KABUTO RODS - Model 4511 Joins the Two-Handed Rod Offerings

You might remember in the initial announcement from Kabuto Rods last September with the introduction of Model 67116 that it was hinted to two additional two-handed rod models would be coming in 2026.  The family grows with the addition of Model 4511, which is a 11' 4/5 weight, and then later this year, the Model 8120,  the 12' 8-weight, will join the group.

Both the Model 4511 and Model 67116 two handed rod blanks can be ordered in a list of colors to include yellow, dark yellow, brown, blonde, and black.  I'm not saying you're wrong, but it's tough to beat the richness of Kabuto Rods blanks in dark yellow or brown.

 

For those wondering about grain windows for each of the available models, Yasuyuki Kabuto provides this guidance...

MODEL 4511

Scandi - 250 grains

Skagit - 325 - 350 grains

MODEL 67116

Scandi - 400 grains

Skagit - 425 - 450 grains

Visit the Kabuto Rods website to learn more and follow along on Facebook and Instagram for the latest shop announcements.

Andy Mill on Tarpon Fishing Tactics And Technique

Ole Florida Fly Shop recently had Andy Mill give a presentation on tarpon tactics and this video is a great primer for all of us who couldn't be there.  Press PLAY and take notes...

STRUBLE - Campanella Partnership & Pre-Order Special

I mentioned it the other day in The People of Campanella post that Struble will be the exclusive partner with Campanella and will soon be offering a select offering of their fiberglass and graphite blanks.  

For a limited time, Struble is offering these blanks with a 10% off pre-sale discount.  Blank orders should ship in the next six weeks.  Give a look to their Struble Add-On Component Kit to help complete your build for a significant savings, too.

 

From the Struble website...  

Struble is proud to partner with Campanella Fly Rods of Iwate, Japan to bring their truly unique blanks to rod builders in the United States. 

Campanella blanks and rods represent the pinnacle of meticulous Japanese fly rod craftsmanship. Specializing in small stream 3 & 4wt rods, each taper has been painstakingly perfected on the rivers and streams around Iwate pursuing the native Yamame and Iwana trout that call those waters home. These blanks represent the ultimate opportunity to experience a purity of casting to and catching small water trout that is simply unmatched anywhere in the world.

These tapers are then built into blanks of uncompromising quality, as Campanella is one of the only Japanese fly rod/blank makers to design, roll, and paint their own blanks entirely in-house. This not only means these blanks are some of the most reliably handcrafted in the world, but also a stable supply of consistently excellent blanks not subject to the whims and schedules of factories nor third-parties.

In the end, it all comes down to fishing. Campanella's finely tuned, exquisitely sublime blanks will take anyone back and remind them why they loved fly fishing in the beginning before marketing campaigns, planned obsolescence, micro and nano resins, and casting competitions distracted us from why we do this in the first place.

We know these blanks will make for rods cherished and passed down for generations because they were made to fly fish.

Visit the Struble website for more information on the Campanella blanks that they will be offering soon.  Depending on the response, Struble may expand their blank offering in the future.

PATAGONIA - Tying with Pheasant Tail Bonefish Fly

I continue to enjoy reading and watching the videos from Pheasant Tail Simplicity with the trio of Yvon Chouinard, Craig Mathews, and Mauro Mazzo working together on this Patagonia paperback, which is full of stories, techniques, and fly tying recipes with step-by-step instructions. 

In this video, Yvon teaches how to tie the Pheasant Tail Bonefish Fly.  Press PLAY...

Order your copy of Pheasant Tail Simplicity on the Patagonia website or pick one up at your local book store or fly shop.  

Want to jump ahead and watch other Pheasant Tail Simplicity videos?  You can find them on the Patagonia YouTube channel.  

MB CUSTOM RODS - Soulmate Glassic 703 S-Glass Build

I don't know about you but I am a complete pushover when a fly rod builder, in this case Marc Beibler of MB Custom Rods and Soulmate Rods, classically inks the description around the blank of the fly rod instead of along it.  Slow scroll through the images of this build and check out the perfect script on this Soulmate Glassic 703 S-Glass build.  So good.  And, at last check, this build is available, too.

Marc wrote...  "This is a recent workshop release with the Soulmate Glassic 703 S-Glass in my favorite colour scheme brown sugar.  This super light yet powerful glass stick is going to be your to go rod for small to medium sized spring creeks or any other occasion targeting feisty browns or grayling.  Finished with nickle silver hardware from Lemke Cocepts, a Struble agate guide, with Snake Guides and kimono silk wraps.  This beauty is up for grabs and can be shipped immediately.  Get in touch if you are interested…and let me know in which waters you’d take her for a cast or two."

Visit the MB Custom Rods and Soulmate Rods website.  Reach out to Marc through email, Facebook, or Instagram if you are interested in this stellar build.  I'm sure that it won't last long...

SOUTHERN CULTURE ON THE FLY - Issue 58

The latest issue of Southern Culture on the Fly is live and ready for a read through with a cup of coffee or cold one, depending on what time you're reading this.  Enjoy...

 

CHECK IT.

The People Behind Campanella

I came across a three film series this week that highlights the folks behind Campanella, and gives a look into their fly rod shop and streams in Iwate, Japan.  Press PLAY on each one by one.







I hope to speak with Ken E. Blaxley soon for a deeper dive into Campanella on their fiberglass blanks and fly rods.  For those in the states, you'll soon have easier access to the Campanella fiberglass and graphite blanks as Struble just announced on Instagram that they will be the sole source.

Visit the Campanella website and if there is something specific that you'd like me to ask Ken E. Blaxley, send an email to thefiberglassmanifesto@gmail.com.