birchy Posted January 10, 2010 Share Posted January 10, 2010 So I had been already fly fishing for a couple years when I found out that my uncle's brother is actually an avid fly angler. Ties his own flies, and even builds his own rods. Well the last couple seasons we've been threatening to get out together, but seeing as he lives in Lacombe, we just haven't had a chance to make it happen yet. This past summer, we were talking amongst a crowd, and as he was walking away he turned back and said "oh, and by the way, you have a gift coming your way!" .. or at least that's what I thought I heard. Fast forward 7 months and this past week my uncle said to me, "hey Ryan, Bro is coming down to visit this weekend. He says he's bringing something for you..". Cool! Seeing as I'm getting forgetful at the ripe old age of 28 though - I had kind of forgot about it already! So yesterday while we were out and about, he showed up for a visit. Upon arriving home last night I found waiting for me probably the coolest gift I've ever been given!!... Rod, Reel (spooled with backing/line/leader), and an assortment of flies: I'm digging the grip! That groove fits my pinky finger perfectly. My first inital and last name.. he had trouble with one letter but I ain't complainin!! My cousin also fly fishes, and he had showed me a rod that uncle's bro had built for him a few years ago. So I kind of had a feeling that's what it would be. But I was NOT expecting this!! Needless to say, I'm absolutely blown away! So excited! And everything else in between. I believe uncle's brother has a Bow River float in store for him this summer as a big thank you!! Wow. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
H2O Posted January 10, 2010 Share Posted January 10, 2010 Beautiful rod Ryan, congratulations. You've got a great relative there. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
admin Posted January 10, 2010 Share Posted January 10, 2010 Nice treads! That is a really cool surprise. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Ayr Posted January 10, 2010 Share Posted January 10, 2010 That's a gift worth being excited about! Happy for ya' Ayr. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
bhurt Posted January 10, 2010 Share Posted January 10, 2010 Birchy, Do you know what type of blank was used? Rainshadow, Dan Craft, etc..... Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
darrinhurst Posted January 10, 2010 Share Posted January 10, 2010 Nice Birchy! I hope the first fish you catch on that beauty is an absolute HOG. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
jack Posted January 10, 2010 Share Posted January 10, 2010 That isn't a Gatti G-4 blank, is it? j Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Bigtoad Posted January 10, 2010 Share Posted January 10, 2010 Lacombe you say???? Hmmm.... I live in Lacombe and am in the market for a new Uncle's brother. What are the odds? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
birchy Posted January 11, 2010 Author Share Posted January 11, 2010 I am unsure of what blank it is. I'll find out next time we talk I'm sure. Last night I thought it was dark green, taking pictures today I realized it's a dark blue. Bigtoad - Awesome! I LOL'd. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
jack Posted January 11, 2010 Share Posted January 11, 2010 Not a Gatti G-4, just brought mine out, different printing. j Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
SteveM Posted January 11, 2010 Share Posted January 11, 2010 Pretty sweet, Ryan! When can I try it out? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
SilverDoctor Posted January 11, 2010 Share Posted January 11, 2010 certainly a gift to treasure. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
126barnes Posted January 11, 2010 Share Posted January 11, 2010 excellant, hoping you break it in next time out. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
murray Posted January 11, 2010 Share Posted January 11, 2010 Couldn't have happened to a nicer guy Birchy. That looks like a rod that will be with you for a long time. Congrats Murray Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
birchy Posted January 11, 2010 Author Share Posted January 11, 2010 Birchy, Do you know what type of blank was used? Rainshadow, Dan Craft, etc..... Just called him up to thank him and he said it's a Batson Rainshadow RX7 blank. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Jeffro Posted January 11, 2010 Share Posted January 11, 2010 Birchy......wouldn't your uncles brother also be your uncle...or possibly your father All kidding aside thats a nice piece of artillery and no trout in Alberta will be safe Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Pipestoneflyguy Posted January 11, 2010 Share Posted January 11, 2010 Nice...I have been abusing that same reel for about three years on one of my 5 wts - very happy with it Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
bhurt Posted January 14, 2010 Share Posted January 14, 2010 I thought it might be a rainshadow blank as that is what I made me 5wt 10' 6 switch rod with (Haven't finished it yet as I just don't have the time to do all the epoxy yet, 1 year and not finished I wonder when I will get it finished) But talking to a couple of guys that I know that builds rods they all said they were very impressed with the rainshadow blanks for the money you pay for them. Have fun Birchy and maybe just maybe I might be able to get out with you on the bow one of these days for some dry action. I just got a new 5wt 9foot rod that I am absoultly dieing to try out with dries. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
birchy Posted January 16, 2010 Author Share Posted January 16, 2010 Have fun Birchy and maybe just maybe I might be able to get out with you on the bow one of these days for some dry action. I just got a new 5wt 9foot rod that I am absoultly dieing to try out with dries. Sounds like a plan to me! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
birchy Posted March 8, 2010 Author Share Posted March 8, 2010 Going to fish it for the first time on the Crow tomorrow.. can't wait!!! Will make sure to report back. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Tungsten Posted March 8, 2010 Share Posted March 8, 2010 2 months and you haven't fished it yet?Oh ya baby,OK will let it slide. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
birchy Posted March 9, 2010 Author Share Posted March 9, 2010 Fishing was pretty slow on the Crow today but we managed to get into a few.. broke in my new 5 weight with a GORGEOUS fat, healthy ~18" bow, followed by a 14"er on the next cast. Awesomeness. Unfortunately.. I thought CDock was video recording the whole thing.. talked to the camera for a second and then let her go back into the water just in time to hear CDock say "whoa! wait! what?!" Got a picture of the next one though.. will post it up when I get them. Very happy with the rod! Can't wait to call up Uncle's brother and let him know! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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