Jack Coyle "Payne 204"
~Jack Coyle "Payne 204", 8½ ft 3pc/2 tips 3¾ oz, semi-hollow six strip rod for #4/5 lines. Many of you already know the name Jack Coyle and have seen his exceptional rods, as well as exquisite restorations he has done on Paynes. Jack has built rods for many years now, for himself and good friends and he is now retired and has time to share his talents by offering an occasional rod for sale. The work of Jim Payne has been an inspiration for Jack and the label on the tube for this rod calls it a 'tribute' to Payne. For many years Jack has felt that the 204 was and is Jim Payne's best all round trout taper and at first glance one would think this is a Payne, as Jack has purposely built it to look that way, even down to using Payne silks and copying his ferrule plugs, as well as of course the basic taper and action. Earlier Payne 204's are usually lighter in action and best with a #4 line, while more modern versions from the mid 1950's and 60's are a bit quicker and like a 5 weight. This one is a bit in between and I feel it absolutely sings with a TT5 (Wulff Triangle Taper), though it will also handle a DT4 or standard WF5 lines. Jack and I have been friends for many years and I have shared with him my process for hollow-cutting strips to build a semi-hollow rod such as has evolved from the basic concept as developed by E.C. Powell; hence the light weight of this rod at 3¾ oz. Payne catalogs put the weight of the model 204 as between 4⅛ to 4½ oz, and though the original 204 is a wonderful rod, for me this lighter semi-hollow version dampens better and is even more pleasant in the hand. You will not go wrong with this as your day in day out favorite trout rod. Stripping guide is an old Perfection which has always been Jack's favorite stripper, while snakes are dark Snake Brand. Rod has been carefully used by the maker only, and remains in excellent original condition. In original bag and labeled tube and tube bag. SOLD
