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Wright & McGill Fly Rods are the BEST under $300.00
Posted on: Jul 01, 2008
Posted in: News From Chris, Wright & McGill
55 Comments »
For the second time in a row the verdict is out. For a high quality fly rod under $300.00 no one beats the Wright & McGill rods.
Just published in Fish and Fly Magazine is their review on 8 wt. fly rods with W&M number one by a wide margin! Last year we won with the 5 wt. and taking top honors again this year shows our ongoing commitment to the quality we build into every W&M rod we make. And if that is not enough, every one of our fly rods comes with a lifetime warranty.
But don’t take our word for it. Take a look at the attached images straight out of Fish and Fly Magazine.
Wright and McGill rods are available in many local fly shops as well as online retailers.
January 25th, 2009 at 8:09 pm
I’ve an old Wright & McGill fly rod. It is still in good shape and fishable. Perhaps you can give me some info about the rod. Label on butt of rod is:
Wright & McGill
‘DENCO’ 7Ft.
No. 8A – 7
Trade Mark
Line – DT – 5 – F
There is a picture of the Eagle and below the pic it looks like ‘A’
Thank you. Tom Dasso
February 9th, 2009 at 6:23 pm
I have an EAGLE CLAW TRAILMASTER III 8′-6″ 5WT 5PCS. ROD.
I have had it for 3yrs. It is one of the best casting
rods i have ever owned even though it is not one of my higher end rods it casts so well it is my primary rod. it came as a kit with an excellent alum. reel.
My wife bought it for me for a wedding present in which I took it on our honeymoon in New Zealand were I used it and cought its first trout and until Sunday 2/8/09 fished with it weekly, so it has alot of sentimental value.
**Sunday i broke the fourth section,(the one below the tip)I wanted to see if a replacment section or the same rod is still avaliable?**
please advise
thanks
joe todd
jbt_103@hotmail.com
February 13th, 2009 at 8:26 am
Joe,
Glad to hear you use and enjoy our Trailmaster rods!. I love them too and use them all the time here in Colorado as well as around the country when I travel.
All Trailmasters come with a Lifetime Warranty. We will replace or repair your rod with just a small shipping/handling fee.
We need you to send it in to us here in Denver. The usual fix, since it is a 4 piece rod, is to replace just the broken section. By sending it in we can make sure the new part is a perfect fit.
The Address is:
Eagle Claw Fishing Tackle
Attn Rod Repair Dept
4245 E 46th Ave
Denver CO 80216
phone is 720-941-8700 if you have any question
February 13th, 2009 at 8:41 am
Tom
Those are some great old rods to be sure. That rod was probably made in the 50’s or 60’s in the U.S. by a division of Wright and McGill, Denver Rod Company or DENCO. Those were very well made rods and we continue to see quite a few every year. I am happy yo report lots of them are still being fished while others have found a honored place above the mantle.
March 23rd, 2009 at 5:33 am
i have recently picked up a signed wright & mc gill 6′9″ m6tms it is 6 parts in a case it is in very good condition can you tell me more about it. thanks shane
May 8th, 2009 at 6:59 pm
I am also interested in more information on the same rod as Shane. I have one as well and love it. Thanks so much for the heads up on the lifetime warranty. It’s great to see someone from the company checking this once in a while.
May 15th, 2009 at 12:40 pm
Kyle,
thanks for the input. Hope you never need that warrenty but if you do, give us a shout.
Good fishing
May 18th, 2009 at 1:21 pm
I have an old Wright & McGill fly rod. It is in great shape. Would you can give me some info on this rod. It is a
Wright & McGill Trailmaster 6 1/2 ft, No: M4TMUL 6 1/2 ft, line size No: 5. It has an eagle with a fish in it’s tallons and below the fish are the letters O-H. Could you tell me what year this was made?
Thanks
Richard
May 20th, 2009 at 7:16 am
Richard – I would need to see a photo of your rod to get a good idea of the year it was made. Vven then it will be a range of years as some models stayed the same for a few years at a time. It it is yellow or light brown it was probably made in the rod plant in Denver or Greeley Co sometime before 1960. Send the request and photo to info@eagleclaw.com
Our rod tech and customer service department can research it for you.
May 20th, 2009 at 8:27 pm
Hi there! What do the brown 6.5 ft trailmaster no 4tms models run in excellent condition? Mine was made in Denver pre 60’s or in the 60’s. It is amazing and I was just curious. Thank you!
May 23rd, 2009 at 5:01 am
Sarah, the only honest answer to that question is whatever you can get on ebay or Craigslist. I have seem some sell for several 100 dollars and I know of people who have bought them in great shape for 5 bucks at garage sales. Theses rods are still fairly common so while you have a great family heirloom that is special to you, it is not going to sell for enough to send you on vacation or anything.
May 31st, 2009 at 5:25 pm
I have a yellow Eagle Claw Trailmaster 6 1/2 ft, spinning rod, No. M4TMS that I picked up at some junk sale or other years ago (fiberglass?) in new condition. I believe it was in a zipper pouch at the time. The ferrules were not properly fitted at the factory for some reason and it has been knocking around on my bench long enough to lose the pouch,etc. I ran across this site by accident and see you still have a functioning workshop. If I send this out there, could someone polish up and fit those ferrules for me without breaking the bank? Also, if you make a sock for these, and possibly a tube, I’d like to buy those or even a replacement pouch. Thanks, Gene
June 21st, 2009 at 5:17 am
Hi! I have an Eagle Claw Model REC 300 8.6 fly rod (2 sections) and I broke the tip off (not while fishing) . Is there a way this can be repaired? I really love this rod and hate to put it away!
July 6th, 2009 at 3:41 pm
Gene – the best way to reach our repair shop is to go to info@eagle claw.com. I will pass this on for you. Some of those old rods are tough to repair and parts are limited. We will have to see the rod to know for sure.
C
July 20th, 2009 at 3:57 pm
Chris, thanks very much for getting back on this. I’ll send it out. Gene
August 22nd, 2009 at 9:57 am
I just came across an Eagle Claw “Pro Eagle” fly rod.
On the butt:
No. PE780 8ft.(244c.m.)
by: Wright and McGill Co.
Line Size 7
It is in it’s original cloth case and in mint condition. Never been used and not a mark on it. Anyone have a clue as to value??
Thx
Ken
September 13th, 2009 at 10:10 am
I have a trailmaster III that I used for many years. It was my best. When someone closed a door on the tip, I was told to send it to Denver. Three weeks later, I got a brand new rod. Thanks, I’ll never buy anything but Eagle Claw again.
September 19th, 2009 at 4:25 am
I have an Eagle Claw “Denco” flyrod No. M8899 9 ft. I found it at a flea market and picked it up. It is made of bamboo. Can you advise me on how old this rod is? Thank You.
Danny
September 22nd, 2009 at 11:56 am
Hey Ken
Honestly – the best judge of value these days is whatvevr you can get for it on Ebay. There are so many variables and some of these rods were made in the 100’s whiles others in he 100,000’s
Sounds like you have a great rod. How about put it to use and forget what its worth? Memories are worth more then a couple bucks. Chris
September 22nd, 2009 at 12:04 pm
John,
Thanks for the great reply. We are glad to help you out and happy to get you back on the water!
September 22nd, 2009 at 12:17 pm
The Denco rods were from the Denver Rod Company that was part of Wright and McGill. Bamboo rods were sold up until 1954 when fiberglass took over the rod markets. If your rods has an emblem of Water Seal on it, it is a later model 1952 or so. If no Water Seal mark it is probably older then 1952. Two piece rods were made between 1947 to 1954. Three and four piece rods could be even older
October 6th, 2009 at 8:19 pm
I have a mostly yellow with dark green and gold bands above and below the eyelets “starefire” NO. sfcw416 – 5 1/2 ft spin cast rod, it has A9B or A98 below the trade mark eagle. Could you tell me about it like year made, value and where made, by the way I have been fishing with it for 35yrs and my father gave it to me so I am sure he used it before me. Greatest rod I have ever had.
Thanks.
October 20th, 2009 at 5:51 am
My son’s uncle in Colorado gave him an Eagle Claw Model GNC 300 9ft 274 cm fly rod b y Wright & McGill Co.
He went packing in to an Appalachian river to fish and, somehow, the upper half of the rod fell off the pack on the way back and was not found.
Is there a way to purchase just the upper half of this rod?
Did anyone lose the bottom half and can’t use the upper?
Thank you
John Labie
Labie@comcast.net
October 26th, 2009 at 10:37 am
John,
Good question. To be sure we get the right fit we really need the bottom 1/2 of the rod. While the rod will have the same action the blank size can vary and slight difference can make the fit a little loose causing problems down the road. If you ship it back to our warranty center they will inspect the rod and look for a way to get your son back on the river. We will contact you with the cost prior to replacement or any work being done.
Ship to
Eagle Claw Warranty Center
4245 E 46th Ave
Denver CO 80216
November 8th, 2009 at 9:32 pm
I have a 1938 wright mcgill qween of the waters split bamboo 9ft with an extra end tip, in perfect condition,in a tube. It still has the plastic cover on the cork, the varnish is in excelent condition, no bubbles or bruises, it may have only been used once or twice. What do you think it might be worth for insurance value?
December 22nd, 2009 at 1:10 pm
hello i recently found a n old fly rod made by wright and mcgill rod co of denver co. the numbers on the butt say 038 07, on the shaft it says stream and lake. i would appreciate any info you could give me
January 4th, 2010 at 11:00 am
I have a Wright and McGill fly rod and I’m wondering if anyone knows the age of it or it’s value. It’s labelled as an Eagle Claw, a Wright & McGill Co. It’s also numbered (4A-8(1/2…not sure can hardly read it))
It’s a 8 1/2′, line weight 7. Says Dr. Lufe (spelling) on it too. It’s also made of bamboo. I can’t find a date on it anywhere.
Anyone have any ideas?
January 6th, 2010 at 4:19 am
Hello, I recently aquired a Eagle Claw Trailmaster no.M4TMS-6 1/2FT. spinning rod. It is yellow has the marking 3-H and made by Wright&McGill Co.Denver,Co.U.S.A. It came in a cloth pouch inside an aluminum tube.Could you tell me when it was made and the possible value. Thank You
January 13th, 2010 at 1:40 pm
I have a eagle claw fresh water fishing pole made by Wright and McGill four pieces approx 80″ tall in it’s original case is it worth any thing ???
January 20th, 2010 at 3:11 pm
I also have an old Wright & McGill fly rod in nice shape, it was my uncles he gave it to me about 40 yrs ago. the butt where the reel mounts is green, cork handle, brown shaft with green and gold binding on the eyes. On the shaft it says: Wright & McGill “Denco” – 8 1/2 ft 8A-8 1/2 Line 7, also has the Eagle Claw emblem, it looks hand written except for the line 7. This is a 2 piece rod. What can you tell me about it?
thanks, John
January 30th, 2010 at 11:05 am
Hello!
My father have been the proud owner for more than 40 years of an Eagle Claw fishing rod; combined spinning and flyrod from the late 60’s in an aluminium tube. This year he be 75, and I have just found an unused Eagle Claw “Denco”, Wright & McGill Co, No. mB8A81/2 – 8 1/2 FT. Fly Rod. Line size 7.
So if You could help me with some information about this rod?
I’m planning to give it to my father on his birthday…
Thanks in advance!
Yours,
Dag Gammelsaeter
Norway
February 8th, 2010 at 5:09 pm
Brenda, It is hard to say the age on some of these older rods. If it is Bamboo it is the oldest of the rods made by Eagle Claw and was made sometime before 1953 as that is the last year they were sold.
February 8th, 2010 at 5:13 pm
Hi Brenda,
This rod, if it real bamboo, was made sometime prior to 1953 as that is the last year they were sold. Keep it in good shape, there are not many of the real bamboo rods left.
February 8th, 2010 at 5:21 pm
Dag, Sounds like a great rod you found. The Denco rods were made in Denver Colorado. If sounds like it is a fiberglass rod and was probably made sometime in the late 50’s or early 60’s. If it a square blank it would one of the first fiberglass rods so made in 1952 thru 1957
February 8th, 2010 at 5:23 pm
This rod was made in Denver Colorado sometime in the mid 50’s to early 60’s
February 8th, 2010 at 5:28 pm
Frank, the best way to tell value these days is to check on Ebay. there are always a few W&M rods on there to look at.
February 8th, 2010 at 5:30 pm
Joe,
No real way to pin down the exact date this rod was made. Most likely in the 1970’s or so. THere are always a few of these rods on Ebay so that is the best judge of value today.
February 23rd, 2010 at 3:53 pm
Hi I Purchased a Wright and Mcgills/Eagle claw Trail Master combo pack at a yard sale about three years ago. The paper in the pack which in it self is just short of what one would refer to as construction paper read. trailmaster five-way combination 8-pc. fishing rod. (in smaller print is) No VM8TM can you tell me any thing about thispack since Wright and McGill is a new name to me I am a long time user of many eagle claw products. The only info Icame across had do something with the wording going in reverse toward the hand after about 1955 or so. With these rodthe name and other wording on them are going to the tip.The kit combines into a spin cast,bait cast,spinning,fly and trolling rods. Any info on this would be greatly appreciated thank you Chuck
February 25th, 2010 at 3:56 pm
Chuck, Wright McGill is the parent company of Eagle Claw tackle we all know and love. Wright & McGill rods date back to the 1930 and in the early days were all in Denver Colorado. The Trailmaster family of rods is still in the lineup today and a favorite of many anglers looking for a dependable travel rod they can us on the go.
February 27th, 2010 at 10:06 am
Hi Chris,
I have a Model BE-300 fly rod and I cannot read the line size stamped on the shaft. Do you have any of the specifics to this rod? It is an 8′ rod.
Thanks,
Rick
March 6th, 2010 at 10:19 am
My husband has a Wright&McGill Denco 8A, 8 1/2 ft fly rod, we were wondering what year it was manufactured, and possible value. It is burgandy in color, similar to the question from Jon above, Can you help us with more information
March 11th, 2010 at 1:49 pm
Rick Black Eagle that rod is a 4/6 weight rod.
March 11th, 2010 at 1:52 pm
It was probably made sometime in the 50’s or 60’s in Denver Colorado. It is tough to give you a real value since so much is based on condition. The real judge of value in today’s world is to check it Ebay and see what they are selling for
March 29th, 2010 at 11:39 am
I have an Eagle Claw Granger Heavy Duty No. GHTD229 – 8 1/2′ Trolling motor made by Wright & McGill Co. Denver, CO that I bought for my Dad in 1968. Is it valuable?
Thanks,
Swede
March 29th, 2010 at 12:13 pm
Well I have to tell you that is a new one to me – I looked in our catalog from 1968 and I can’t find any mention of it.
Shoot me an email with a photo if you will to info@eagleclaw.com attn Chris and I will see if we can figure it out
April 2nd, 2010 at 7:45 pm
Chris,
I just inherited a Wright & McGill “Trailmaster” 6 1/2 ft No 4TMS rod from my father. It is a darker brown rod with the Eagle emblem on it. Underneath the Eagle it looks to have the letter D. I was wondering if you could make some suggestions to find info on this rod.
Thanks,
Marshall
April 8th, 2010 at 4:10 pm
Marshal – With the info you provided I am not quite sure. Send in a photo to info@eagleclaw.com and our repair tech can take a look and give you some more feedback. If it has metal connectors for the 4 pieces is is probably an older glass rod from around the 50’s or 60’s. We made some other darker graphite rods up until about 2005. THe photo will help us know more.
April 18th, 2010 at 5:21 pm
I recently traded a rod for a wright@mcgill trailmaster 7 1/2 ‘no M4tmu-71/2,line size 7 it is yellow with 2-h below the eagle claw logo. can you tell me whether this is a good rod and what is should price at.
April 23rd, 2010 at 10:48 am
The Trailmaster rods are some of the best rods we have sold over the years. The model you have has a high fiberglass content so it should be very durable. As for price, it is very hard to say because so much is based on the condition of the rod itself. The best judge would be to check online selling sites and see what is available in similar style and condition as yours.
May 9th, 2010 at 7:36 pm
I am looking to figure out where or how I could replace the tip of my Dad’s fly rod. It broke on our last fishing trip and I would like to replace it for his birthday. The tip was lost in the river. I’ve been looking online to find the rod but haven’t been able to find anything. The label at the butt is:
Eagle Claw “Fishin’ Hole” tm
no. FH300 – 8 1/2 (259c.in) fly rod
by Wright and McGill Co.
line size 6-7
May 10th, 2010 at 8:01 am
The Fishing Hole rod series was a great line of rods made about 20-30 years ago. I am sorry to tell you this series is no longer avalible.
You can send in what is left to our Warranty Dept and they will review it.
The address is:
Wright & McGill Co
Attn Warranty Dept.
4245 E 46th Ave
Denver CO 80216
Denver CO 80601
June 22nd, 2010 at 3:35 pm
I have an 8ft. #8 Eagle Claw model SFFP224 fly rod with a ? Denco or Danco ? reel (it came with the rod), the rod is Yellow/Gold with dk blue wraps with gold cord around the eyes with a cork handle and dk blue aluminum reel tube. the emblem has an eagle drawn on the rod with B.O.E. under it. I have re-strung it and it casts like a charm. I plan to use it for steelhead and salmon. I bought it in the early 80’s and it still looks like new, except the reel, it is a bit worn.
July 15th, 2010 at 6:17 pm
Glad you enjoy – Keep using it!
September 24th, 2010 at 7:13 pm
Sir, I recently took up fly fishing (trying), my father brought out a Dave Cook “Trail Rod” NO DC 100.A 71/2 ft Spin/Fly by Wright McGill with CO 84 under the eagle emblem. Trying to find info on it and how to replace a missing handle end cap.
Also rod has a Wright McGill auto wind reel with only identification marking being “ECD”.
Your help is appreciated.
Thank you.
Tim
September 30th, 2010 at 7:56 am
Hey Tim,
That is a good older rod. Good luck getting started in fly fishing. You can contact our Factory Warranty center at 720-941-8723. Ask about the part you are looking for. Some of the older ones are hard to find but we have other options if you are interested in upgrading to a new model.