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 JimP.fishnbanjosplace |
Darryl Whitehead |
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Posts: 108 11/07/2009 18:52 |
I have seen a number of rods recently with engraved metal parts including a couple of Mike Clarks, but I usually think about Darryl Whitehead. Forget the
engraving, can anyone tell me something about Darryl Whitehead rods themselves? Tapers, actions, quality come to mind. How do they perform when fishing? Would
his rods be as well known if they were not engraved (I know not all are)?
Thanks for any information or thoughts. JimP |
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tim simbari |
#1 | |||
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Posts: 427 11/07/2009 20:08 |
Whiteheads rods are kind of tough to catagorize. First, the engraving, while nice, is by no means a major component of their appeal. Daryl started and led a
lot of the Pac. northwest cane movement teaching several, including Paul French, Joe Sarricione, Bellinger and quite a few others . The difficulty with his
rods arises from the fact that so many are based on innumerable classic tapers with lots of alterations. I have personal experience with rods based on
Thomas,Payne, Dickerson tapers and they are all nice. His construction is near flawless, utilizing great reel seats incorporating exotic wood, horn, ivory,etc.
He usually incorporates essentially a French polish to the varnish. I would say that most of the rods I've seen are some version of medium/medium fast
tapers and the colors he's used varied from subdued Thomas type to wild yellow, orange, everything in between.
He's really a remarkable guy and I've been priviliged to have been a friend for close to 20 years.
Last Edited By: tim simbari 11/13/2009 23:12.
Edited 2 times.
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BAMBOO2041 |
#2 | |||
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Posts: 17 11/07/2009 21:22 |
Whitehead Rods are some of the most beautiful you will ever see. I too have know him for years and if there is one thing that I do know it is that he is the
consumate craftsman. When he makes a rod it is with intent that it will be a thing of great beauty and really a piece of art. His rods are like fine sports
cars in that they don't have to be so beautiful to look at but the maker just thought "why the hell not". While it is true that he uses tried and
true tapers for the most part, I think his real gift is in the presentation of that taper. Fly fishing is a beautiful thing. One sees fish, streams, mountains,
wildlife, and any number of other things that make the experience one that fill the senses. Daryll simply extends that experience to being able to look into
ones hand and see even more sensual things. Lets face it, you can probably catch as many trout with a Southbend, if you are competent, as you can with a
Brandin, Aroner, Reams or any number of top makers. But does that really do it for you? If you were a bird hunter would you want a plain old shot gun you
bought at Walmart, or an engraved English gun? Whitehead gives anglers the choice between plain Jane and presentation grade. I think most anglers, deep in
their souls, love the art of the presentation.
Charles |
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JimP.fishnbanjosplace |
#3 | |||
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Posts: 109 11/07/2009 22:33 |
Thanks very much guys! Much appreciated! And, yes I am a bird hunter. I use a 1917 John Dickson & Sons Round Action with beautiful engraving. I think a
Whitehead rod is in my future.
best, JimP |
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tapermaker |
#4 | |||
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Posts: 847 11/13/2009 06:16 |
I spent a weekend building up a 4pc. travel rod based on his taper for a 5wt blank i made for darryl at his home in stayton. he wanted a rod from me basicly
because he felt he could help me in my finishing of rods. i got a chance to build up and finish the rod over the weekend learning much along the way. His
attention to construction of ferrule stations and mounting as well as installing grip and seat were done with extreme care.the finish tips he gave to me were
greatly appreciated. the finished rod was something to see. his praise of my blank became almost embarrasing compared to his work on the rod.He called me a
couple of days ago to catch up and even a year after the weekend tutorial commented on how much he enjoyed the rod we made together. although he trys to come
off as a gruff old crumudjon , there isnt a more caring or selfless teacher. I count him as a true friend.you would be happy with anything that has his name
attach to it.
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curtelder |
I strongly agree | #5 | ||
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Posts: 15 11/13/2009 10:00 |
I agree strongly agree with Tapermaker. I also received priceless instruction from Daryll which improved my rodmaking 100+ percent. When I receive praise for
my work I have to respond that I'm just doing as Daryll taught me. If there was a guild for rodmakers, Daryll would have to truly be worthy of the title
of Master Rod Maker. Daryll instructed me with one condition, that some day should a young rodmaker come to me for help that I will be as open and instructive
as he was, and is, with me. Quite impressive!!
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RickBlaine |
#6 | |||
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Posts: 4 11/13/2009 10:34 |
Does Mr. Whitehead have a website where one can view his work?
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joaniebo |
#7 | |||
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Posts: 1963 11/13/2009 11:13 |
Several years ago, I was introduced to Daryll Whitehead by one of the fellows (now deceased) who worked at Bellinger, when I mentioned my interest in getting a
few blanks to assemble as gifts for my son and two brothers-in-law. I bought the three sets of blanks from Daryll and in several subsequent conversations (and
a meeting or two when he was in the Chicago area) learned a lot from him. He's a REAL GENTLEMAN and told me a bundle of stuff on assembling and finishing
rods ... heck, he'll even tell you the steel wool and sand paper he uses, color preserver, etc.
At our Chicago-area meeting, he gave me several silk lines to refinish and subsequently, sent me three or four other lines to do ..... in return, he sent me some of agate and agatine stripper guides that he made ... which I (understandingly) have uses sparingly. Cheers and Safe Fishing Bob PS - Although I haven't contacted Daryll for quite awhile, to the best of my knowledge, he can usually be reached at the Bellinger shop. |
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curtelder |
#8 | |||
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Posts: 16 11/13/2009 15:00 |
Daryll's dealer M.W. Reynolds has a page describing his rods and models he makes
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shuksanrods |
#9 | |||
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Posts: 63 11/15/2009 11:01 |
my two cents, and likely many would agree, Whitehead and Chet Croco (Bellinger) are among the few who take the lead and set the standard for fit, finish and rod craftsmanship. The majority of us are
left imitating. Only a very few make as nice a rods. This isn't just in reference to the trailblazing engraving, agate (snakebrand), and flawless
(beyond flawless!) finish, hardware and reelseats. Its in reference to their rod making equipment as well. No corner cutting anywhere
Last Edited By: shuksanrods 11/16/2009 00:30.
Edited 1 time.
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