I was in the Catskills this past weekend and got a chance to fish with my first rod build - a Rainshadow 2 piece 3 weight. It's such a great feeling to catch fish (plural) with a rod I built.

I was quite surprised how well it casts for a relatively inexpensive kit. With an Able Creek Series reel with Brook Trout graphics paint scheme, it looks great as well!

Ralph, I got news for you as you continue to build it gets better. Just like grandchildren!

Ralph, now learn to tie flies, if you don't tie already. Catching fish on a rod you built on flies you tied is a little bit stronger feeling, maybe not much, but some, for sure. Atta-boy! You done good! Ralph

If at first you don't succeed, go fishing, then try, try again.

I agree completely and remeber very well the first time I caught a fish using a rod I had built myself. Way to go.

Here's another one: I had a couple stop in the shop who I made rods for last November. We went down to the local diner together for lunch and they spent 30 minutes telling me how great the rods were and how many fish they caught and how well their last two fishing trips went and on and on...

I was very happy with myself after they left.

Joe Douglas

Congratulations, Ralph. Glad you were able to have that great experience up here in the Catskill Mountains. I live in Liberty, NY which is not far from Roscoe. If you find yourself up this way again and want some company on the river give me a holler. Care to tell what river you were on and perhaps where? I usually go out on the Neversink or the Millowemoc. I've been using a 4 weight but I think I'll build a 3 weight next as the 4 is a bit of overkill especially in skinny water.
Dave

Hey Ralph,
Your additction is now complete even if you do not realize it yet. You will soon!
There is no turning back now so you better get use to the idea that more and
more rods are in your near future. You will not want that feeling to ever stop!

Welcome to the club and many more days with that wonderful feeling ahead.


Hey Dave!
You better get that surf rod done soon so YOU can get that SAME feeling again
as well!!

Raymond Adams
Eventually, all things merge, and a river runs through it..

Dave Gilberg Wrote:
-------------------------------------------------------
> Congratulations, Ralph. Glad you were able to have
> that great experience up here in the Catskill
> Mountains. I live in Liberty, NY which is not far
> from Roscoe. If you find yourself up this way
> again and want some company on the river give me a
> holler. Care to tell what river you were on and
> perhaps where? I usually go out on the Neversink
> or the Millowemoc. I've been using a 4 weight but
> I think I'll build a 3 weight next as the 4 is a
> bit of overkill especially in skinny water.
> Dave

Dave,

I was there primarily to take Joan Wulff's Casting School and stayed at the Beaverkill Valley Inn because of its location to the shool. I stayed an extra day and got to fish Monday morning before having to head back home. Because my fishing time was so limited, I fished on the Beaverkill right on the Inn property, which is quite nice water. I caught 8 fish, a nice mix of browns and brookies. The first was caught within 5 minutes of starting - a sign that it was going to be a great morning. And it was!

I'll keep your offer to fish with you in mind. I'd like to get back there again, soon.