Andy Dear | Monday, 6 January 2025
“Don’t wait until February to start living in January.”
― Anthony T. Hincks
I am usually not one to make New Year's resolutions. However, earlier today while cleaning and organizing the shop, I was reminded at how many rod blanks I have in my personal invntory.One of the perks of working in this business, is the privelege of receiving prototypes, one offs, and discontinued models.
At last count, I had 37 fly blanks of different weights and brands. This does not include the spinning/casting blanks that I have in stock! RIght now the list of manufacturers include: AllStar, Burkheimer, CTS, Composite Developments Inc, and last but not least, Hot Torpedo.
For the past several years, I have been so busy with the epoxy end of the business, I simply haven't had time to build as many rods as I would like. Fortunately for 2025, I have put a plan in place for regular part-time help, to ease the strain of the growing volume.
Going through the inventory also made me long for the days when Scott and Loomis still sold blanks. What I wouldn't give for a few HP888 blanks to put in the quiver for future use.
If there is one thing that 2024 taught me, as the old saying goes... tide and time wait for no man. When I look back on the last 365 days, it makes me wish I'd spent just a little more time away from the "job", and a little more behind the wrapping lathe and the vise.
Here's hoping all of you have a great 2025, doing more of whatever it is that you love to do!
Andy