"Day on the River" bamboo rods, hand made reels and icy guides...

A bit last minute, but.... For any anglers in WA who feel like getting out in the bitter cold this sat morning (Dec. 7) I wanted to everyone know that Tim Gelinas from Farlex reels, James Reid of JM Reid Bamboo Rod Co., and myself will all be down on the Snoqualmie River casting clinic graciously hosted on by Aaron "Speybum" Reimer from River Run Anglers. There will be a selection bamboo rods and hand made reels on hand to demo in addition to the excellent FREE casting lessons provided by the crew from River Run.

The "day on the river" informal gathering runs from 9-12 noon every Saturday am under the bridge in Fall City and has been running for many, many years now. Info and directions can be found on River Run Anglers web page (directions are on the Contact page)

I know it will be cold out... but it is a chance to see and demo some interesting tackle that you just can't find in your local shops, meet a few fellow local anglers and brush up on your casting ..... all while freezing your.... well, you know what off.

Grab a coffee and some mittens and drop by.

Cheers
James and Mark

Saying Thanks part 2 - Happy Birthday Rudy!

Last December I posted a story about a very cool project I was fortunate enough to work on with my good friend Shawn Bratt. (See: Saying Thanks). Shawn is the kind of guy who takes nothing for granted and always gives more than he takes.

Shawn has recently finished hand building the bamboo presentation rod that would be the centerpiece of a gift to his father, celebrating his 65th birthday. But more than that, it was a way for Shawn to say "Thanks" to his old man for teaching him how to fly fish and passing on something that would come to define not only their relationship, but also a major part of Shawn's life.


Happy Birthday Rudy!

Photos by Mark Lance

 

Looking Back at Winter

It's been a while since I've posted anything so how about a photo essay from some awesome days on the water this winter?

Pink Fly

 

 Pink Morning

Pink Cheeks

 

 Getting Bent

 

Snowbelly

Purple Streaks

Choppy Water

 

Polished Aluminum and Chrome

Well you're about the prettiest thing I've seen all winter!

Sunrise Swing

Name Dropping

 

 Peek-A-Boo!

 

Pocket: Picked

 

 

The Hat Says it All

 

Perfection

 

Orange and Pink and Perfect

 

Release

Emerald City

 

Emerald Water

Steel and Solitude

 

My Happy Place

Purple and Blue - That'll Do

Smile

 

Holding on to Winter, even in May

D-Loop

New Jack City

Five More Casts

Alligator

Life Altering Moment

Grass Roots - A PNW Bamboo and Steelhead Gathering

A year ago my friend and fellow bamboo rod maker James Reid wandered down from the Great White North to the banks of the Skagit River to meet up with a hand full of anglers interested in casting his beautiful bamboo spey rods. Over 20 guys showed up to cast bamboo, BS about steelhead fishing, and drink some beer. The day was a total success, and sounded to me like a ton of fun.

Ever since then, James has been fired up to try it again, and has graciously invited me to help him host his growing event.

So this year, James and I would like to invite anyone interested in bamboo rods (both spey and single-hand) and classic reels, and all things steelhead fly fishing related to attend the Grass Roots Gathering. The gathering will be held on Saturday, January 26, 2013 at the Howard Miller Steelhead Park on the Skagit River near Rockport, Washington.

On display will be a host of killer custom tackle from:
J.M. Reid Bamboo Fly Rods
Confluence Rod Company (that would be me)
Cadno Silk Lines (modern shooting head tapers made in traditional materials)
Tim Anderson Bamboo Rods
as well as others.

Howard Miller Steelhead Park is located at near the junction of state route 20 and state route 530 in Rockport. There are tent and RV sites available as well as roofed, 3 walled, 8 bunked "Adirondacks" available at the park for very reasonable costs with power outlets as well as a few cabins and a boat launch. For details/reservations please contact:

Howard Miller Steelhead Park
Park Manager: Rusty Regan

52804 Rockport Park Rd.
P.O. Box 127
Rockport, WA 98283
360-853-8808
email - hmsp@fidalgo.net

Approx. drive times to the H.M.S. Park
Seattle, WA - 1.7-2 hours
Vancouver, BC - 2-2.5 hours (plus border wait times)
Portland, OR - 4.5-5 hours

Please email me at Mark@Confluencerods.com to RSVP.

Confluence Rod Company