About
I'm a bamboo fly rod maker. Nestled in the Farmington Valley, my shop is minutes from the famed Farmington River, a blue ribbon tailwater, and many of its tributaries. Connecticut is steeped in a rich bamboo rod making history. It was home to a number of famous rod builders, such as Eustis William "Bill" Edwards, C. W. "Sam" Carlson, Hiram Hawes, Harold "Pinky" Gillum, and George Halstead. It was also home to Horton Manufacturing Co., where the Meek 55 and Meek 54 fly reels were made, along with metal rods.
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In addition to Connecticut's rich bamboo rod making history, it is a wonderful place for the fly angler. While Connecticut is the fourth smallest state by geographical area, it has an abundant amount of water. In total, it has nearly 8,000 miles of streams and rivers, according to the Connecticut Department of Energy and Environmental Protection. With no closed season for trout fishing, and four distinct seasons, one can fish year round in diverse conditions.
Although I’m a small stream enthusiast, I fly fish year round on both small streams and medium sized rivers for trout. My fishing has informed my bamboo rod building, and I have the unique opportunity to test my rods throughout the year.
Although I’m a small stream enthusiast, I fly fish year round on both small streams and medium sized rivers for trout. My fishing has informed my bamboo rod building, and I have the unique opportunity to test my rods throughout the year.
With a knowledge work background – practicing law in state and federal trial and appellate courts; studying contemporary analytic metaphysics in a philosophy Ph.D. program; and engaging in paper asset investing, I set out to use my hands in a creative and artistic manner.
Undoubtedly, I’ve found bamboo fly rod building and design to be the perfect combination of blending both knowledge and handwork to arrive at a functional piece of art. One must develop an understanding of the complexities of tapers. The maker will benefit from studying historic tapers, innovation and, ultimately, how to modify and create new tapers. The maker is then challenged with the task of bringing a design into existence with one’s hands.
Undoubtedly, I’ve found bamboo fly rod building and design to be the perfect combination of blending both knowledge and handwork to arrive at a functional piece of art. One must develop an understanding of the complexities of tapers. The maker will benefit from studying historic tapers, innovation and, ultimately, how to modify and create new tapers. The maker is then challenged with the task of bringing a design into existence with one’s hands.
I've been strongly influenced by a number of historic builders, such as E.W. Edwards of Connecticut and E.C. Powell of California. In my opinion, these two builders provided tremendous innovation and foundation for the future of the bamboo rod building craft. I've also been strongly influenced and mentored by a couple of modern day builders, Per Brandin of Massachusetts and Dan Gowe of New Mexico.
Custom design work is my favorite. I enjoy working with fly anglers to design the perfect rod for the intended fishing application. In doing so, I learn about the specific type of water that will be fished, the angler’s rod action preferences and styles, along with aesthetic desires. My goal is to bring the angler’s desires and intentions into existence through using both knowledge and handwork.
Custom design work is my favorite. I enjoy working with fly anglers to design the perfect rod for the intended fishing application. In doing so, I learn about the specific type of water that will be fished, the angler’s rod action preferences and styles, along with aesthetic desires. My goal is to bring the angler’s desires and intentions into existence through using both knowledge and handwork.
Aside from bamboo rod building, I fly fish all year long on cold moving water and develop fly patterns to suit my fly fishing. I previously guided fly anglers, taught fly tying and presented my flies at shows. I had the opportunity to tie a fly for a Stackpole Books publication. As time permits, I lecture to organizations on bamboo rod building, fly fishing tactics, and fly tying. I've developed a number of talks in these areas that can be fine-tuned to suit the needs and interests of particular organizations. Interested organizations are welcome to contact me.