Making Payne-Style Acorn Caps

No matter the medium, I could watch true craftsman work for hours on end. I find the process of how things are made generally quite fascinating.

In the latest Spinoza Rod Company video Marc Aroner records the steps on how he expertly makes the  Payne-style acorn caps for his bamboo builds. 



Someday, when more time allows, I would like to visit a lot of the rod builders that have been featured on T.F.M. and watch and photograph the work being done.  Until then videos such as this one will suffice.

Pool 32 - Issue 4

With over 300 pages packed into the latest issue of Pool 32, your weekend online reading should be well taken care of.

Amongst the excellent imagery, take note of the articles featuring T.F.M. fave artists A.D. Maddox and Mike Savlen as well as the "Split Cane Spirit" article too.

CHECK IT.

Colt Johnson's Kabuto Rods 7033 Build

There have been quite a few white fiberglass Kabuto Rods builds done over the past year and the latest is from Colt Johnson who was looking for the perfect bluegill fly rod. 

Colt's Kabuto Rods 7033 Build Stats:

SEAT:  Lemke Down Lock Dark Nickel Silver Slide Band
INSERT:  Spalted Box Elder Burl
GRIP:  REC Cork Rings
STRIPPING GUIDE:  REC Black Pearl #8
GUIDES/TIP TOP:  Snake Brand Black Nickel
THREAD:  3/0 YLI Pale Yellow/3/0 YLI Antique Gold
FINISH:  PacBay Two Part Epoxy.  One coat.

Colt...extremely nice work and I bet that spring can't come soon enough to give that build a flex on a few feisty bluegills.

Lord Of The Hoard

When the "Original Martin Gangster" isn't working diligently in the Playful Plans shop or lining up reservations for their Asheville backyard cottage, Kevin McGuire can be found perusing eBay for mint condition Martin fly reels to bid on. 

This fishable collection has lead to what some would consider a hoarding situation with fly reels stowed here and there in the shop and in the house.  Yesterday Kevin decided to take control of his mess and filled a large plastic bin with layer after layer of Martin fly reels. 

Kevin left just enough room for a few vintage catalogs and other fly reel paperwork.  Oh and there is just enough room still for a somewhat rare Martin 63SS that he sniped on eBay last night.

The addiction continues.  Intervention time?  I think not.

Introducing Raw Water Productions

The Prelude To Raw Water post earlier this week eluded that Lucas Carroll and Adam Kryder had a new project in the works which went online yesterday under the company name of Raw Water Productions.  This will be a collaborative effort with Matt Smythe involved as well yielding a hand with the written word.

Autumn2011 Showreel from Adam Kryder on Vimeo.

The press release stated...

"Raw Water Productions is proud to announce the public release of their website and Autumn 2011 Showreel.  In order to promote our new website we are running the following open raffle.

Promote our blog for a chance to win a 14 -page book of Lucas Carroll's photography with a cover inscription by Matt Smythe."

"For the next 2 weeks, simply show us how you have promoted our blog on other social media websites (Facebook, Twitter, Email, etc.) and you will automatically be entered into the raffle.  Show us screenshots, friend lists, email copy, etc. as evidence.

Stay tuned for more giveaways and promotions in the future!"

It looks like bases are covered with Lucas on camera, Adam on video and music, and Matt with the word.

Without a doubt Raw Water Productions will be a worthy to follow as they add more content to their already robust website. 

Blood Knot Magazine - Blogger Issue

The 2nd Annual Blogger Issue went live this week from the peeps at Blood Knot Magazine and is filled with pieces from writers across the fly fishing blogoshere.

A lot of goodness in this issue from bloggers that I respect and a tip of the cap to T.F.M. with a mention on the "Blood Knot Approved" blogger list as well.  Much thanks.

CHECK IT.

T.F.M. Comrade Artwork Released

What started with a a new font on a set of T.F.M. decals has now grown into it's own piece of artwork.  Last week Rob McAbee of Bug Slinger Fly Gear and Nomad Design started hashing out details and I am really excited to show off the final version of the "T.F.M. Comrade" artwork in this post.

The "T.F.M. Comrade" artwork has a bit more edge than previous designs and is also the first full color look as well.

Offerings with the "T.F.M. Comrade" artwork on it will include t-shirts in black or dark red in short or long sleeve, hoodies, and decals.  Check out the T.F.M. Apparel page for details on how to order.

I will be taking orders for all items of T.F.M. Apparel until the first week of February.  Delivery should be around the middle of month.  Payment is not required until I am ready to ship items.

Special thanks again to Rob from Bug Slinger Fly Gear and Nomad Design.  This artwork far exceeded my expectations.

If you have questions or would like to place an order please send an email to thefiberglassmanifesto@gmail.com.