After studying the process for years (since Howell first published "The Lovely Reed"), I've come to the conclusion that becoming a rod maker takes three things: money, time and courage. We're all limited on the first two, so that places a heavy emphasis on courage. This series of articles will document the process Mark Wendt follows and may possibly give you that nudge of courage you've been lacking to get you over the edge. Or, it may just give you a greater appreciation  for the amazing craftsmenship displayed by these luddites who still think the best rods are made by hand tools from a foreign grass.

The Gilmore Rod

Each year at the Gathering of the Clan (GOTC), the attendees hold an auction of good and services donated by generous souls for the benefit of Casting for Recovery (CFR). At the 2007 Gathering, Mark Wendt donated a bamboo fly rod, handcrafted to the winning bidders specification.

Doug Gilmore was the winning bidder. Money was donated, glasses were raised and the auction was a success, but now the work was about to begin for Mark.

The Process - Do You Have the Courage?

Mark has not only spent many hours making the rod of a lifetime for Mr. Gilmore, but he's taken the time to give us a blow-by-blow description as he goes. I hope you enjoy the series and I hope it gives you the courage to take the plunge.

Links to Each Session

The Gilmore Rod - Session 1

FlyAnglers.org ©2007

| 2007.12.21 |