OF GEORGE MAURER BAMBOO RODS AND WRITERS HARRY MIDDLETON AND JOHN GIERACH
Text and photographs from Clem Booth in London
Out of interest, here are three cane rods I have from the late George Maurer (Sweetwater Rods: see http://www.sweetwaterrods.com ), who was a good friend of the writer Harry Middleton widely considered to be one of America’s most outstanding fly fishing writers.
The first is Starlight Creek Albert’s Delight, a character in The Starlight Creek Angling Society which was Middleton's most collectable book. Only 500 were ever printed and one can expect to pay $800 plus for a copy in fine condition.
The second is Harry Middleton's own rod (BELOW), the first that George Maurer built for Harry.
And the third is Trout Bum (BELOW) which George made for the writer John Gierach, the original rod that rather famously went missing in the post; it is referred to in one of Gierach's books. I believe that it actually turned up after a decade or more!
I have all of Harry's books except for Starlight Creek Angling Society and of these days, I will break the bank to complete my collection.
In many respects Middleton was a sad character towards the end of his short life, but he is acknowledged as one of the greatest of the American writers.
His work is exemplified by the colourful characters who crossed his path along life's journey. See http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Harry_Middleton )
George Maurer was a very fine rod builder and an all round lovely bloke. After he passed away, the business was taken over by Wyatt Dietrich who was a student of George and who builds beautiful rods. See http://www.bamboorods.net
Trout Bum the rod destined for John Gierach
