The wares of these fine craftsmen can eat into ones gun money however.[/QUOTE]


Yes indeed.

Your collection of Bogdans is only exceeded by your collection of Parkers, Bruce!

True story: Several years ago I ordered a Baby Bogdan. At the time of order I was told there was a considerable waiting time--perhaps years for one to be built. I patiently waited about 4 years and finally contacted Steve Bogdan (Stan had retired in the interim) to see what was up. Within a month I had my Baby Bogdan. I was so proud of obtaining flyfishing's Holy Grail that I never used it. It sat on display on my roll top desk collecting dust for a couple of years. I don't like dusting, so in a weak moment I sold it at a goodly profit...wish I hadn't done that!

Dave, while fishing DePuy's this past week I met an up and coming cane rod builder by the name of Larry Donahe www.donahesplitcanerods.com Larry was fishing one of his rods mounted with a Bellinger reel as well as Bellinger reel seat and ferrules. The entire outfit was of incredible craftsmanship. Larry told me that Al Bellinger was planning on retiring soon---so you're fortunate to own one of his reels.

Greg, Al has "retired" already, sort of. He sold the original business but he and his son Jeff still make the reels in Al's basement (which is a really nice set-up). He's 76 I think. Everything else is still made over at their original facility in Salem.

Bruce, Nice collection, two of them look big enough to handle a bass plug over on Clinton Lake!

All, If you like cane rods come out to Oregon for the Metolius River Fly Fishing & Bamboo Rod Fair, July 18th and 19th. http://www.campshermanstore.com/events.php Its right up the road from Kearcher's place.

Bamboo Rods
 

I am no expert on bamboo rods but I do have a 5 weight 7 1/2 foot Tonkin Bamboo Amulet made by Dave Cambell in Eagle River, Alaska, that I am very pleased with. I have never owned another so I have no comparison with other makers. And I did not have to morgage the homestead to buy it. Cheers, Tom

Tom,

Warning! Warning! Rod and reel collecting can be just as infectious as gun collecting. The pride of ownership and joy of use that comes from fine equipment like those Bogdan reels that Mr Day shared with us earlier in this thread is quite similar to that which comes from a fine shotgun.

One's too many and a hundred ain't enough!

Dave

Dave, Truer words have never been spoken.

Cheers, Tom