Saturday started at 4:00 AM in a hotel room in Utica, NY. Shower, shave, pack, and into the car. First stop: Dunkin Donuts aka "Double D." I am a sucker for a couple of chocolate frosted donuts and a warm cup of joe with cream and sugar. With carbs at the ready, I proceeded to the rendezvous point. I would be meeting Bill at 6 AM.
No sooner did the donuts disappear than my benefactor arrived. Bill Hickey is the mind and hands behind W. Jude Custom Fly Rod Company. His name and web site were brought to my attention when I decided that I wanted an Epic 686 fly rod. Bill built my custom "So Blue" Epic 686 rod and got it to me faster than expected. I can say without reservation that I am completely satisfied with his work and would gladly go back to him when I want my next custom fly rod. I'm still planning a more in-depth write up before the summer's over.
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| Click to enlarge - Bill's work is flawless. |
Due to some family scheduling at home, I found myself with an opportunity to go fishing in Upstate New York, where I've been working on occasion for the past two years. Lucky for me, Bill's shop isn't too far from where I've been working. I reached out to him and he was able to meet for some Saturday morning fishing. Also fortunate, he doesn't mind an early start.
