The Dickerson Guide Series, Beginnings

The first Guide series rod listed in Dickerson’s order book is an 8015 Guide appearing in July 1947.  Other known guide models are: 8014 Guide, 8015 Guide Special, 8016 Guide Special, 8615 Guide, 8616 Guide Special.  We can only hope that other models might surface in the future.  For those hoping to encounter a three-piece Dickerson Guide, to my knowledge, none were made.

Guide series introduction dates:  

8015 Guide- July 1947

8615 Guide- April 1948  

8015 Guide Special- June 1949  

8014 Guide- July 1949

In July 1947, a customer named Ray Rath* ordered three 8015 Guides. Though the origin of the Guide series name is unknown, it is unlikely that anyone other than Lyle Dickerson came up with it. Dickerson likely used the adjective to describe Ray Rath’s order, as conveyed to him, for a more powerful version of the original 8015 model.  Regardless, it appears as though Mr. Rath helped kick-start Guide model production.  After the initial three rod 8015 Guide order, Ray ordered two 8615 Guide rods and two 8015 Guide Special rods shortly thereafter.

*also spelled Raths by Dickerson on some order entries 

Dickerson made a notation on Rath’s first order, Ray Rath (Det) Dealer?  Some basic online research indicates Ray was a locally known fly fisherman who was involved in promoting the sport around Detroit.  He wrote in a local sportsman’s paper, The Retriever,  and also gave fly tying lessons.  I did not locate a business address or further clarification that Ray owned any type of fishing or guide business. 

In my opinion the Dickerson Guide series offer unmatched performance for vintage bamboo fly rods in use for modern angling and casting, especially the 8014 Guide model.  More information on the 8014 Guide model as well as the general performance characteristics of the Guide series can be found under Dickerson Articles.