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I feel compelled to write about the unbelievable rods/blanks that Mike McFarland is making. Having fished cane for 20 yrs along with a little glass and some graphite, I am literally blown away by Mikes progressive action rods.

My latest he designed specifically for me in that I needed a 8-1/2 ft, 4pc, 5 wt. I got the blank and had a buddy build it out. Now, my 801510 Dickerson has always been my favorite cane rod and is considered one of the finest of any builder. After fishing this latest rod from Mike, I find myself comparing it to the Dickerson. It has plenty of power to fish larger tailwaters, but plays fish with finesse. It also is surprising light given its 4 pc format. It will handle very long leaders with easy. If fishes in close great, but also has the reserve power to punch out a long line when needed. It definitely gives you the feel of bamboo without the maintenance issues. It just does everything you would want a rod to do and more - and makes it feel easy!

Now, I can't leave out my other two McFarlands that were also made from his blanks. Both fish as well as the 8-1/2 footer. I have a 8' 3pc 4wt that I just fished a few days ago on a medium sized stream here in WNC. It handled my long leader, casted great, and played fish very well with little effort. Then the first one I got was a 6'9" 2pc for 3/4 wt. I was so anxious to fish it when I got it, I used it on a tailwater in Tn. I was shocked that it did about anything I wanted it to do on that larger stream with its only short coming that being its short length did not allow straight line nymphing when the line was parallel to my body. I used a 3 wt then, but also fished it on a small creek near my house with a 4 wt and it was very happy on the smaller water.

I've never written anything about any maker's rods before, be it cane, glass, or whatever; but, I can't seem to put down anyone of these McFarland rods to even fish anything else. Could it partially be that my casting and fishing style is very congruent with his rods - yes, possibly, but unless you like fast action rods, I really feel that you'd love the feel of his rods.

Mike has a waiting list for his completed rods, but its not that long compared to most popular cane rod makers. However, if you can build out a blank, or know someone who is good at this, why not get one of his blanks. He can usually get one to you in a couple of weeks or a month at the longest, and it won't break your bank account. Without mentioning his exact prices, he's lower than the new Tom Morgan ones. Check out his website for more info: www.mcfarlandrods.com

In conclusion, Mike McFarland's rods and blanks make fishing fiberglass fun, easy, and a real pleasure!

Paul

Just back from the Watauga River, a tailwater in Tn, where I fished the 8.5' McFarland. It still amazes me the way it handles a 16+ft leader and a couple of nymphs. Second fish was an 18" brown( considered a fairly big fish here in the SE) on 6X. It really protects your light tippets.

I know that Mike has someone produce his glass to his specs. I heard it was Lamiglass, but can't personally attest to that fact.

He has finished his first cane rod - I've seen pics and it looks nice. I'm not sure where he will go with this venture. He says he will sell the few he makes to friends and good customers to start with. Don't believe he can generate revenue with bamboo like he does with glass, though...a time issue.

Thanks for the additional info on Mike. I didn't know he was a championship caster. Even though I've fly fished for over 40 yrs, I've never considered myself a very good caster. His rods seem to make me a better caster.

Paul