#PassItOn

My first fly rod was passed on to me by a friend of my fathers who knew I was interested in fishing. It was made from bamboo. I delved into some issues of Sports Afield and Outdoor Life magazines to figure out how to use it. I had no reel, but I purchased a level Cortland 5wt fly line with money from my paper route.

I raided my mom’s sowing kit for thread and borrowed my dad’s vise grip for a tying vise. I cut up some walleye jigs for feathers and tied them to an Eagle Claw Bait Holder Hook. Then I started fly fishing by simply pulling enough loose line from the spool to cast. I had as much fun with that makeshift outfit as I do now with my 4wt Sage One Switch Rod. That old bamboo fly rod was my catalyst for the lifetime pursuit of fly fishing.

If you are interested in donating some used (usable condition) angling gear to help get a kid started, contact your nearest North 40 Fly Shop. We are looking for fly rods, fly reels and fly tying vises. No vise grips please. If you donate your gear to this program, you may receive a 10% discount on a fly rod, reel or vise. #PassItOn