I reluctantly titled this section "The Rod Maker".  People have been suggesting that I include a little background information in way of a virtual introduction.  I try not to "toot my own horn" so hopefully this brief story will be lightly informative and hopefully a little humorous.  The first time I ever picked up a fly rod was in 1969 on the South Branch of the Au Sable here in Michigan. I share a summer home with a lifelong friend (shows up often in the "News and Views" section as David) in Grayling, Mi. 10 miles from the same spot visited about 38 years ago - Check out the Au Sable River and Mason Tract information courtesy of Fly Anglers On-Line.  It is still a little like heaven.

Au Sable River Brookie with a special reel

I have always had a passion to make things. Tying flies, building nets and assembling fiberglass and graphite rods began early in my fly fishing days.  The first split bamboo rod was completed near downtown Grayling in early 1998 with the help of Wayne Cattanach.  I knew right away that I was hooked for life.  Making a bamboo rod is like nothing else I have ever done.  It begins with a stalk of grass from China, employs some historic techniques developed by the "Masters" - Dickerson, Payne, Garrison and Young, and takes advantage of some current "cutting edge" technology related to tools, adhesives and finishes.  When everything goes as planned, you end up with a one of a kind, beautiful fishing rod that was hand made just for you!  Every once in a while I get distracted and try a little bigger project.

Ash and Mahogany for a little change of pace.

A few years ago I made my first visit to Montana.  If you have never visited the Yellowstone area, you don't know what you are missing.  I am very fortunate to be able to share these visits with my main fishing buddy (she gave me a fly rod and reel as her wedding gift to me 37 years ago).  The only downside to fishing with your wife is that more often than not she is usually holding the bigger trout - this phenomenon is well documented in the "News and Views" section, but enough about her!  If you check out the Calendar page you can see when BHT is in Montana - if you end up near Yellowstone at the same time drop me a line - maybe we can meet at Bullwinkle's for a Moose Drool or try out some bamboo rods on the Madison.

Madison River rainbow at the 3 Dollar Bridge

When I am not chasing trout, splitting bamboo, working on the Harley or cleaning house, I also enjoy spending time throwing lead at our feathered friends.  They are still my friends because most of them look back and laugh as they fly into the next county.  I like to call it "Fire and Release" bird hunting.  It might be catching on because it seems like a lot of my hunting buddies (and sons) frequently use the same technique.  My father and Uncle Steve introduced me to shotgun sports in 1959 - a real long time ago - a tradition I am trying to continue here with son #2.  If I could only teach that setter to clean the shop . . .

From left to right - Lou, Maggie and Adam at the Hunt Club

One last look at Montana this time on the Ruby river near Dillon, MT. I usually have what resembles a smile on my face when holding a trout up for a photo op - but the real joy is being able to share these bamboo rods, fishing trips, secret fly recipes, drift boat rowing techniques and rear views of ruffed grouse with all the people I have the privilege of calling my friend.

Ruby River Brown - #20 BWO Sparkle Dun