Rod Selection
Like most rod makers, my fishing experience has shaped my opinion of how a rod ought to perform. I prefer a moderate action, some refer to it as a progressive action. Most of my fishing time is spent on the White and Norfork Rivers in Arkansas. Two classic tail-waters. One large, one small. During low-water periods, both require fine tippets. Sometimes, long casts are required. During high-water, it’s time to board the drift boat and break out the streamers and sink-tip lines or heavily weighted nymphs. Often times, eight to ten feet of leader separate the fly from the strike indicator, with lots of lead in between. Consequently, I usually end up using eight foot, 5 and 6 weight rods most of the time. The seven and half footers are fine on smaller rivers, but somewhat a handicap on large rivers. They will cast far enough to get the job done, but line control suffers a little at longer distances.
All of my rods are flamed to a medium brown with darker mottling. I use sliding band, down locking, reel seats.. I match the color of the wood to complement the color of the bamboo. The finish is traditional spar varnish, applied by the dip-method, three coats on the tips, four on the butt section. I wrap with a variety of earth tone silk, greens, reds, golds and browns with contrasting tipping. Ferrules are nickel silver. I use Snake Brand guides and agate stripping guides. Grips are of the finest cork I can get my hands on. I use a cigar grip shape on most of my rods. Grips on the 6 weights are slightly larger in the front for a little extra thumb-leverage. If you prefer a different shape, I can accommodate almost any reasonable request short of a nine-inch, full-wells grip on a 4 weight. Just won’t look right…..
GALLERY
THE SHOP
THE FISH
THE RODS