Founded in 1929 by Robert Winther and Lew Stoner, the R.L. Winston Rod Company has become an iconic name in the world of fly fishing. Known for combining craftsmanship with innovation, the company pioneered the use of bamboo and introduced unique advancements like the hollow-fluted rod design in the 1930s. As the sport evolved, Winston transitioned to using fiberglass and graphite, all while maintaining its legacy of creating premium rods. Today, the company’s rods are renowned for their precision, casting performance, and dedication to high-quality materials.
The Birth of Winston
R.L. Winston Rod Company traces its origins back to San Francisco, where Robert Winther and Lew Stoner founded it in a workshop near the Golden Gate. Their early bamboo rods set a new standard for fly rods, particularly among competitive casters and professional anglers. Stoner’s breakthrough came with his introduction of the hollow-fluted bamboo rod, which increased strength while reducing weight—a combination highly desired by serious anglers at the time.
Evolution into Modern Materials
As Winston’s reputation grew, so did the demand for new materials. The company moved from bamboo to fiberglass in the 1950s, a transition that allowed rods to be lighter while still maintaining power. In the 1970s, Winston embraced graphite rods, a material that revolutionized fly fishing due to its lightweight strength and durability. These advancements allowed Winston to stay at the forefront of innovation in the fly rod industry.
A Montana Legacy
In 1976, Tom Morgan, a passionate fly angler and rod designer, purchased the company and moved its operations to Twin Bridges, Montana—a move that cemented Winston’s connection to some of the best trout waters in the country. The shift to Montana allowed Winston to tap into the spirit of the American West, aligning the company with Montana’s world-class fly fishing reputation. Under Morgan’s leadership, Winston rods became renowned for their smooth casting action, helping anglers master challenging rivers and streams.
Maintaining Tradition in the Modern Age
Though materials and techniques have evolved, Winston’s commitment to producing top-quality rods remains unchanged. Each Winston rod is built with care, ensuring attention to detail and an emphasis on performance. The brand continues to be associated with innovation, maintaining a balance between tradition and modern technology, and attracting both long-time anglers and newcomers to fly fishing.
Today, the R.L. Winston Rod Company stands as a symbol of craftsmanship, synonymous with quality, elegance, and high performance, making it a go-to choice for fly anglers seeking the perfect rod for their adventures.
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