Early NARMCO Conolon Rods
As a collector of Mitchell spinning reels I wanted to have period rods that would match the different reel models I owned. I already had quite a few 1970s era Fenwicks, some early Wright & McGill, and a number of others but didn't feel they mated with the Mitchell's as well as some of the Conolons I had come across over the years.
I recently obtained a catalog, circa 1950s, on Conolon rods and have been able to find some interesting info about the company in it. Conolon was made by NARMCO Conolon Co. I believe NARMCO is an acronym for National Rod Manufacturing Company. At one time the company was located at 636 West 17th Street, Costa Mesa, CA. During the 1950s, Conolon rods were quite popular on the west coast perhaps due to being manufactured in Costa Mesa, CA. This quote from the President of Narmco-Conolon, Frank Brownson, printed in the catalog provides some insight into the beginnings of the company:
It is seldom that anyone has an opportunity to introduce a really new and fresh idea - one that differs sharply from anything ever presented in the past.
Soon after World War II Narmco was fortunately able to introduce the first tubular fiberglass fishing rod invented by Dr. Glenn G. Havens, noted physicist and head of Narmco Research.
It was quite a thrill and completely revolutionized the fishing rod industry, for up to that time, all fishing rods were either wood, bamboo, or steel.
Today there are no wooden rods - and more than 95% of all fishing rods sold are glass rods. Split bamboo and metal combined account for only 4.66% of all remaining rods.
Quite a revolution, wouldn't you say?
Today history is repeating itself because once again we have the pleasure of introducing another revolutionary concept in fishing rods...an absolutely new and highly unusual rod material called Missilite.
Strangely enough each of these notable rod advancements resulted directly from research involving our nation's defense. The first tubular fiber glass rod was developed from research on lightweight materials developed for World War II aircraft - and this newest revolution in rods...Missilite from which the shafts of Conolon rods are made...has resulted directly from Narmco's research in the development of materials for guided missiles.
The three words ..."NEW"..."DIFFERENT" and "EXCLUSIVE" are trite and often overworked - but they are the only ones that adequately describe the features of our new Conolon fishing rods.
We are, of course, very happy to be years ahead by presenting "another fishing rod first." You too can be "years ahead" by selecting a new Conolon Missilite Rod which will be the source of much pleasure for you in the years to come.
Pictures of early Conolon catalog (click to enlarge)
From what I understand, it was Dr. Glenn G. Havens who developed the basic process that is still used to manufacture both fiberglass and graphite rods today. The process involves wrapping fiberglass that has been saturated with resin around a removable steel mandrel and then curing with heat.
According to one brochure I have on Conolon rods, Johnny Dieckman, professional fly-casting champion and one time president of the U.S. Professional Casting Association, designed and tested the action of each Conolon rod. Dieckman was onetime the boyfriend of the famous female fly-caster, Joan Wulff. (For an interesting story on Joan and females involved in fly casting, checkout the following link: http://www.fishsniffer.com/jcarter/011800beginning.html )
I would be very interested in obtaining more info on Conolon history and their rods. If you can provide any assistance it would be much appreciated. I am willing to pay for old Conolon catalogs as well as pay a fee for reproduced material that I can use for research purposes. Hope you enjoy the following pictures:
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Conolon, Live Fiber, "Titleist" 206R
This is a neat little bait caster that appears to be one of Conolon's less expensive rods.
Conolon Missilite 6608 "Air Flite"
This is a really cool 9 1/2 foot surf-casting rod that was manufactured from specially treated glass fibers and resins developed for use in making guided missile components, hence the name Missilite. This particular rod is like new and still has the foil sticker attached to the cork handle. Notice the trade mark fish shaped decal and the Conoloy Flex-Guides. The idea of attaching the guide on one side only is to allow the rod to flex more freely. It seems to be a sound principle and is still used by many rod manufacturers today.
Conolon Missilite 6711 "Air Flite"
Another great surf-casting rod, this one is 9' long and very similar to the 6608. I still have the hang tag for this one.
Conolon Live Fiber, "Cardinal" 408
This is a really nice 8' 4" fly rod that has a blank that is brown and shows the fine mesh of the fiberglass. The reel eat is blue anodized aluminum and the cork grip is nicely shaped. You can see a little piece of the factory plastic wrapping that protected the handle of these reels when new. This reel was never fished. I don't know if the tube and bag are correct for this rod but they appear to be a good fit.
Conolon Live Fiber F78
Another 2 piece fly rod that is 7 1/2' in length. This is probably a low end rod as the rod seat is plastic and the ferrules are un-chromed brass. The bag is correctly marked and I believe the tube is correct for this rod.
Conolon Live Fiber "Muskie" 6008
This is a nice little rod that has the look of a smaller salt water setup. It is one-piece with wooden handle and still has the correct cloth bag and hang tag. The rod is about 5' 2" in length and I would assume from the name that it was designed for Muskie fishing.
Conolon "Titleist" T7004
This appears to be a really nice bait caster in the 6' range. It still has the factory plastic wrap on the handle and comes in the correct waterproof rod bag. Nice brown finish and well made.
Conolon Missilite "Titlist" 9100
This is a very nice two piece fly rod that has an anodized aluminum reel seat and a length of 8'. Correct tube and bag. Note the "Missilite" name on the black tube. Also has the original hang tag and factory plastic wrap on grip.
Conolon Missilite 9302
Check out the cool rod tube with the early Conolon fish logo. This rod appears to have seen light use but is in the correct bag with the original tube. The length is 6 1/2' and it has a slightly unique handle design with an anodized aluminum reel seat and hoods.
Conolon Missilite "Titlist" 9305
This is a 3 piece rod that comes in a short, fat tube with the correct bag and hang tag. I don't think this rod was ever used as it is in great condition. This looks to be a fairly high quality rod and has anodized aluminum ferrules.
Fenwick Rod History Link