LINKS

Ray Davies and Alex Wolff (616) 844-6855 jrdavies@earthlink.net
Ray is another passionate fly fisherman. Especially when it comes to silk lines. He is a fly tier and travels quite a bit to all kinds of shows. Both Ray and Alex have been very supportive with information and history on silk lines. If you ever meet them at shows, make sure to take some time to speak with them. They seem to know the Michigan waters really well. You can bet I will be picking their minds about more than just silk….

Power Fibers (www.powerfibers.com)
Todd Talsma runs and produces quarterly issues of online articles with a wealth of information. I need to get the back issues of these… there is just so much information contributed to the site and publications. Please check out this website! Todd also makes and sells rod bags and travel bags. These are offered in an array of sizes to fit nearly any rod out there. Classic prints and fabrics to set off that rod and protect it too! I got to know Todd through Grayrock which he is extensively involved in, his efforts and support made my trip enjoyable and allowed me to meet a multitude of great people. I highly recommend him and his services.

W M Harms Custom Rod & Gun (www.wmharmsrods.com)
Bill Harms makes amazing rods. And has been doing it for nearly 40 years! He and his site offer a wealth of information, and ideas on Bamboo rods. His designs are built around a “convex taper.” A different approach to Bamboo rod building based on the principles he learned from Vince Marinaro. His tapers have been designed using this approach. His presentation at Grayrock solidified my desire to start making Bamboo rods because I wanted to design my own tapers. He has taken some of the intimidation out of breaking from the mold and encourages us to develop our own tapers. If he is speaking at show, make sure you sit down and take notes. The information is priceless. He also has a book that will be out soon. I can highly recommend considering it one to add to your library. I think it will encourage everyone to expand their rod building to new levels. If you are considering a bamboo rod, from a “fisherman’s” rod to a very high-end rod, Bill’s site is another good place to start researching. There is a lot of information and photos to start the wheels turning. There is a great deal of information on Quadrate rods also. Bill has been a great supporter and has helped in the development of my Silk Lines.

RKP Cane Rods (www.rkpcanerods.com)
Located in Westerville, Ohio, Richard Perry makes “fisherman” style Bamboo rods. These are very fishable, high quality rods for pursuing trout in his native waters and abroad. I appreciate that as a fisherman. Check out his website… He travels quite a bit and is very active in clubs in his area. He has quite a few fish camp photos and updates on where he’s been, and going. Richard also runs bamboo making classes to take some of the intimidation out of making your first rod. If you are even considering it, I would recommend talking to him. It is a great way to lessen the learning curve and test the waters.

James Acord’s Leather (www.turtlemoon.com/acord)
Jimmy is a fly fisherman that does some of the most amazing leather work. It is art, yet a piece of his equipment will accompany you on every venture to field or stream. It is personally built for you, and no two items are alike in the artwork. I can’t wait to receive my Clam Shell fly box… Jimmy is a wonderful man (anyone who offers me a beer and a chair at their campfire has to be top notch!) and has a lot to share. I can’t say enough about Jimmy, he is someone who gives far more than is needed. He has a passion for fly fishing and the trout we pursue that I really enjoy. I am looking forward to next years campfire stories with Jimmy and others at Grayrock.

On The Fly Guide Service (www.ontheflygsm.com)
Dave Carson is a fellow Smoky Mountain fly fisher. He runs a great guide service and ties amazingly life like flies. He has a spider and fly display that is phenomenal, it should be on every fly fisherman’s office desk. He has also been extremely supportive and a great contributor to my silk line venture. If you are ever in the area and looking to get out and catch some good size trout in the Smoky Mountains, call Dave and he can get you on a wonderful trip. He has pointed me to some areas I didn’t even realize had quality trout! He is active in the local TU chapter, and another person who I can’t say enough good things about.