2PC Classic Winstons

I still fish two-piece rods. Probably not many anglers do that anymore. But I pack them often to fish my trout streams. They fit perfectly across the back seat of my F-150, so why not? Trout rods in two-piece configuration were made back when the main focus and purpose of buying a new rod was 100% about fishing. And after a few decades, it became all about four-piece rods that shoot a fly line a mile long.

And then, an interesting thing happened along the way in fly fishing circles. Winston two-piece rods began to take on a folk lore all of their own. Angers were re-discovering the performance of these vintage fly rods, along with a new appreciation for the classic rod's craftsmanship, aesthetic, and sweet feeling with a cast and tight line. People were beginning to learn just how rare and special these classics have become...once again. Actually, they've always been special.

Winston IM6 rods were made by people with caring hands, who put their soul into creating these special rods. The smooth, flowing inscription on a Morgan era IM6 tells you everything you need to know.  The rods are genius design, part craftsmanship, part art, made by people who were proud to be part of a working family called Winston.

I have a L.L. Bean rod carrier for two-piece rods that I have been using for extended trips up into the Rockies. It's perfect for my classic two-piece Winstons. Yup, I absolutely do love dancing the two-step with these rods. But don't worry, I have a wading staff...

I took the above photo after releasing a little wild brown trout. And I have to say, I stood there for a while savoring what just happened. I made a cast with a parachute Adams, to land just below that rocky shelf and it never hit the stream's surface...nope, a little wild brown trout (below) came out of the water and took the fly about four inches above the surface. You gotta love those Leetle Fellers and their spunk! It was a good day...

Click on photo for larger view

Photos Top to Bottom; TMF 8' 4wt (2022); IM6 7'6" 3wt (1993); IM6 8' 4wt (1992); IM6 6'6" 2WT (1996); WT 7' 4wt (2001); mountain Rio 10" Brown Trout; 2pc Rod Carrier (L.L. Bean).