It is a true finesse rod, dangerously perfect in its design and style and completely fitting of its Black label name.
Tessar 80 / 2.8 T is more convenient to use than pre-war uncoated lenses, rather capricious to lighting conditions, and far behind in optical quality leaves the Soviet analogue of the same years of production - Industar-29
But on the bright side, it improves the late summer river flows and cool water temperatures that entice the big fish to come out and play
The L.L.Bean Lunch Box has invisible seams, so its easier to wipe clean (using mild dish detergent and a damp paper towel) than models with exterior seams and folds
Staggered ferrule design, caramel colored cane w/ 3 x 3 node spacing, fawn CP wraps, chrome snakes, agate stripper, aluminum winding check terminating in 6" cigar grip, w/ D/L aluminum ring and pocketed butt cap w/all cork spacer, oxidized brass ferrules w/stiffener for butt section