River Watch

[Sloan Craven]

I have no plans of ever buying one of these at $2,200 each, but curiosity got to me.
Has any one ever cast or does anyone own a River Watch? They are bamboo spey rods built in B.C.

[Red Shed]

I don't have one, as yet, but I have friends and customers that have these rods or are having them built now. Bob Clay is a very talanted rod builder. His rods are things of great beauty and they cast great.

When one considers that a Loomis Greased Line is $900.00+ a Bob Clay rod @ $2200.00 should be considered a bargin.

[Sloan Craven]

I wasn't knocking the price by any means. I just don't see myself in the position any time soon to buy a 2 thousand dollar rod.
Are they faster or slower?

[fredaevans]

Another vote with Red Shed. Hardy 'broke' the $2,000 USD mark at least 4 years ago. Unimpressive looking rod to say the least; my first impression was 'made out of a 'S-Glass blank?'

Edit: Nuts, forgot to ask: Sloan, what are the 'spec's' on the rod? (Length, line wt, etc?)
Fred

[Red Shed]

I just don't see myself in the position any time soon to buy a 2 thousand dollar rod.
Are they faster or slower?

I hear you on the the thin wallet issue, as I know it myself.

As to the action, within reason I think Bob could build whatever you wanted.

[Sloan Craven]

Fred, The only ready to buy Riverwatch spey rods I have seen are an 8126 (8 weight 12'6") and and 8130. Im sure you can get all sorts of sizes built, but I think Bob Clay beleives the ideal rod size for his designs are between 12' and 13'. Just found this onhis website:
"Our rods are heat treated and available in blond and a darker, flame treated version. They come in rod lengths of 12 foot, 12 foot 6 inches and 13 foot. I can be talked into building 14 footers and beyond, but I have found them to be, in a word, ‘heavy’. This year we also hope to have a rod smaller than the 12 footer, it is in the prototype stage. "

[Hal Eckert]

Now this is a spey rod to swing a fine $ 12+ steelhead/salmon fly on for sure.

:p :beer2:

BG

[speyfisher]

I met and talked to Bob Clay at last years Spey-O-Rama in San Fransisco. Interesting fellow with some cutting edge ideas & techniques on split bamboo rod constuction. Did I cast one of his rods? No. For the same reason I haven't cast a Hardy Angel. Which, by the way, is also the same reason I've never taken a Ferarri, or an Anna Nichole, for a test drive. :p

[James Mello]

I met and talked to Bob Clay at last years Spey-O-Rama in San Fransisco. Interesting fellow with some cutting edge ideas & techniques on split bamboo rod constuction. Did I cast one of his rods? No. For the same reason I haven't cast a Hardy Angel. Which, by the way, is also the same reason I've never taken a Ferarri, or an Anna Nichole, for a test drive. :p

At this point they would use the word Necrophile for the Anna Nichole thing...

[fredaevans]

At this point they would use the word Necrophile for the Anna Nichole thing...

There once was a young man named Dave,
who kept a dead whore in a cave,
etc.

[Salmon Chaser]

There are ALOT of lads out there who do not get the $1000 cane rod thing,, let alone the $2000 rod. While we are on it,,, collectors have paid in excess of $12,000usd for the ultra rare and collectible rods. For those of us who do get it,,, the sheer mojo that goes into one of these rods makes the $$$$ worth it,, totally. A fine cane rod with any sized Hardy Perfect to compliment it,,, jeez boys,, your livin!!!
Salmon Chaser

[Salmon Chaser]

Mike Brooks from Coburg, Oregon is a lad some of you should look up. He can and will make you the finest rod you could ever want for a very reasonable price. He is a master, and the finest gentleman one could wish to know!!
Salmon Chaser

[Sloan Craven]

So you've cast one of these bad boys, Salmon Chaser?