(November 2009)

Bob Summers started fly tying and then making rods as a teenager in 1956 in Paul H. Young's shop in Detroit where he used to sell boats and got trained as a mechanic.

Bob Summers was a friends and pupil of Lyle Dickerson as well.

Paul Young's son Jack and Bob Summers were the only rod makers left when paul H. Young died in 1960 and the business was managed by Paul Young's wife Martha. Eventually the shop moved to Traverse City in 1971.

In 1972 Bob decided to go "solo". One remarkable "key" in his rods is that Bob Summers makes all components for his rods except for the snake guides. The case as well . His wife sew the bags holding the rods.

I particularly like one of his phrase: "I think we're getting a society in which everybody thinks they need to be told how to do it and they have to read a book on it”.

In 1998 Summers received the Michigan Heritage Award for maintaining the tradition of buidling bamboo fly fishing rods.

He is one of the most famous contemporary bamboo rod makers and bamboo rod restorer today.

As he says on his website:

"Having worked continuously on a full-time basis building bamboo fly rods since 1956, I have handled or repaired most of the cane rods built during the last 100 years. I believe this experience has helped me evaluate the condition of used rods offered for sale on this site. When restoration or repair is needed I can professionally handle this as well. If I have worked on rods offered for sale, the work is described.

I also specialize in repairing and restoring the rods of two famous makers: Paul H. Young and Lyle Dickerson. 

I spent 18 years with the Paul H. Young Co., starting in 1956 as an after-school job. I was also a close friend of Lyle Dickerson. I have an intimate understanding of the workmanship and style of these classic rods."

Physical Address:
90 River Road, East
Traverse City, Michigan 49686 USA
Phone/Fax (231) 946-7923
Email: bobsummers At charter.net
Website: http://www.rwsummers.com/

Update November 2009

Scott Mann's website has a nice interview taken with Bob Summers in 1977! Chek it out!

From a Lang's auction 2007 catalogue

New 7' 3" R.W. Summers Model #735 Deluxe Trout Rod. This
2/2 unused rod has darkly flamed cane, chrome guides, clear
orange silk wraps tipped black and an all cork mortised reel seat
with sliding bands of Summers' own design. Bob Summers is
considered one of the contemporary masters of the rod making
fraternity and this rod shows why. Both ferrules are blued and
need a little work to seat fully. This is a gorgeous rod with original
bag, ferrule plug and tube. ($2,200-$2,400)

Picture: pending permission from the Michigan State University Museum
Source: http://www.flyanglersonline.com/features/bamboo/part81.php
http://www.flyanglersonline.com/features/bamboo/part82.php
http://www.flyanglersonline.com/features/bamboo/part83.php

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