TRADITIONAL RODS - EXCEPTIONAL VALUE

It is impossible to find a quality constructed Tonkin Bamboo segmented fly rod with all the best features, such as silver hardware, quality cork , precise fittings and an extra tip for less than $1,000. I have had an addiction to well made bamboo fly rods by companies like Walt Powell, Winston, and a hand few other great makers whose work approach’s art. It has been my pleasure to field test a four - weight, two piece, 7foot, Bamboo constructed by Headwater Bamboo Rod Company Hillsboro Oregon. In the last month I have wondered all over upper California and the Oregon border in search of private wild trout waters on private property or membership only private trout clubs of the rich and famous. My companion on these adventures has been this outstanding little 4-weight Bamboo with a mid to fast action and a solid spine that is constructed of revered Tonkin Bamboo known to be the best of all Bamboo for making fly rods.

The rod is very well made with real nickle silver and highly polished exotic wood real seats. I carefully examined the rod under a magnifying glass in sunlight to look for possible weak glued joints in the segmented construction and found none. The cork appears to be extra fine Portugese and the spacers between cork and Bamboo are carefully installed. The rod’s eyes are stainless steel . The silk wraps are another surprise as they are perfect and finished off with just the right amount of clear varnish. The rod itself is hand rubbed four or more times and the finish is extremely high grade. I was a bit shocked when the rod arrived, after many hours’ and many good trout that made the tip dance ever so lightly with all the sensitivity only quality well-made Bamboo can offer, I love this rod and have bought it for the same price you can buy it for, $349.

The best news of all about this well made rod that can take serious action and looks fabulous. It comes in five models, 3-6 weight, extra for a metal rod tube. The truly wonderful news is no waiting for months for your $1000. Bamboo rod to finally arrive? The boys at Headwater Bamboo usually ship the SAME DAY COWBOY! Contact Headwater Bamboo at toll-free 1(866)3928 or on the web www.split-bamboo.com

The news in regard to this particular winter and its snowfall and water dispersion upon upper California and it’s remote mountain tops is quite good. At this point in the season much snow and rain in many area’s with a possible significant water crisis that is hitting the San Francisco area as their beloved Hetch Hetchy Dam system that was leased for thirty thousand a year will now be leased for many millions say the Federal government. The news in regard to current Steel head catch and release on the Smith and Chetco rivers, the Catch has been sublime. Many days of boats taking 8/13 pound tough steelies on roe or special roe like concoctions. This area near and just over the Oregon, California border is still a magnificent often quite remote fly fisher sanctuary. Those who have small air planes and plenty of free time are well-taken care of in this sportsman’s paradise. Long spell binding vistas’ and serious wild trout, salmon, steelhead habitats are easy to find. It is a long five to six-hour car ride from the San Francisco Bay area, which is great because that keeps visitor count down to just the right amount. If you decide to come this way, make sure you check local and federal regulations about catch and release, extra clean waders, boots, boat bottoms are absolutely recommended.

California river and stream trout seasons open last Saturday in April which is still some ways off for those who live and breath fly action on moving waters. The Steelhead catch& release action way up north along with year round opportunities fly fishing on lakes and private clubs is a solid alternative during the cold lean months. Within fifty miles of Lake Tahoe California many lakes exist when the snow and ice permit excess. By and large from late November until April fly fishers must work a bit harder to find productive legal waters. Private trout clubs like Digger Creek Ranch near Shingle town California provide excellent year round action for a modest fee, contact www.diggercreekranch.com. One other grand alternative for cabin fevered fly fishers is Yosemite National Park and its year round lake fly fishing, that is weather permitting. If you access “ Trout Take Over Yosemite In The Fall “ via this web sight or my own sight at www.fallonfly.com. This article will give you many details about fly action in the park. Please check all regulations as they change year to year. I can just about see the first bright spring sunny day’s just over the mountain.. Edger Allen Poe was a spring loving poet, “ Spring like the chirping of baby birds, warms the heart and soothes the soul...”

The news from the editor of the Fall River Mt. Echo newspaper is positive, it appears the serious summer 2003 Fall River levee break is now repaired and the tiny community of Fall River Mills and it’s special trout waters are at the moment somewhat back to normal. Those of us who care deeply about the quality and care of precious trout waters are hoping the main stream media will begin a more steady coverage of the western states water problems. As was mentioned in past columns, I have high hopes America’s youth will come to understand how extensive and pervasive water damage has been in the northern hemisphere! In fact water pollution is a global problem and a serious one, perhaps continuing dialogue may help turn the tide in regard to water awareness? Of course it will take a miracle or a disaster to wake up the average over worked citizen, lets hope we can avoid any more water disasters...

It might be a smart idea to begin thinking about how really fragile the fly waters are that we all love and spend quality time on or near. If you have a boat that is towed to different rivers and lakes during the season? Now would be a great time to get used to a complete bottom wash and rinse after every trip. One of the most used free rides for alien water intruders like snails, mollusks, seeds, weeds, and microscopic insects is the bottom of your fishing boat. There are a number of safe commercial wash’s that can be had and its well worth the energy. Your waders and boots are another means of transportation as the soles can easily hide all matter of intruders. If one begins to make the ritual of cleaning boat bottoms and boots and waders after every trip and before storage, this will make a significant contribution to keeping invaders out of your favorite waters.

If you have concerns about the health of your local fly waters, a simple procedure can tell you all the news in regard to pollution. First access your local university or health dept, it might be state or local? Ask these agencies who is doing water testing in your area, then find out where to send a sample of your local water which you contained in a small clean bottle. Almost every state and country in the world has water testing agencies. After you have found out what is wrong with your favorite fly waters, perhaps mobilizing fellow sportsmen or starting local school clean water projects and river, stream cleaning operations may be just the direction you need to go to secure a clean bill of health so your son’s and daughter’s can ply crystal clear waters fly rod in hand...

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“ ADVENTURES OF FLETCHER QUILL “