The Pickard 8024

I've done some more research on the Pickard that I bought in July. This rod was built prior to 2008 by John Pickard. This is known because John switched from using his own model numbers back to using the Dickerson model numbers when he purchased the Dickerson equipment in 2008. This 8024 is the Dickerson 8013 5 weight taper.

Lyle L. Dickerson, who worked out of Bellaire, Michigan, made bamboo fly rods from around 1930 through 1971 when he sold his operation to Tim Bedford of Oakland, California. In 1985, Jim Schaff bought it and moved the whole thing to Concord, California. And finally, the Dickerson operation returned home to Michigan in 2008 when John Pickard bought the old Dickerson equipment and materials lock, stock and barrel.

Pickard had been making rods in the Dickerson tapers for a number of years, one of which I own, and the purchase of the original Dickerson equipment would appear to bring a certain legitimacy to his work.

One of the things that Dickerson's are noted for is their simple, unadulterated finish. Dickerson cared most for function than aesthetics. It's one of the things about this rod that appeals to me.

The color is natural. The wrappings are simple and plainly done. The ferrules are purely functional. There's a Scandinavian simplicity to it all.

I suppose I've now taken that second step towards bamboo geekdom. First I bought one of the things and now I'm researched it's construction. Next I'll probably start thinking about the wisdom of hollow butts on this sort of taper. Until then, I think I'll climb out of the rabbit hole and just fish it a bunch.

It just seemed right to match this rod with an ancient Pflueger.