Mudhole is where Cody and I shop for 97% of our rod-building supplies. Last year, while the rod-building gang was into building a completely black rod, I changed my scheme a little. I built a TFO Professional 6# rod whose name is Checkmate! (yes, all of my rods that I build are named), so obviously its color scheme is black and white. Cody builds my handles making them perfectly sized for my hand, smoothe, and unique--for this rod I wanted a checkerboard handle.
I did not get the fancy butt-section wrap completed before we left (because I had changed it three times), but the reel seat section looked wonderful. Checkmate!'s maiden voyage was on the North River, just off the Unalakleet River. Its first fish was a Coho Salmon; its second was a Chum. We had moved in to Butch's Cove, and were fishing for Grayling and Dolly Vardens, so Checkmate! was taking a rest. Cody snapped its photo, I submitted Cody's photo to Mudhole way back in May, and the rest is history! Can't wait to see where the photo ends up in the calendar!
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| One of 12 2012 Mudhole Calendar Winning Photos! |
Love the TFO 6 wt. pro, it was my first rod. Mine has a plan handle though, but after seeing yours I may need to add some art work. Good Story and I'll look for the calendar!
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