Sowbug Roundup -- Mountain Home AR

FAOL Community Fly Anglers Online
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I returned to Oklahoma Friday from Mountain Home, AR. We (my soon wife to be, Rita) were there looking for a home, as we’re moving there in June, but timed it so that we could visit the Annual Sowbug Roundup while we were there.

I only got to spend part of one day at the Sowbug, but really enjoyed my time there. Caught up with a lot of old friends. Richard Ross (hopper), Hans Weilenmann (flytier), Dennie Conrad(Love 'dem chickens Dennie), Harry Boyd, Tony Spezio, Skip Shorb and a host of others.

Well, good turned into great. From the rekindling of old friendships has thus far come at least one planned trip to Montana in August, and keeping in touch with my dear old friends, I’m sure, will result in many more “fishin’ trips”.

Got back home and of course back to work. Started cutting and splitting cane Friday night and by last night I had the splits for 4 butt sections and 8 tip sections sorted bundled and ready to taper. I’ll probably spend most of today doing the same and the next 3 days on the beveller cutting rods. I love this life!!!

By the way, we’re moving to Mountain Home in June. I got in my practice for living there by fishing either the Norfork or the White every day (and all but one night) that I was there last week… it’s still some of the most exciting trout fishing I’ve ever experienced. One possible exception… Mill Creek, SW Montana and wild Cuts… Thanks Jim and Deanna for that little hint a few years ago!

Later,
Bob

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Hi, Bob,I enjoyed your post. I need to thank you for your various contributionss to the web re- bamboo rod making. I am just a hobby maker. Without you knowing it, you have helped me through several rod making problems. Thank you. Good luck at your new venue in Mountain home. It’s a great place. I started fishing the Norfork and White 47 years ago. One seldom ever saw another fly angler.People there could not understand that one did not have to use corn of marshmellows for bait. Well best wishes and very good luck. Gerry L.

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Hi, Bob, sorry I missed you Friday.

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Gerry, I’m glad I’ve been of some help to some people. This bamboo thing is my passion, second only to family and my bamboo inspector (Dusty, my Mini Sheltie that seems to think she is a fixture in the shop). I hope you get the same enjoyment from making cane rods that I get.

Griff… Sorry I missed you, but most of the time there was spent looking for a house. Do you know how hard it is to find a 4 BR house with a shop close to the river that doesn’t cost a cool million??? A lot of money for an old rodmaker! :slight_smile: We will definitely get together once I get moved.

Later,
Bob