Since I am known as 'someone who fly-fishes' amongst my family and friends, people are forever giving me old tackle that they've found in their lofts. One such item is a cane rod I have, which has the following written just above the grip:

Made for Farlows - by Pezon et Michel - Sawyer Stillwater 9'6"

Can anyone give me any information about this rod? It's obviously been used, but it's in not bad condition, although the lowest guide on the upper section has snapped.

I've included a few pictures, but my camera is mince, and doesn't take close-ups very well.

Close-up of the broken ring:


Excuse the grotty carpet, I should probably hoover the loft more often:

Sharpes also made them for Farlows under Pezon licence; but those had bronze anodised ring fittings, brass ferrule, and impregnated cane.

Yours appears to be varnished, and appears to have superior 'nickel silver' ferrules, can you confirm those two details or provide a closer shots? The snake ring is of normal 'bronze' finish - like a fish hook. If the cane really is varnished so it may have been by Pezon et Michel themselves although French made Pezons usually had a narrow tricoleur whipped logo just above the handle.

I have a couple of Sawyer books somewhere, as well as that of Charles Ritz. I'll look them up if needed as they all refer to this rod.

They were brutes to fish with all day, so I'm told.
Mucilin dressed Kingfisher #2 silk lines recomended at the time - equating to a modern AFTM #5. Don't go any heavier than a WF#6F with delicate taper.

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Pezon made several rods in collaboration with Frank Sawyer, developer of the Pheasant Tail Nymph. Two are called "Sawyer Nymph" models Mark I for 4/5wt line and Mark II for 5/6wt line. Both of these are 8' 10". The third rod is called the "Sawyer Stillwater" model and fishes a 5/6wt line and is 9'6". There is also a "Dry-Fly" at 8'1" and a "Greased Line" rod at an incredible 10'4".

French, Pezon had access to Chinese Tonkin bamboo when it was not available directly in England.

Here is informationThe Split-Bamboo Rods of Pezon et Michel - Information About Makers & Manufacturers - Welcome to the Classic Fly Rod Forum! - The Classic Fly Rod Forum - Message Board

I am looking to acquire the Pezon Sawyer rods and in particular the Sawyer Nymph rod Mark I and/or Mark II. If you know of one, please send a note. ansas1 (at) embarqmail (dot) com

Would a 9 ft P&M parabolic be of any interest ????

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Andy Wren
Winter grayling taking a year off !
Claret not just a great dubbing colour!

It has been a while since this was discussed.

Personally still looking for Sawyer DryFly, Nymph MarkI 4/5wt, and a Greased Line model.

Any one fishing the Ritz parabolics? PPP? Fario Club, etc.?