Post by ShadowCaster on Sept 18, 2011 12:20:07 GMT 8
The sport of fly fishing is a genteel pursuit, at least in concept, a world of gentlemanly etiquette and conservationist attitudes. These had occasionally in recent times been shadowed by a new set of paradigms : that of higher modulus synthetics, blinding line speeds and boast of landing bigger and more fishes than one can carry. Notwithstanding, I concede that the best angling is always a respite from the trials and burden of life. I believe good anglers should lead useful and productive lives, and useful lives are always marked by struggle, difficulties, pain and the agony of simple mortality. These notions puts our angling pursuit into an entirely different dimension; where performance and efficiencies no longer inspires hope, and perfection is better defined by passion and feelings.
I was amazed by how much passion and art was epitomized by the aesthetics and feel of a bamboo fly rod constructed by our very own Uncle Wong.
Perhaps the reason that this rod had inspired me much was attributed to the fact that I had witnessed the evolution of its creation, and that the point of genesis did not start when the rod was a culm of raw bamboo but way before that. It started with the moment when Uncle Wong made his first cast with a fly rod on that fateful day on the waters of Lower Pierce. It was certainly the kindling of a higher calling! Tribute must also be paid to the understanding of Mrs Wong, who remained graceful always when Uncle Wong turned their living and dining room into a no-kidding bamboo rod shop with professional varnish dip tanks, power lath, planeing bench and drying cabinets.... The product was certainly more than just a tool for fly fishing. It was a revelation.
The rod in question was built on the Granger 7030 taper, 7' 2/2 rated for a DT4 or WF5. I requested that Uncle Wong takes a page out of the utilitarian approach from the Goodwin Granger era and leave out all the frills except the most functional features. As expected, Uncle Wong created a faithful reproduction.
And the result was this :
But the true strength lies not on the elegant physical appeal, but the feel of how well it cast. The outstanding workmanship during the flaming process had created a crispy and lively feel that integrates and grow on the caster's hand. The rod action is progressive and allows one to harness the powerful but yet elegantly controlled rod butt. Be it at 10ft or 80ft, the loop turn over is measured, dignified and consistent. Certainly, even the local PB population was mesmerized. Every part of the rod and the way it cast and fish reflects the level of details and dedication that Uncle Wong had put in. When I grow up, I want to build bamboo rods like Uncle Wong.
The local PB population was queing up this morning to get their photo taken with Uncle Wong's rod...
I was amazed by how much passion and art was epitomized by the aesthetics and feel of a bamboo fly rod constructed by our very own Uncle Wong.
Perhaps the reason that this rod had inspired me much was attributed to the fact that I had witnessed the evolution of its creation, and that the point of genesis did not start when the rod was a culm of raw bamboo but way before that. It started with the moment when Uncle Wong made his first cast with a fly rod on that fateful day on the waters of Lower Pierce. It was certainly the kindling of a higher calling! Tribute must also be paid to the understanding of Mrs Wong, who remained graceful always when Uncle Wong turned their living and dining room into a no-kidding bamboo rod shop with professional varnish dip tanks, power lath, planeing bench and drying cabinets.... The product was certainly more than just a tool for fly fishing. It was a revelation.
The rod in question was built on the Granger 7030 taper, 7' 2/2 rated for a DT4 or WF5. I requested that Uncle Wong takes a page out of the utilitarian approach from the Goodwin Granger era and leave out all the frills except the most functional features. As expected, Uncle Wong created a faithful reproduction.
And the result was this :
But the true strength lies not on the elegant physical appeal, but the feel of how well it cast. The outstanding workmanship during the flaming process had created a crispy and lively feel that integrates and grow on the caster's hand. The rod action is progressive and allows one to harness the powerful but yet elegantly controlled rod butt. Be it at 10ft or 80ft, the loop turn over is measured, dignified and consistent. Certainly, even the local PB population was mesmerized. Every part of the rod and the way it cast and fish reflects the level of details and dedication that Uncle Wong had put in. When I grow up, I want to build bamboo rods like Uncle Wong.
The local PB population was queing up this morning to get their photo taken with Uncle Wong's rod...
