How many buntline specials were made?
The question of how many buntline specials were made is a topic that has intrigued collectors and enthusiasts of these unique fishing rods for years. Buntline specials, also known as buntline rods, are a type of fishing rod that was popular in the late 19th and early 20th centuries. These rods were designed with a specific purpose in mind: to catch large game fish, such as marlin and tuna, using a buntline rig. The buntline rig consists of a heavy-duty line that is attached to the rod, which is then used to fight the fish.
The exact number of buntline specials made is not known with certainty, as there was no standardized production process or records kept during the time they were manufactured. However, it is estimated that thousands of these rods were produced by various manufacturers throughout the United States and Europe. The most renowned producers of buntline specials include companies like the famous Shakespeare Rod and Reel Company, which began producing these rods in the late 1800s.
The demand for buntline specials was driven by the growing popularity of big-game fishing during the late 19th century. As anglers sought to catch larger and larger fish, they required stronger and more durable rods to handle the challenge. Buntline specials were the answer to this demand, and their popularity grew rapidly among both amateur and professional anglers.
The design of buntline specials was quite unique compared to modern fishing rods. They typically featured a long, heavy-duty rod blank made from bamboo or other strong materials, and were often equipped with a large, oversized reel. The rod’s length varied, but many buntline specials were around 10 to 12 feet long, providing ample leverage for fighting large fish. The reels used were also specially designed to handle the heavy-duty buntline line, with some models featuring a capacity of up to 1000 yards of line.
Despite the popularity of buntline specials, their production eventually declined as the demand for more specialized and lighter fishing equipment increased. Today, buntline specials are considered collector’s items, and their value can vary widely depending on the brand, condition, and rarity of the rod. The scarcity of these rods has made them highly sought after by anglers and collectors alike, and the question of how many buntline specials were made remains a topic of debate and speculation.
