Schliske Bamboo

One Fish · Joined: 21 Sep 2005 Posts: 99 Location: Bend, OR, USA

I like it!

I can see how addicting this may become...

Gary

Mikem · Joined: 09 Jul 2003 Posts: 316 Location: Norcal

Gary:

What about it do you like? Stoke my fire.

MikeM

One Fish · Joined: 21 Sep 2005 Posts: 99 Location: Bend, OR, USA

It's hard to explain.

It's all about the "feel" of casting a bamboo rod to rising fish on the Metolius River. I'm going to wrap up a silk furled leader just to make it even better.

Oregon's Metolius River is a magical place. It is spring fed and crystal clear. Fishing on this river requires stealth and good presentation. With the 4wt cane rod, the presentation was glorious. The sound of the Bellinger reel was magical.

I am sure it's even more rewarding using a rod that you made yourself...

I was using a 4-wt rod that Chet loaned me to help figure out which taper and weight I would prefer. I'm thinking that either a 3 or 4 would be in my best fishing interests. Daryll Whitehead will have some input too (after his vacation). I visited Daryll's shop and it is very cool. He's an old school guy and his shop reflects that. His collection of classic tools, rods, and reels is amazing!

I am new to this bamboo stuff. I think I got in with the right guys.

Gary

Troutgetter · Joined: 03 Aug 2004 Posts: 182 Location: Arizona

Hi Gary,
Welcome to the mess!
Yeah, you definately got in with some good folks! Chet's a friend to us all!
Nice to live in Bend eh? So much pretty water all around!

Since you're kind of in the State of Jefferson, have you checked the Jefferson Board?
http://www.flyfishjefferson.com/
Lots of greak folks there and quite a few bamboo boys and girls.
My best to you,
Mike

germanbrown · Joined: 09 Jun 2003 Posts: 2171 Location: Fort Collins, CO

awesome Gary! that's a beautiful fish and rod. you definitely fell in with the right crowd it sounds to me like.

i fished my 7.5' 6wt with the terenzio silk yesterday - it was miserably cold and really windy. it was wonderful. i only fished one hole, fell in up to my ankles, and got skunked. but i didn't care - the cane with silk line and furled leader was fantastic - the trip was more about rock hunting for my daughter and her friend.

mikem - the cane has a different feel, pace and mind set. you have to slow down, take your time - fall into a rythm - it's natural - you're going to love it.
_________________

mikeytwoshoes · Joined: 09 Jun 2003 Posts: 683 Location: avondale, az

fell in up to yer ankles?!?!?
_________________
this is the game that moves as you play it...

truth be told, there are no rules

germanbrown · Joined: 09 Jun 2003 Posts: 2171 Location: Fort Collins, CO

Mikem · Joined: 09 Jul 2003 Posts: 316 Location: Norcal

Hard to explain... Mystical... I already like it.

Beautiful fish. I've read about that river. Sounds like a great place.

MikeM

gadabout · Joined: 24 Oct 2006 Posts: 2 Location: New York

That sure is one good-looking fish. I'll bet he didn't even mind posing next to that rod.

One Fish · Joined: 21 Sep 2005 Posts: 99 Location: Bend, OR, USA

Huh, nice bump…

I guess it’s a good time for an update.

I ended up with a 7’6” 2/2 for a 4. I am currently using Terrenzio silk (on loan from Chet ‘til I can afford my own) on the Bellinger reel. I have been casting my handmade 8/0 Unithread furled leaders (the silk didn’t seem to have enough strength, and felt a little too limp).

I have used this rod almost exclusively since I brought it home. I love it! The only reason that I picked another rod was due to the potential size of the quarry.

During my time working with Chet and Daryll, I have learned a lot about this addiction. I also managed to get a couple of images of bamboo rods published in a soon-to-be-released book about the history of rod making in the grand state of Oregon (just got my copy today). After I saw Matt’s pics in American Angler, I find that I need to take the photos up a notch or three. (working on some good stuff already).

Mike, I have been helping Andrew out on the FFJ site. I have been concentrating on the new banners. I think they look pretty good, although I need some more diverse images. I’m working on that.

Anyway, just rambling here. I hope you all have a great Thanksgiving. I'll be casting my graphite 8-wt to 10 lb Bull Trout on the Metolius, just waiting for the hatch so that I can throw some size 22 bwo’s with my favorite fly rod.

Gary