Hi Gnome,
I have cast some of your rods with those oddball guides - and they do shoot line more easily than anything I've tried before. Suddenly, I was a better caster! I thought it was the superior design of your tapers that made that happen.
However, since ANY rod that is in my hands is destined to under perform due to MY limitations, I'm sticking with snakes just cause I like the way they look. Maybe it is a tradition "thing" for me.
Of course, much depends on the different ways in which we view bamboo rods. You're trying to build a better mousetrap, and I just like 'em because I think they are beautiful. I know your rods are functional art - and they are truly artistic in nature. But you are a lot more interested in the rod's functionality than I am. So far, I've managed to catch fish with whatever rod I am using. Granted, I probably only catch the stupid fish in the easy water, but that's o.k. with me. You are one of those fishermen who pass up the easy fish and easy water and look for ways to push your talent and your equipment to the max. Am I saying that I care more about the looks of the rod than the way it performs? Maybe so; to a degree that's certainly true.
I'm just looking for a "good time" - and you are looking for a long term relationship! When I look at snake guides, I see history & tradition. When I look at those crazy single foot things, I see the present - and I try really hard NOT to deal with the present. That's a little too much reality for me. Fishing bamboo ( and messing with bamboo rods in general ) is my escape from today's reality into the past. Think about it - my degrees are all rooted in the past. I find the present to be a real downer in general.
Pushing the envelope is definitely your strong suit - and I hope you stay with it. You are a very innovative rod maker and I have no doubt that your "crazy" ways will lead to a better fly rod in both appearance and performance.
Understand this: Free Thinkers have always faced a degree of persecution. That's part of the deal, I think. But innovation and improvement take time to catch on - especially in a tradition-laden sport such as ours.
Remember what Butch Cassidy said: "I've got vision and the rest of the world wears bifocals!"
I hope all is well in The Cave and its surroundings. I was saddened by the lack of a Gnome sighting at SRG. Hope we'll see you there next year!
Stick to your guns, Pard - and Geaux Gnome!
I have cast some of your rods with those oddball guides - and they do shoot line more easily than anything I've tried before. Suddenly, I was a better caster! I thought it was the superior design of your tapers that made that happen.
However, since ANY rod that is in my hands is destined to under perform due to MY limitations, I'm sticking with snakes just cause I like the way they look. Maybe it is a tradition "thing" for me.
Of course, much depends on the different ways in which we view bamboo rods. You're trying to build a better mousetrap, and I just like 'em because I think they are beautiful. I know your rods are functional art - and they are truly artistic in nature. But you are a lot more interested in the rod's functionality than I am. So far, I've managed to catch fish with whatever rod I am using. Granted, I probably only catch the stupid fish in the easy water, but that's o.k. with me. You are one of those fishermen who pass up the easy fish and easy water and look for ways to push your talent and your equipment to the max. Am I saying that I care more about the looks of the rod than the way it performs? Maybe so; to a degree that's certainly true.
I'm just looking for a "good time" - and you are looking for a long term relationship! When I look at snake guides, I see history & tradition. When I look at those crazy single foot things, I see the present - and I try really hard NOT to deal with the present. That's a little too much reality for me. Fishing bamboo ( and messing with bamboo rods in general ) is my escape from today's reality into the past. Think about it - my degrees are all rooted in the past. I find the present to be a real downer in general.
Pushing the envelope is definitely your strong suit - and I hope you stay with it. You are a very innovative rod maker and I have no doubt that your "crazy" ways will lead to a better fly rod in both appearance and performance.
Understand this: Free Thinkers have always faced a degree of persecution. That's part of the deal, I think. But innovation and improvement take time to catch on - especially in a tradition-laden sport such as ours.
Remember what Butch Cassidy said: "I've got vision and the rest of the world wears bifocals!"
I hope all is well in The Cave and its surroundings. I was saddened by the lack of a Gnome sighting at SRG. Hope we'll see you there next year!
Stick to your guns, Pard - and Geaux Gnome!
