“The Makers Rod 2000” Raffle
A Unique Stream Conservation Fundraising Project
The Makers Rod 2000 is an extraordinary bamboo fly-rod presentation package that is being raffled for a special cause -- stream conservation projects on the fabled Au Sable and Manistee rivers of north central Michigan. The Makers Rod 2000 Raffle is sponsored by the George Mason Chapter of Trout Unlimited and is also supported by the Great Lakes Council of the Federation of Fly Fishers and the Trout Bum Bar-B-Q.
For the rod makers participating in construction of the Makers Rod 2000, the project is an opportunity to demonstrate love of their craft and concern for our fisheries resources. For one lucky individual, it will be an opportunity to own one of the most unique bamboo fly rods ever made.
The Makers Rod 2000 Raffle project is a most unique under-taking in several respects. The bamboo fly rod that is the centerpiece of the grand prize presentation package will be a 7’ 6" 4 weight, 3-piece, 2-tipped rod. Twenty-four different rod makers from across the United States are taking part in its construction (editor’s note: a complete list of the rod makers follows, below). Each cane rod maker will hand plane one of the triangular strips, six of which are glued together to form the familiar hexagonal shape of a bamboo fly rod; each rod maker will sign his or her work. The Charles H. Demarest Company, established in 1880, is the importer of the Tonkin bamboo from China that is used in the construction of fine cane flyrods.
In addition to this very special cane rod, the Makers Rod 2000 prize package includes:
Not only is each component of the grand prize presentation package a uniquely handcrafted work, but also the raffle tickets are themselves limited edition pieces of art! Noted Michigan artist David Ruimveld has contributed a stunning image of a big brown trout charging from under a ‘lunker structure’ to chase after a passing streamer. The original artwork has been reproduced as an art quality 4"x6" four-color image on each of the 8"x10" raffle tickets which have been signed and numbered by artist Ruimveld. Each ticket is, in fact, a signed and numbered limited edition print suitable for framing.
This will be only the second time that such an impressive national cross-section of cane rod makers has collaborated in the construction of a single rod. The Makers Rod ’98 Raffle was the first of these unique efforts. Over 350 Makers Rod raffle tickets were sold and proceeds totalling $15,000 were presented in equal measure to:
The Makers Rod ticket prints are available by sending a check ($50 plus $5 s/h) to George Mason Chapter of TU, 1540 Bow Bend Trail, Grayling, MI 49738.
They may also be ordered by phone with a Visa or MasterCard; contact George A. Mason TU Treasurer Ron Joyce at 517-348-1390 to order.
A limited number of matching numbered sets of the 1998 Makers Rod Print and 2000 Makers Rod ticket/print are available at $90, plus $5 s/h.
The prints are also being offered with deluxe double-mat framing and inset mounting of a featured fly. For the Makers Rod 2000 print, the fly is a Peterson Special, the streamer featured on the print. For the Makers Rod ’98 print the fly is a Cabin Coachman. Both of the featured flies are tied by noted fly-tier Jerry Regan, who specializes in traditional Michigan fly patterns.
More information about the Makers Rod Raffle, framing options and pricing is available at: www.troutbums.com/makersrod/index.htm
You do not need to be present to win. The raffle is sponsored by the George Mason Chapter of Trout Unlimited, a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization, and is licensed by the State of Michigan, license # R52150. Information about the Makers Rod 2000 Raffle, including an opportunity to view the raffle ticket artwork by David Ruimveld, is available on the worldwide. RWOL
© Copyright 2000, , Anglers of the Au Sable, Inc. All rights reserved. This web page last modified: January 17, 2002
