the ferrules. Where the ferrule wraps meet the bamboo the varnish is lifting slightly. A small amount of TLC will keep this rod fishing for years to come. The wood ferrule plug is an addition. The tube and bag with stiffener are all original. 

  • Model: 38L
    Length: 7' 0"
    Configuration: Two-piece
    Weight: 1.95 oz.
    Line: 2 weight
    Serial Number: 379