HEDDON BLACK BEAUTY & PHILLIPSON PACEMAKER

So I spoke too soon, I should have said the Granger Special was "one of my favorites" (I also see I need to clean and polish it since I just did the cleanup on that Heddon 13). This Heddon made the trip to Yellowstone as well, but I have been a bit more careful with it. As you can tell by the bag, it was in great shape when I found it. I like the action with a 5 wt. line, but I have never cast it on the same day as the Granger or the . . .

Phillipson Pacemaker (I'm lucky enough to have a 6 wt. twin of this one) I bought here in Tucson. I thought I paid to much at the time ($500 total for both) but I haven't regretted the move once - at least after my wife finished shaking her head. This rod punches line out quickly and it's easily handled some healthy rainbows on Lees Ferry. Like the others, it has been in the park and done quite well. I generally take 3 rods when I fish Yellowstone Park, a 4, 5 & 6 wt. The 6 wt. is usually one of my plastic rods (yeah, I have a few of those, but have sold them much easier than the bamboo). From now on, the 4 wt. will be my new Thomas & Thomas so that leaves room for only 1 of these 5 weights and next year will probably have to be the Heddon 13 I am restoring.

Next time I will post shots of rods that I will advertise in the local TU newsletter - I have too many languishing. Honestly, they will be mostly lower tier production rods with a couple Chubb Montegue wall hangers. Hope someone sees this one day.

Gilbert Castillo

BAMBOO RODS

Well, it's time to discuss another eccentricity. Flyfishing is consuming enough, the band has taken away fishing weekends but my move to cut gigs in half has allowed me to resume work on a score of rods. Pictured is my long-time favorite, a Wright & McGill Granger Special 8642 I found when I was visiting my parents in Lubbock. I'm a fisherman first, collector second - as proof, this rod was near mint when I bought it, complete with the plastic cover over the grip. I'm of the school that believes these rods were made to be fished and that's what I did. It's taken trout in Yellowstone, New Mexico & Lee's Ferry, but I've never used it for bass or bluegill.

I had to force myself to use other rods and I have plenty. I just can't spend the money for the high-end rods, most of my collection includes production rods, most obtained in trade when I restored a rod. The most I ever spent was on a Kane Klassic from the National TU Convention in Colorado, 1999, the least was $10 for an HI to practice restoration (actually a servicable bass rod after I completed it). The Kane Klassic was much too wimpy, and I vowed never to spend that much again, especially since I loved the action of my Granger, Phillipson & Heddons much more. My plan is to sell the Klassic and replace it with a couple of project rods.

Okay, I am going to inventory my assortment, possibly post it, but will post pictures of the progression - I am currently working on a Heddon #17. If anyone ever reads this and shares this passion, judging by the activity on EBay, I know you're out there, drop me a line. Share a tip or ask a question.

Gilbert Castillo