The "Tim Hall" Rod 1-26-06

With a chest cold and some cool, damp weather I took the weekend to work on rods. My brother’s rod is finally done and looks great. Also I started the cigar rod; it is turning out so well. The details below are for the “Tim Hall” rod. I also included any issues that came up in the rod's construction.

My brother Tim graduated from Western Michigan University this December and has been released into the real word to teach our youth. He always said that he could not build rods because he does not have the patience. To enjoy teaching children the way he does takes real patience. I am proud of him and really could not show him in any other way just how impressed I am with his dedication. This accomplishment deserves reward; turning out a great fly rod for us to enjoy together for years to come is a good start.

His rod is a 7’6’’ 4 weight fly rod. It is a Forecast blank from Hook and Hackle with a custom turned reel seat from Winslow Rods of Golden, Colorado. The handle is Bamboo Burl and guides are black Pac Bay single foot. I used tan and rust thread from Guderod in an open diamond pattern. I wanted the rod to look old school but still new and clean. I added a great deal of features to trick the rod out. The ferrules have "line up dots" on them along with a ruler built into the rod’s first section. A great way to lay a big fish down, get a photo and measurement and return her to the water. My brother is also a catch and release angler, or I would not fish with him. The rod bag is an old school four place bag; to commemorate the gift I wrote:

“To my brother and my best friend.”

On the inside flap the rod's specs and the "WBH II ROD" signature. I had the reel seat ring engraved with his initials; it is a great touch on any rod. It casts well with 4 weight Wonderline. It is a true moderate action rod. I think presentation is more important than distance.

I had some issues with the line ups dots looking right. If you are going to do them make them big, they will look better. Do not trust anyone with your reel seat; they will not remember which side goes up when they engrave.

Good luck Tim, on the river and in life.

Love,

Your Brother

Email: wbhrod@yahoo.com