Tom Moran 7’3″ #4-weight 2-piece fly rod.

This is the first 7’3″ #4-weight made by Tom Moran. Its number, 874/1 denotes that it is 87″ long for a #4 line and the /1 indicates that it’s the first rod of this model. It was completed shortly before Tom’s departure for America.

The rod is in superb, very lightly used near-mint condition. As you will see from the accompanying pictures, it has only one tip section. The other one was broken in a car door very early on in its life. Because Tom had left for a new life in America by the time this accident happened, it was not possible or practical for a new top to be ordered. I have heard from Calum Gladstone, who is the current operator of the Tom Moran Rod Co, that he could make a replacement tip. The rod would then be restored to its original two tip format using the correct materials and finish.

In the meantime, it’s a lovely rod and there’s absolutely no reason not to fish with it and enjoy it. After all, most cane rods made in the UK, even by the smarter firms, came with a single tip.

As with all Moran rods, this one is very light, lively and a rapier rather than a broadsword (Tom’s expression). It casts with smooth accuracy and authority. There may well be brook rods that are nearly as good, or even as good as this one, but very few, if any, will be so finely made and so thoughtfully conceived. Without doubt, Tom Moran was a supremely gifted artisan with a remarkable eye for line, detail and balance. His rods are very scarce and all of them are aesthetic wonders.

Due to its missing tip, the price of this rod is exceptionally reasonable!

Specification.

Hand made split cane blank with 3 x 3 node staggering. Darkly flame toned cane. Superb, elegantly proportioned swelled butt. The split cane remains straight.

Ferrule: Tom Moran Super-Z style nickel silver ferrule, blued and retaining its Moran rosewood stopper. The ferrule fit is superb.

The reel seat spacer is dark fiddle back Maple with blued and lacquered butt cap, reel band, grip check and winding check made by Tom Moran. The blueing is in perfect order.

The Flor grade cork handle is five and three quarter inches long with a traditional cigar shape. It is clean and free from dents.

The guides are Tom Moran’s own make, bronzed and unmarked. The tip ring is bronzed high carbon steel and the butt ring is a size 8 Mildrum SRMC. The hook keeper is also Tom’s make.

The silk whippings are transparent Pearsall’s Gossamer with Tom’s famous single tread tippings in crimson.

The rod comes in its original tailor made bag with a stiffener to protect the tip. The rod and bag are housed in an aluminium lined leather case.