This beauty by Jeff Hatton arrived at my home about a week ago. I thought a few pictures might be appropriate. This is a 7' 2/2 rod based on an Edwards
taper. The cane is heavily flamed, with custom form case and hand-made leather scabbard.
Note the gorgeous mortised grip. I realized after casting it over a couple days that the rod is far more sensitive than I'm used to--my working theory is that cork acts as an insulator. Without that cushion one can unexpectedly "feel" the line. The rod itself throws line like a rocket. I'm using a Wulff 5-wt TT. Quite accurate and the rod's an amazingly easy caster.
Here are some photos with commentary. BTW, the reel is a 3-inch Dingley from the early 1920s. It instantly married the rod as if designed 90 years before with the Hatton rod in mind. Serendipitous: I'd worried about what reel would work with this very unique rod. But no longer. Sweet.
The above photo shows the rod, reel, scabbard & form case. Note the mortised grip. And although it's not obvious, note the adjustable butt piece--it swivels out & adapts to almost any reel foot.
Gorgeous wraps (w/ a gracious nod to EW) and a Fuji guide...
Butt cap. What can't be seen are the turquoise inserts built into the butt. Indian good luck...
One end of the form case--turquoise again. And that's Snakewood wrapping the case about 3-inches down where the inserts for the sections end.
And this is a shot of the backside of the form w/ maker's identification & other personalized information.
So, my opinion after living with this beauty for a week is that the rod is a wonderful combination of contemporary innovation & traditional design. Kudos to the Gnome.
Thanks, Jeff!
Note the gorgeous mortised grip. I realized after casting it over a couple days that the rod is far more sensitive than I'm used to--my working theory is that cork acts as an insulator. Without that cushion one can unexpectedly "feel" the line. The rod itself throws line like a rocket. I'm using a Wulff 5-wt TT. Quite accurate and the rod's an amazingly easy caster.
Here are some photos with commentary. BTW, the reel is a 3-inch Dingley from the early 1920s. It instantly married the rod as if designed 90 years before with the Hatton rod in mind. Serendipitous: I'd worried about what reel would work with this very unique rod. But no longer. Sweet.
The above photo shows the rod, reel, scabbard & form case. Note the mortised grip. And although it's not obvious, note the adjustable butt piece--it swivels out & adapts to almost any reel foot.
Gorgeous wraps (w/ a gracious nod to EW) and a Fuji guide...
Butt cap. What can't be seen are the turquoise inserts built into the butt. Indian good luck...
One end of the form case--turquoise again. And that's Snakewood wrapping the case about 3-inches down where the inserts for the sections end.
And this is a shot of the backside of the form w/ maker's identification & other personalized information.
So, my opinion after living with this beauty for a week is that the rod is a wonderful combination of contemporary innovation & traditional design. Kudos to the Gnome.
Thanks, Jeff!
