I had the opportunity to spend a few hours at the most recent Martell, Wisconsin gathering along the Rush River in Western Wisconsin. I didn't really know
what to expect, but was pleasantly surprised by just about everything there. First, thanks to thegubster for posting
the announcement for the gathering. He was one of the first people I met when I got there, and I have a feeling we'll be fishing together a bit over the
next few years. There were about 20 or so attendees of which maybe one fourth were builders. A few of the guys drove up from southern Wisconsin and and there
were quite a few from Minnesota and other areas of Wisconsin, and a lot of us spend a fair amount of time on the Rush River. Most of us were bamboo junkies
who just wanted to get our hands on some nice, new hardware, and we weren't disappointed. I didn't write down everyone's name, but I did enjoy
spending some time casting the rods of and talking with Dave Norling of Minneapolis, Don Sabota of Wisconson, and Paul Julius of Southern Wisconsin. I also
need to thank John Shulte for the food - the brats were wonderful!
As I'm finding out as I attend some of these bamboo gatherings, there are some stunning rods being built today - this really could be the Golden Age of rod building! I had a hard time not coming home with a couple new rods (Thank God I left the checkbook at home!). Lots of different tapers, levels of flaming, and designs. I certainly learned a lot! Here are a few pics of the event (please forgive me if I get the names screwed
Here's Dave Norling (at the left) discussing either rods, dogs, or Alaska fishing with some of the guys. (On the right is thegubster)
A few of the rods Paul Julius brought up to the soiree. (The Driggs was a favorite!)
Don Sabota (right) describing his unique tapers. (His rods - "Like buttah!)
More discussion on important world events.
I can see where this could be an annual event for me as it has become for others. What a bunch of nice people! And as with other get-togethers like this, everyone is willing to share and teach. That's one of the great things about this past-time - the camaraderie is infectious. I'm already looking forward to next year!
Dean D
As I'm finding out as I attend some of these bamboo gatherings, there are some stunning rods being built today - this really could be the Golden Age of rod building! I had a hard time not coming home with a couple new rods (Thank God I left the checkbook at home!). Lots of different tapers, levels of flaming, and designs. I certainly learned a lot! Here are a few pics of the event (please forgive me if I get the names screwed
Here's Dave Norling (at the left) discussing either rods, dogs, or Alaska fishing with some of the guys. (On the right is thegubster)
A few of the rods Paul Julius brought up to the soiree. (The Driggs was a favorite!)
Don Sabota (right) describing his unique tapers. (His rods - "Like buttah!)
More discussion on important world events.
I can see where this could be an annual event for me as it has become for others. What a bunch of nice people! And as with other get-togethers like this, everyone is willing to share and teach. That's one of the great things about this past-time - the camaraderie is infectious. I'm already looking forward to next year!
Dean D
