Thanks for all the kind words everyone! I have yet to get this one on the river, but Tuesday night will have that problem solved. The fishing up here is getting hot so hopefully can break it in with a nice brown

Wes - as Betty has pointed out the birch bark does have a soft feel to it. Almost leathery. I havent cast it for a long enough time to cause any blisters yet, but I have made plenty of handles out of solid wood and those have never been a problem. I suppose only time will tell. It sure does feel good in the hand though.

Aged sage - I agree about the trim rings. I was hoping the walnut would get darker as the finish (tung oil) was applied, but it didnt darken how I expected. Oh well. Next time maybe I'll use ebony or some other darker wood.

Thanks again.
Yonks