For sale here we have an interesting R.L. Winston 8'3" 2/1 5wt bamboo rod. Serial no. 1996-005. The rod was made by Jerry Kustich in 1995. At the time Kustich made prototypes, show rods, and loaner rods for the Winston Rod Company. This was one of them. The rod was then gifted by Glenn Brackett to Don Meissner, host of the PBS television program, Rod and Reel Streamside.

The rod is in excellent condition. All sections are full length. There is a set in the tip section. The rod features straw colored cane with transparent honey colored wraps. Burgundy tipping at the winding check, signature wrap, ferrules, and tip-top. Bright guides. The script, in Kustich's hand reads, "8'3" - 5" "1996-005" "JCK". It remains clean and bold. U-shaped hook-keeper. The winding check is made of six alternating pieces of bamboo and a darkly stained wood. Full wells grip. The grip shows only the lightest of soiling. Bright nickel silver down-locking reel seat with a maple spacer. The rod weighs 4.60 oz. The ferrules are size 14/64 with a perfect fit. The action is medium-fast. Includes bag and aluminum tube that is a few inches longer than it needs to be. 

A terrific all-around trout rod with very interesting provenance! The poster shown in the last photo is included with the sale.