George Maurer (Sweetwater Rods) "Trout Bum" Model Bamboo Fly Rod 8' 2/2 #5 -- Made for John Gierach 8'5" The black sideplates are hard

The black sideplates are hard rubber

Hermann's reels for sale here

The rod is eight feet and has three sections and two tip sections

Tiny amount of wear to the binding corners and one minor fold mark to bottom right cover

George Maurer (Sweetwater Rods) "Trout Bum" Model Bamboo Fly Rod 8' 2/2 #5 -- Made for John Gierach 8'5" The black sideplates are hardA nice George Maurer (Sweetwater Rods) "Trout Bum" model fly rod, 8', 2 piece, 2 tip, and built for a #6 line. Serial. #001 A. This rod was made for John Gierach and is accompanied with a letter from John to the new owner. This rod was made as a replacement for John, as the original was stolen, which he chronicled in the "Lost Rod" chapter in "Another Lousy Day in Paradise." In the letter John notes that he is selling it because he wanted a three