What weight fly rod is this?

[RisingRainbows]

My father in law has an old fly rod and reel. The rod says "Omni Brougham 8' 6" 0B-385-C" and the reel says "Black Gnat 65". There is no other number or weight designation on it. Does anybody know what weight this rod would be?

[gilbertslake]

Originally Posted by RisingRainbows

My father in law has an old fly rod and reel. The rod says "Omni Brougham 8' 6" 0B-385-C" and the reel says "Black Gnat 65". There is no other number or weight designation on it. Does anybody know what weight this rod would be?

I think the Omni Brougham was made by Shakespeare

Not sure about the line weight, but if the 85 in the model # refers to the length (8.5ft) then the 3 may be the line weight. Or, if it is a 3pc rod the 3may be for it being a 3 piece rod.

I would try a 6 weight on it otherwise and see how it casts.

[RisingRainbows]

Thank you. It is a 2-piece rod so I guess it might be a 3-weight.

[Okotokian]

hard to say. Found an ad for one that had "Omni Brougham OB-385C 9 7/8 2pc cork $20.00 " So would that be a 7 or 8? or 9?

I would think that anyone with some experience could hold the rod and line (perhaps more importantly the line) in theri hands and come pretty close to what it is. Can't imagine you couldn't tell a 3 from a 7.

[goldscud]

I wouldn't think an "older" rod of an virtually unknown company would have a 3wt. Most likely it is a 6/7 or 7/8 rod. Lots of cheap old rods made at 8' 6"

[Okotokian]

Originally Posted by goldscud

I wouldn't think an "older" rod of an virtually unknown company would have a 3wt. Most likely it is a 6/7 or 7/8 rod. Lots of cheap old rods made at 8' 6"

Shakespeare is a pretty well-known company in the fishing world, though certainly not fly experts.

[ÜberFly]

Especially in the UK! They actually own Snowbee!! And they own one of the fly line factories (in Asia - I think)!

P

Originally Posted by Okotokian

Shakespeare is a pretty well-known company in the fishing world, though certainly not fly experts.

[RisingRainbows]

I went and took a look at the rod and it is definately bigger than a 3 weight. It seems like at least a 7 weight to me.