Own a Piece of Fly-Fishing History: Emily Whitlock Hosting Rod and Reel Auction

Attention anglers who want to own a piece of fly-fishing history: Emily Whitlock has announced a two-day auction this weekend October 10 and 11, featuring more than 200 fly reels and over 120 fly rods, along with spinning gear, from Dave and Emily Whitlock’s personal collection. This is a rare opportunity to own and fish with gear from one of the all-time greats.

Dave, who passed away of a massive stroke in late 2022, wrote nearly 50 articles for Fly Fisherman over the years, is an IGFA Hall-of-Famer, was listed near the top of Fly Fisherman’s 50 Most Influential Fly Fishers, and was on Fly Fisherman’s Mount Rushmore, among many more accolades. An innovative fly tier, author, photographer, writer, and wildlife artist, Dave was easily one of the most versatile fly fishers to ever wade the rivers and streams of this great nation.

Read the full announcement here:

To my friends,

Dave’s been gone 3 years now and much about my life has changed. As I begin planning the next chapter of this adventure, I see the need to downsize…so difficult after 35 years together. To that end I will be offering a collection of rods and reels, many that were instrumental in the development and growth of our sport and all owned and used by both Dave and me. Several of these rods even have Dave’s name on them.

On October 11-12, 2025, these personal rods and reels will be offered for sale on the Whitlock website: davewhitlock.com. Live Facebook sessions on (Emily Bruce Whitlock) those 2 days will be hosted by good friends and extraordinary guides Chad Johnson and Ben Levin, from Mountain Home, Ark. and fly-tying friend Allen Rupp. It promises to be fun and memory filled.

It’s this Saturday!

I hope you will join us!

Em Whitlock

Click here or see below for a list of the rods and reels.

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