Make your own fishing rod

LIVINGSTON MANOR, NY — On the weekend of April 22-23, there will be a two-day workshop, “Graphite Fly Rod Building,” co-sponsored by Fir Brook Flies and Morgan Outdoors of Livingston Manor. Participants will build their own graphite fly rods and can choose either a seven-and-one-half-foot, 4-wt. rod or an eight-foot, 5-wt. rod. The program will take place in Morgan Outdoors’ new program room at 46 Main Street, Livingston Manor, on the banks of the Catskill’s Willowemoc Creek.

“There’s nothing quite like fishing with a rod you built yourself,” said workshop instructor John Zimny, who has been building fly rods for 25 years. He learned the craft by much reading and experimentation. His rods have been purchased and used by anglers from Japan to Italy. John has taught rod building at Federation of Flyfishers conclaves in Livingston, Montana and at his shop.

The workshop is limited to 10 students and will be held on Saturday, April 22 from 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m., and on Sunday, April 23 from 9:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. The registration fee of $195 includes a quality rod blank, all supplies for building and finishing the rod, and light refreshments both days. The registration deadline is March 1, 2005.

For more information call 845/439-5507 or stop by at 46 Main Street, Livingston Manor (Rt. 17, exit 96).