John Betts has never shied away from fly-fishing esoterica. The Denver native has manufactured by hand fly reels, fly line and many other lesser objects.
So when the notion came to use strips fashioned from a variety of woods to make custom rods, hardly anyone was surprised that Betts plowed straight ahead to make it a reality.
Not only did he build several highly functional rods, the experience prompted a book, “Making Strip-Built Fly Rods from Various Woods on a Lathe.”
The format of the book perhaps is as remarkable as the keen instructional detail. An accomplished artist, Betts produced the ring-bound work in flowing hand-written script. Along with his own illustrations, this is reproduced on manuscript paper to form a collector’s item rarely seen in publishing.
Betts will show his masterpiece at a book signing from 11 a.m.-noon Jan. 5-7 at The Fly Fishing Show at the Denver Merchandise Mart. The price is $37.50, including tax, inside Colorado, $35.50 outside. Price includes shipping. Orders are being taken at 1452 S. Elizabeth St., Denver 80210, phone 303-722-7052.
