Larry Kenney Retiring

Vagabond

Vagabond

Hooligan
Forum Supporter
Was wandering around the Fiberglass site last evening and Larry Kenney posted that he had decided it was time to retire after 50+ years of building fly rods for our enjoyment. He has sold the business to a couple of gentlemen from Japan who will continue his line of rods with what sounds like different tapers. As of late March his rods will be made in Japan. There is more information over there that you can check out if it interests you.
Have four of his rods, an early Scott, a post sale SF Scott, both graphite and two ‘glass. All defined by Larry’s progressive taper that are dream to cast. The man made a helluva impact on the industry along with being one of the finest gentlemen in the business. An icon, may just take one of his Steffen sticks out for exercise this pm.
If you're out there Larry, Thank You and enjoy retirement.
 
Bummer. First, Mark (and Tim) Steffen, now him. Too bad the new owners aren't keeping the original tapers like what the new owners of Steffen Brothers did. Although, some of those Japanese glass rod designers are absolutely fantastic....if you fish small streams and such.
 
VAGABOND said:
An icon, may just take one of his Steffen sticks out for exercise this pm.
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Was he behind one (or some) of Mark's tapers? I'm a little light on how a lot of that (modern) old guard of rod designers really fit together. Regardless, love all of my Steffens.
 
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clarkman said:
Was he behind one (or some) of Mark's tapers? I'm a little light on how a lot of that (modern) old guard of rod designers really fit together. Regardless, love all of my Steffens.
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I figured you would be the first one to jump on. Probable have an alarm set for any mention of “Fiberglass”, “Steffen”, “Kenney”, etc on your phone!🤣

I’m sure they, Mark and Larry, spoke over time regarding tapers, etc. Larry is one of those people that are approachable and loves to discuss what he finds enjoyable. I was in a shop where I purchased multiple Scott rods back in the 80s and 90s and was talking with one of employees when the owner hollered over..”wanna talk with him, he's on the line now” so I did. What the hell, why not.
I may not have been clear enough on my post, but I believe they are going to continue with both some of Larry’s tapers and some different currently being made by one of the partners. I believe if Larry thinks they are excellent then folks on our end won’t be disappointed.
Pretty sure he’ll stay attached to the industry on the periphery.
 
clarkman said:
Bummer. First, Mark (and Tim) Steffen, now him. Too bad the new owners aren't keeping the original tapers like what the new owners of Steffen Brothers did. Although, some of those Japanese glass rod designers are absolutely fantastic....if you fish small streams and such.
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From what I understand it’s actually very similar to what Shane’s done with Steffen. The Japanese guys are still rolling all his old tapers but adding a few new ones (like Shane did with the SWARM). Naturally a couple Japanese glass nerds are going straight for the parabolic tapers
 
I tried a parabolic taper that Shane made from a McFarland parabolic blank and we, the rod and I, had a mental battle with each other for two years before I sold it. Think it had more to do with me than the rod as Mike and Shane make incredible tools to fish with. Go for it!

30+ years of saltwater fishing tends to take away the subtle feel between angler and rod when trout fishing. One parabolic I miss is a Young Parabolic 15 I owned that came from an Oliver’s Auction back in the 80s. It was, and is, the one bamboo rod that I wish I could source and replicate. We were made for each other. I won’t go into why we parted. Unhappy ending. C’est la vie.
 
VAGABOND said:
I tried a parabolic taper that Shane made from a McFarland parabolic blank and we, the rod and I, had a mental battle with each other for two years before I sold it. Think it had more to do with me than the rod as Mike and Shane make incredible tools to fish with. Go for it!

30+ years of saltwater fishing tends to take away the subtle feel between angler and rod when trout fishing. One parabolic I miss is a Young Parabolic 15 I owned that came from an Oliver’s Auction back in the 80s. It was, and is, the one bamboo rod that I wish I could source and replicate. We were made for each other. I won’t go into why we parted. Unhappy ending. C’est la vie.
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I had a 7’ 4wt full parabolic Chris barlcay for a moment and it was a sweeeeeet rod. It was so fun to cast a single dry fly with it. The only reason I don’t have it is I traded it for another Barclay but an 868, whereas I already had 2 4s and a 3 in glass.
 
I've always loved the Tom Morgan's and Steffen's that I've cast. I don't own any, but have cast many of them that friends have and they are perfect for me! Cheers!
 
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