Over the past three years, I have been devoting a great deal of time to developing and testing new models. Several of these are logical extensions of existing models while others are a departure from my standard fare.

The Main Stem line has been expanded to include an eight-foot three-piece for V weight, and a seven and a half foot two-piece for V weight. Both of these are powerful models at home on a variety of waters. Both have quickly established themselves as amongst the most popular of our offerings.

In the larger size range, I have added an eight-foot three-piece for VII weight. I tested this model on the waters of Oregon, Wyoming, and Idaho in the Fall of 2005. It was a delight to fish. Designed primarily for big fish and big flies, it also manages the smaller flies and fish with ease. The rod is offered in both a heavy trout configuration and as a light salmon set up. The heavy trout model has the standard mortised reseat, with nickel silver sliding ring band, and butt cap. The salmon model is furnished with a one-inch built-in extension butt, mortised reel seat and twin nickel silver rings. The salmon model has been a joy to fish on the Middle and Baddeck Rivers of Cape Breton Island, Nova Scotia.

Another new model that has already grown a strong following, is the Steeves" 726. That old reprobate and talented fly designer, Harrison R. Steeves, III, asked me to build him a rod for western wind and large flies. He wanted a seven-foot, two-piece for VI weight. I had a lot of reservations. But, I put together a powerful little rod using a Maxwell/Marinaro ferrule, coupled with sturdy tips and a flatter tapered butt section. The result is a dynamite little casting machine. At a recent fly fishing show, three experienced fly fishermen cast the prototype and each ordered one on the spot.

Two other models have been designed for western headwaters fishing. These are both six and a half foot three-piece wands. One is a very fast model for V weight and the other a little less quick for IV/V weight. I have done one prototype with an all cork grip and a light weight tube for western high country backpacking. These models will be field tested extensively during the 2007 season.

Models under construction include a seven and a half foot, two-piece for IV weight and a seven-foot nine-inch, three-piece for VI weight. These should be ready for field tests in 2008.