About the Gathering

Southern Rodmakers is an annual gathering of bamboo fly rod makers. Over 300 craftsmen from 39 states have gathered on the White river near Cotter Arkansas since 1998. If you're interested in making bamboo fly rods, join us at the gathering in October, or follow the links below to join the on-line gathering of bamboo rod makers. "The List" is a great place to start. The list is an old school e-mail server with hundreds of members around the world.

Wednesday, October 21, 2015

SRG 2015 Wrap-up

We will get some pictures up soon on the SRG blog.  Yaz and John Reed are our photo pros.  Waiting on them to send pictures.

This year's gathering was different in many ways.  Some good, some sad.  Al and Carrol couldn't make it.  But I hear Al has been beveling strips.  Tony Spezio struggled to get there after another stroke, but he was able to do his presentation.  There were several others struggling with health related issues that prevented them from attending.  Hope to see everyone there next year.

The new tent was a big improvement.  The fish fry was unusually good.  The auction was a big success.  Will sponsor a couple wounded veterans at Bamboo Bend with the proceeds.  All those donations to the auction will directly benefit men who need our support.  The rod rack was packed again.  There were several Payne 101s built for Taper Quest.  All great rods.  John Reed's photography presentation was a first for SRG.  Great presentation.  14 attended SRG for the first time.  There were 89 total at the gathering from 23 states.  The weather was perfect and the water was high enough to keep everyone off the river and at the gathering.

Big congratulations to Bruce Morton and his helper Ellie for being selected SRG rodmaker of the year.  Bruce makes life happen while carrying the weight of cancer.  We listen and learn.  Thanks Bruce!

And...the pound cake was excellent.

David
www.southernrodmakers.blogspot.com