Nice Riffle build Jerry! So I'll call just this "Another... "
I was considering what our family might gift my wife's dad Charles for his 84th (June) birthday and Father's Day- a man who has
almost everything, especially as to fishing and hunting gear. In his retirement, Charles fishes almost daily from dock, bank or boat, wherever, whenever for
everything from gills to bass to carp. "Avid" doesn't fully describe his lifelong fishing interests. Charles was Director of Fish, Game and
Natural Resources in Alabama for 38 years under six governors and was a fierce opponent of stream channelization and water degradation way ahead of his time,
going back to the '60's when the coal interests and Corps of Engineers were threatening waterways all across the South.
I'm very pleased with this Kettle Creek build for Charles by Doug Hollen/onemoredeer. I had admired a rod of Doug's posted around the New Year, and
together we quickly came up with a plan, leaning very much towards the classic look. You'll recognize similarities to Doug's previous builds but there
are a lot of subtle differences. The rod is small thanks for my father-in-law's hospitality and generosity over the years.
Doug was extremely accommodating in every way, including shipping the rod out in time for our Alabama trip. Doug's all about the
details. I'm really proud of the work he did- all the components blend and are just what I had imagined, and more. My photos don't do the rod justice!
Perhaps Doug will chime in describing his process, and clarify any mistakes I've made in the description.
Kettle Creek Riffle Glass blank 7-6 3/4wt med-slow action. Black alum. tube & sock
Half-wells grip, black hardware, keeper & guides. Wraps are translucent silk w/black tipping. Doug's own ferrule band
The seat wood is sumac- I left the choice up to Doug and couldn't be happier
Mildrum agate stripper
Inscription is to: Charles Kelley Titus, AL
Doug- thanks again. This rod should fish like a demon!
