Chris Daughters and Kerry Burkheimer met this fall, part of the important process of getting to know each other and brainstorming a vision of their mutual commitment to the fly fishing industry and their love of fly fishing. That was a lot of territory to cover, and these two guys had a great time. I had the pleasure of sipping coffee and listening to their conversation about Russ Peak’s influence on Kerry’s rod designs and philosophy; steelhead Spey fishing in BC; the world market for high quality cork; the commitment Kerry and Chris share for maintaining strong runs of wild salmon, steelhead and trout in a climate where many would turn strictly to hatchery fish; hand-polished snake guides; the Burkheimer fly rod handle design; Burkheimer single hand fly rods designed for small stream trout fishing, Bonefish, Tarpon, and – egads – even billfish!
Kerry and Chris cast a few Burkheimer trout rods in the parking lot. Kerry recalled his recent Bonefish trip that reinforced the value of a fly rod capable of handling change-of-direction casts, making the 25′ as well as the 60′ cast, because it is common to be surprised by a close-in school of Bones and the quick direction/distance cast can make or break the moment.
Chris and Kerry talked Spey fly rods too. Questions and answers. The connection between these two men was obvious and comfortable from the beginning. Chris, as per usual, was interrupted by customers who just had to see this fly reel or that fly line and dig into his deep well-of-experience before making the big purchase.
Smiles. Hand shakes. The first Caddis Fly order of Burkheimer Spey fly rods was placed. The leading edge of a fine new friendship and business relationship.
Chris Daughters is proud to announce that the first set Burkheimer Spey fly rods have arrived and are available for your inspection at the shop. These include the 6126-4 Classic; the 7134-4 Classic; the 7134-4 Vintage; and the 8134-4 Classic. The 7127-4 Classic and 8139-3 Classic are on the way. Chris invites you to consider placing your order for your first or next Burkheimer Fly rod through the Caddis Fly Shop. We are learning more about these “superb” Spey and single hand fly rods each time we go afield. We are currently fishing the 7127-4, 7134-4, 8139-3, 7115-4, 995-4, and 595-4 Burkies. We love these rods and find that several experienced Caddis Fly customers are teaching us about these and other of Kerry’s fine fly rods. This is all a lot of fun, and we invite all of you Burkheimer veterans to drop by and share your Burkie experiences to help us learn.
-JN
