21, 22 & 23 April 2022
in Townsend TN
{and if you don’t yet have a room reservation, STOP READING NOW, call them and ask for Karen … tell her you're with The Bash}
'quiet back doorstep' of Great Smoky Mountains National Park~
and we’re finally back in full force after a two-year Covid hiatus!
But first:
IN HUMBLE CONSIDERATION OF THE CURRENT NATIONAL HEALTH CRISIS: please carefully review your health status
before leaving home in April, … DON’T ATTEND if you are sick, … and out of an abundance of caution and respect for your friends:
If you have been to the Bash in the past, this year you'll again recognize the signature Bash mantra of
BambooBash is like a live, 3-day version of the best parts of the Classic Fly Rod Forum, including:
……- all the genuine comradery the Forum members are known for, with fly-fishing expertise gladly shared,
……- a sometimes -almost-giddy- emersion in vintage rods, reels and tackle,
……- some great food probably NOT on your doctor's 'recommended' list, and
……- plenty of fishing time on the cherished waters of the Smokies in all their glorious spring bloom.
Featuring:
…The Casting Lawn…For the entire (3-day) Bash duration there will be an impressive amount of Cane in evidence, strung and generously shared for test casting on the celebrated Casting Lawn at Docks. This is one of those Great Opportunities we often mention here on CFRF to experience different cane rod actions, complete with all manner of support tackle, and certainly No Shortage of independent, non-commercial opinions from your peers about their use, abilities and worth. Bring yours and share the experience!
…The LineLab will be back this year (!) expanded and organized in its new transport box under the curatorial care of LineBoss Doug T.
It now offers -more than 30!- different modern fly lines, mostly 4 to 7 weights, all spooled on venerable Medalists, and just waiting for your test casts on the Casting Lawn! Have a question about the right line for Your new rod?? Bring it and test out lines on the Lawn!
……..So here's the so-called ‘Schedule’ for BambooBash22:
April 21 (Thur)
…. We will officially kick off the festivities with the storied Bamboo Grill-out at Metcalf Bottoms Picnic Area. The Bottoms are located about 20 scenic minutes east of Townsend in GSMNP on the banks of the Little River (GPS: Little River Gorge Rd x Wears Cove Gap Rd). Right around 1pm we'll start gathering at the Bottoms's lower end (look for the Bash sign) to share the ambiance only the Little River can provide, chow down on Really Fine Picnic Fare, trade fishing stories with old & new friends and commence the Great Smoky Tackle Swap. Bring tackle you have outgrown, under-use or just want to pass on/sell to other Bashers. Prepare To Dicker!
…As usual, the food will be stellar and again highlighted by the famous Grilled Specialties of the 'R&R Deli' (aka: good 'ole Rich & Ray).
NOTICE: This year, mindful of C19 ‘good PUBLIC health practices’, we will forgothe appeal for ‘pot-luck’ offerings, and the whole menu,
‘soup-to-nuts’, will be catered through the skilled efforts of R&R Deli.
.......To cover this year’s extra expenses, a BashBox cash donation, say $10 each, will be requested.
April 22 (Fri)
…. The focus on Friday will turn to the Casting Lawn at Docks, which has been moved to the MUCH more expansive greenspace behind the old motel rooms. (Why didn’t we do this before???) This area will accommodate twice as many casters and allow for improved safety and security of our cherished tackle. The Line Lab’s wide selection will be available for Flyline Performance Comparisons, surely generating much spirited discussion. And word has it that several regional rod builders are bringing newly completed examples of the craft, including small stream rods, new tapers and some distance Tournament-styled rods.
…. And ever mindful of C19 ‘good PUBLIC health practices’, we will make a hand cleaning station with non-alcohol-based sanitizers, and gloves, available near the Casting Lawn for the Bash duration.
April 23 (Sat)
.....Starting at 10am on Saturday, this year’s feature TackleTalk program will be offered outside under the covered Pavilion at Docks with a presentation by a very special guest speaker: Mr. Walter Babb of Sweetwater TN. Walter is an exceptional cane rod maker of national reputation and has a long and storied background fishing and designing tackle for the Southern Appalachian regional streams that surround us at the Bash.
His discussion will include thoughts on small stream rod design and comments on his long history of fishing these waters by float and on foot. Several of his rods will be available on the Casting Lawn. I’m especially looking forward to a lively Q&A session following his talk.
……As you may have gathered, this year we are aiming at staging all Bash-scheduled activity in outdoor venues as much as possible. Keep this in mind when considering your gear & clothing choices. Past seasons have really emphasized the Bash Golden Rule: 'Mother Nature Bats Last'.
Little River Outfitters, our hometown fly shop, just down the street from Docks, has up-to-the-minute weather reports & gear.
We do this not as a crusade to resurrect the past,
but rather to serve as today’s respectful caretaker of cane fishing history,
while promoting and advancing its future.
This thread will remain pinned and act as the clearing house for all Bash22 matters.
Feel free to post your comments and questions here!
Paul
Charleston SC