Wasn't quite sure which sub-forum to post this in, but figured it would get most views here.
Am I right in saying that there were three iterations of the range of Bob James rods? Those that were made by Normark, those that were made by Masterline, and, so I've been told in the past, those that Bob was selling himself at trade shows (I understand these latter ones were custom made to Bob's design and made in small batches, almost to order).
If that was the case, what order did they come out, and how does one differentiate between the Masterline and BJ own rods?
I know the Normark ones are easily identifiable by the fact they carry the Normark name and had 50/50 cork and duplon handles, but I'm not sure about the other two.
The reason I ask is because I have one of the BJ twin tip river specialist rods which only has Bob's name and the small graphic of a bird on it. There aren't any other identification marks, however the reel seat and badge (which just says BOB JAMES) on the underside of the reel seat scream Masterline. BUT otherwise the rod blank and construction don't look or feel anything like any other Masterline rods.
Can anyone fill in the gaps for me...?
Am I right in saying that there were three iterations of the range of Bob James rods? Those that were made by Normark, those that were made by Masterline, and, so I've been told in the past, those that Bob was selling himself at trade shows (I understand these latter ones were custom made to Bob's design and made in small batches, almost to order).
If that was the case, what order did they come out, and how does one differentiate between the Masterline and BJ own rods?
I know the Normark ones are easily identifiable by the fact they carry the Normark name and had 50/50 cork and duplon handles, but I'm not sure about the other two.
The reason I ask is because I have one of the BJ twin tip river specialist rods which only has Bob's name and the small graphic of a bird on it. There aren't any other identification marks, however the reel seat and badge (which just says BOB JAMES) on the underside of the reel seat scream Masterline. BUT otherwise the rod blank and construction don't look or feel anything like any other Masterline rods.
Can anyone fill in the gaps for me...?