Hello!
I'm back... I had a wonderful time in Michigan with the family. I haven't
been back there for about 10 yrs. I forget how beautiful Traverse City is.
It was my grandmothers 80th birthday. I managed to sneak in two visits to
fly shops. I went to The Northern Angler in Traverse City. They were the
nicest people!!! They had a very nice shop. I also stopped into the
Troutsman. It had a little more tying material, lots of Whiting Roosters!
I liked that. I was a little surprised that they didn't have more specialty
salmon tying materials. I couldn't find any tube fly supplies in either
shop.
I was able to spend a few hours with a hook maker, Ron Reinhold, the night
before I left. He also makes some amazing nets!!! I unfortunately forgot
my camera and didn't want to make my brother turn around to get it. He
chewed me out on the way out of Ron's driveway for forgetting my camera. :)
I had brought some vintage hooks I had gotten from Ron Alcott to try to
identify. We compared them to the vintage hooks Ron has collected over the
years.
Ron was so generous with his time and knowledge. I got to see some Eugene
Sunday hooks also. Eugene passed away before I came into this crazy hobby
full speed so I never got the opportunity to meet him. I think Ron had also
reproduced some of Eugene's hooks.
I learned so much about hooks I had to write notes down after I left. I was
on overload. I also left with a few more hooks than I brought with me.
Luckily I had no problems with the TSA in either airport. I brought along
one of my full dressed salmon flies to show them just in case.
It was a great trip back home and I hope I won't let so much time pass
before I return again. I'll try to send a trip report for Roscoe later
today.
Deb
www.uftri.com
