Here is an interesting documentary about noted bamboo rod builder, Morris Kushner.

I’ve never had a Kushner bamboo fly rod in my hands but certainly would like to.  Here is interesting film about noted rod builder, Morris Kushner.

What’s on my bench this week!

I’m busy getting ready for The Fly Fishing Show http://flyfishingshow.com/pleasanton-ca/ in Pleasanton, California in 3 weeks.  I’ll have a booth at the show and Mary Ann will be teaching a few Fly Casting Classes.  I’ve been working at getting a couple of new rods done for the show.  First, I’ve just completed the wraps on a 7′  6″  5 wt Signature Series Rod and it will go into my varnish dipping process in the next day or two.  And, I’m also working on two new 7′  9″  4 wt Spring Creek Rods.  One will be completed for the show, and the second will get completed once I get back.  These are slow action rods, perfect for delicate presentations on spring creeks.  Here is a look:

7′ 6″ 5 wt Signature Series rod just ready for varnish dipping.

Two new 7′ 9″ 4 wt. Spring Creek Rods. On the right, a 2 piece/2 tip rod that just came out of the string after gluing. Next up, file off the glue and start cork and ferrules. The strips on the left are a second rod that is ready for hand planing.

Inscribing a Bamboo Fly Rod with Pen and Ink

I get asked quite often how I inscribe my fly rods.  I use an old style Speedball pen with an extra-fine tip and India ink.  It takes a little practice and good magnification to see what you’re doing.  Here is a quick video:

And the finished fly rod…

My latest rod is now complete, and it will be heading out to Iowa today.  A wonderful progressive action 8′  0″  4 wt hollow-built rod that will be a great match to Iowa spring creeks.  Here is a look at the rod before it heads out my door.

A nice 8′ 0″ 4 wt hollow built Signature Series rod.

Finishing up an 8′ 0″ 4 wt Signature Series Fly Rod

Just finished the guide wraps on a new 8′  0″  4 wt Hollow Built Signature Series Fly Rod.  The next step is to apply several brush-on coats of varnish to the wraps, and then it’s on to the dip tank to varnish the complete rod.  This rod will be going to Willa, a good friend in Iowa, when it gets completed.  She has big plans to fish this rod on several Iowa spring creeks….it should be a great match for those waters.

Guide wraps ready for varnishing.

Guide wraps ready for varnishing.