After drifting over here from the Fiberglass Forum many times, I finally took the plunge and bought my first bamboo rod, a Mike Brooks 197. I found myself
really attracted to the photos of the rod in the forum classified section, specifically the gorgeous reel seat and the small grip built with 1/4" rings.
After searching the forum for all references to Mike, I was convinced that it was the one I wanted for my first bamboo rod. Well, it has arrived and I confess
that I am now in love - can't seem to put it down. I matched it up with a Hardy Featherweight and a WF4 and it just came alive.
After the rod arrived, I went back to Mike's website and was amazed to find that it is actually the same 197 pictured on Mike's website. Mike told me that he had built the rod for a California minister who had brought the reel seat wood back from the Holy Land - it's Jerusalem olive wood. I find it really interesting how these rods travel around and feel fortunate to have learned something of the history of my rod.
I have really enjoyed being a member of this great forum and now feel I have at least a little more in common with everybody. I'm learning, but it sure is a steep learning curve for a retired brain.
After the rod arrived, I went back to Mike's website and was amazed to find that it is actually the same 197 pictured on Mike's website. Mike told me that he had built the rod for a California minister who had brought the reel seat wood back from the Holy Land - it's Jerusalem olive wood. I find it really interesting how these rods travel around and feel fortunate to have learned something of the history of my rod.
I have really enjoyed being a member of this great forum and now feel I have at least a little more in common with everybody. I'm learning, but it sure is a steep learning curve for a retired brain.
