Bamboo fly fishing rods gatherings are artisan portfolios on the go. Not only because you find talented rodsmiths and fishermen, but also - be it in the same person or not - more talented craftmen such as fishing reel makers, leather artisans, metal engravers, knife makers, woodworkers, woodturners, fly tying craftmen and even scrimshaw artists!

I attended my first bamboo rodmakers gathering in Waischenfeld, Germany, on 26, 27, 28 October 2007.

The Waischenfeld gathering was organised very well by Rolf Baginski, and was attended by over 80 people from Germany, Switzerland, Italy, Holland, Dänemark, Norway. Special guest were four important bamboo rodmakers from the USA: Jeff Wagner and his partner Casimira Orlowski, Bill Harms and Tom Smithwick.

The conclusions of the gathering were these:

• The American guests were touched to see such an enthusiasm, in so many dedicated bamboo rodmakers who were so open and generous in sharing their experience and "secrets". Jeff Wagner was impressed by the vibrant experimental atmosphere here in Europe - e.g. the 11 rods case with the same taper by Philippe Sicher, the talented and young generation of bamboo rodmakers coming up...






• There is a mutual gap of knowledge on what is going on both sides of the Atlantic
• The art of bamboo fly fishing rods is alive and gaining momentum. Yes, the Renaissance is alive in Europe, too.

CHECK!

1st European Bamboo Rodmaker Gathering in Sansepolcro, Tuscany (Italy), May 22-25 2008

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Waischenfeld Photos

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