more on that later . . .
but the Grand River Spey Clave was marvelous!
Neil and Rick put together a first class event that should have been more heavily attended. I was especially sorry that I had to leave Saturday night to come home (one daughter who I rarely see arrived Thursday night and left this morning . . . it's tough juggling priorities). But the day on Saturday was absoultelyfirst class.
Andy Murray continues to provide new insights, Rick's presentation was terrific for first-timers. Francois (can't remember his last name) a BC and Gaspé guide, gave a great presentation of double-handed underhand and single hand speys. Brit Gary Champion demonstrated sunk line techniques. I was especially pleased with Neil's clear demos of Skagit casting (and I was grateful that he matched lines to my personal rods). I was also pleased to be able to meet and share ideas with the designers of a couple of my favorite lines . . . James Chalmers (Spey lines) and Andrew Toft (trout lines) from Carron. Andrew let me cast their wonderful 16 footer with the 85' Jetstream and they helped me match the 85 footer with my ARC 1509 (yes, I bought one . . . I also have their 9/10 and 10/11 for a couple of my other rods). Andrew's Spey casting demo was marvelous. A big thank you to the Jacks for sending them across the pond.
*The one thing you all missed was Gordon MacLeod's wonderful presentation on that illusive icon, Alexander Grant. And to top it all off, the best part of all was his "first time ever displayed in public" demonstration of Grant's poorly understood planet cast. I can't wait to spend time with it. What a new "twist" it gives to Spey casting. I'd tell you all about it, but I'd have to kill you first. You should have been there.
So thank you, thank you Neil and Rick . . . and all the guys who came over from Scotland and England. It was a wonderful event.
Bill
but the Grand River Spey Clave was marvelous!
Neil and Rick put together a first class event that should have been more heavily attended. I was especially sorry that I had to leave Saturday night to come home (one daughter who I rarely see arrived Thursday night and left this morning . . . it's tough juggling priorities). But the day on Saturday was absoultelyfirst class.
Andy Murray continues to provide new insights, Rick's presentation was terrific for first-timers. Francois (can't remember his last name) a BC and Gaspé guide, gave a great presentation of double-handed underhand and single hand speys. Brit Gary Champion demonstrated sunk line techniques. I was especially pleased with Neil's clear demos of Skagit casting (and I was grateful that he matched lines to my personal rods). I was also pleased to be able to meet and share ideas with the designers of a couple of my favorite lines . . . James Chalmers (Spey lines) and Andrew Toft (trout lines) from Carron. Andrew let me cast their wonderful 16 footer with the 85' Jetstream and they helped me match the 85 footer with my ARC 1509 (yes, I bought one . . . I also have their 9/10 and 10/11 for a couple of my other rods). Andrew's Spey casting demo was marvelous. A big thank you to the Jacks for sending them across the pond.
*The one thing you all missed was Gordon MacLeod's wonderful presentation on that illusive icon, Alexander Grant. And to top it all off, the best part of all was his "first time ever displayed in public" demonstration of Grant's poorly understood planet cast. I can't wait to spend time with it. What a new "twist" it gives to Spey casting. I'd tell you all about it, but I'd have to kill you first. You should have been there.
So thank you, thank you Neil and Rick . . . and all the guys who came over from Scotland and England. It was a wonderful event.
Bill