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I have been lurking on this site for awhile and finally felt compelled to register and add a post after receiving a beautiful bamboo rod - my first - this weekend. The rod in question is the one pictured above made by Matt Schliske (germanbrown).

While grossly insufficient, I don't know that I can capture my initial feelings about this rod any better than what I originally wrote on another site soon after I picked her up:

There are times in my life when I really don't have the words - and this is one of them - although I am going to try. I knew I had an insured package waiting for me at the post office this morning and I knew it could only be one thing. After a quick cup of coffee, the dog and I drove into town - both filled with much anticipation - although I would submit mine was far greater than his. He thought he was getting a walk but I knew what I was getting - or at least I thought I did. When they brought up the telltale, long triangle box, my pulse quickened - just a few more minutes and I'd get to hold her in my hand for the first time after several long months of anticipation. Home felt too far away right then even though it is only a 5 minute drive.

I actually held my breath as I took the rod from the tube and then from the bag. I have admired bamboo rods for years, but this rod - this rod - took the breath I had held away from me. While Matt is a wonderful photographer, the pictures do not do her justice. I was almost afraid to touch her - until I felt the juju - serious juju. No idea if that will translate into more fish - and don't know that I care - but it has already translated into more desire to be on the water, more desire to watch the loops unfold, more desire to drive hours to reach trout water and more desire to hold a fly rod (this one in particular) in my hand as often as possible.

I took her out later for some air and exercise. Outside she is even more beautiful. The intricacies of the flaming, the pattern of the bamboo, the depth and quality of the wraps and finish become even more apparent and even more breathtaking. And casting her - well that is like a dream - a long, lovely dream. A dream that convinces you are really there where your mind's eye has wandered. She is in every way more than I could have hoped or imagined. I have never felt a fly rod feel so alive, or feel so much a part of me. It feels like a gift - a gift that far exceeded my expectations.

Thank You Matt - I don't know that I can say that enough.
... and damn you Matt - I now know I cannot stop at just one. What I was warned of has already happened - I am hopelessly smitten and it is all your fault.

Since Saturday I have taken her out every single day casting to snow mounds and dimples in my backyard. Each time I use her, she feels more a part of me - I had no idea bamboo could feel like this. Weather permitting, she'll get he first drink of water this weekend - albeit - a very cold drink.

On a final note - Thanks for carrying on the tradition folks - without the likes of you all, I doubt I'd have this sweet rod rolling about the center of my Midwest existence right now.