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Custom Fly Fishing Rods by Chris Lantzy, Custom Rod Maker

collecting shakespeare

2/20/2018

I'm always inspired by the passion that many fishing collectors have for their chosen field of collecting. It's a hobby that can easily turn into an obsession. But these collectors do more than just amass specific items - they also become experts in a particular subject. That benefits all of us who are interested in the history of fishing & enhances our enjoyment of the sport, too.

Here is an example of a passionate collector. This gentleman collects Shakespeare items. While his collection isn't limited to fly fishing, he does have some fantastic fly fishing pieces that any fly angler will appreciate. Take a couple of minuets to see this awesome collection he has assembled. I'm sure this is going to be inspiring to any collector!!

Pennsylvania trout stockings!!

2/12/2018

It's that time of year again, when the PA Fish & Boat Commission publish their adult trout stocking schedule for the season. You know what that means - spring & trout are just around the corner!!

Each year the Fish Commission stocks millions of adult trout all across the state. People who wish to observe &/or help out are welcome to. The truth is, it really couldn't get done without the help of volunteers, making sure the trout get distributed in the stream.

If you're planing a trip to PA this year to do some trout angling, this list can be a great resource to aid you in both finding fish & sometimes to avoid the crowds, too. The list is searchable by county. Simply enter the county where you'll be fishing & you can see each waterway & the dates of when they will be stocked, both preseason & in season. Not sure what county you'll be in? The PA Fish & Boat Commission has plenty of resources on their website including maps, fishing tips, & you can even buy a license there, too.

To check out the trout stocking schedule, click HERE.

It won't be too much longer now until the trout, the hatches, & warmer days are here again!!

nwtf sport show

2/5/2018

For those of you fly anglers who also enjoy the sport of turkey hunting, you're probably familiar with the National Wild Turkey Federation & the good work they do in so many places across the country. Since 1973 they have been protecting habitat for turkeys & involved in environmental conservation efforts in so many different place.

For those of you who don't hunt turkey, you should still be thankful to the NWTF, as the same conservation efforts that help turkeys also benefits the local trout population, too (& many other species as well).

The NWTF will be hosting their annual Sorting show in Nashville on February 14 through the 18th. This is an enormous event & if you're a turkey hunter you won't want to miss it. Earlier this year I was approached by Randy Gaskins of the National Wild Turkey Federation about making a special fly rod for their national convention. I was honored by the request & so went about making a rod that will be part of a larger fly fishing package they will offer at their convention.

The rod I made is a 4'-4" 1 pc, 3/4 wt "Banty" rod. This is by far one of the most popular small stream rods I make. Anglers who like to go light in their tackle seem to really love this rod taper. While it's perfect for small streams where obstacles are close, it can also be used on open waters for all kinds of fish.

This rod features:
- All cork grip reel seat w/ aluminum slide rings for reduced weight
- Mirror polished Nickle-Silver butt disc at the end of the rod
- Nickle-Silver winding check above the grip
- Chromed, stainless steel line guides, tip top, & stripping guide
- Orange silk thread wraps with fine black tipping
- Comes in a custom made brown rod bag
- All housed in a custom fit canvas covered PVC rod tube with padded ends, zippered closure, & leather tag describing the rod inside

The NWTF does a lot of good work all across the country not only for hunters, but for everyone that enjoys the outdoors & cares about the environment. That certainly includes us fly fishers. Natural, wild habitat that turkeys flourish in are also the same places where healthy trout & other game fish will be found. We're all in this together.

If you can attend the convention this year, great! If you can't make it there, please consider supporting the NWTF in any way that you can.

fly tying in winter

2/1/2018

I've just finished reading a charming old book by Arthur Ransome, titled "Rod and Line" from the late 1920's. This book is a collection of wonderful short essays about fishing, full of whit & insight that can still be relative to anglers today. While not every essay is about fly fishing specifically, they are each entertaining enough to be of interest to any angler. This book is positively British in nature, so a little adjustment to the terms that were used for different tackle & species of fish must be used for us Americans to keep along, but that's fairly easy.

A while ago several short films were made of some of Ransome's essays from Rod and Line. Each one features actor (& angler) Michael Hordern (you may recognize him from some TV shows & movies) reading from - & acting out - chapters from the book. Each one is very well made.

This essay below, "Fly Tying In Winter" I thought was particularly appropriate right now. If you have a few minutes, escape into this short film. I'm sure you will enjoy it.

the pliant rod:

collecting shakespeare

Pennsylvania trout stockings!!

nwtf sport show

fly tying in winter

The Pliant Rod

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