Caledonia Museum Trout Festival, Bamboo Rods, and Historical Reels

Summary

David Lehmann, a fly fishing historian and collector, discusses his passion for the historical side of fly fishing and his involvement with the Big Springs Museum in Caledonia, New York. He shares his journey into collecting antique fishing tackle and the fascinating history behind it. The conversation also touches on the upcoming Caledonia Trout Festival and the various events and attractions it offers. David highlights three rare and historically significant reels that are part of the museum's collection, including one believed to have belonged to Seth Green, a pioneer in trout fishing. The conversation explores the discovery of Seth Green's fishing reels in a small museum in Caledonia, New York. The museum showcases the history of the town and Seth Green's contributions to trout fishing. The host and guest discuss the significance of the find and the emotional experience of stumbling upon such rare reels. They also touch on the evolution of fishing rods, the characteristics of split bamboo rods, and how to identify and acquire them. The conversation concludes with a discussion of the upcoming Caledonia Trout Festival.

Takeaways

David Lehmann's interest in the historical side of fly fishing was sparked when he came across an antique casting reel similar to the one his father used.
He has been collecting antique fishing tackle for over 30 years and is fascinated by the history and craftsmanship of these items.
The Big Springs Museum in Caledonia, New York, houses a vast collection of fishing history, including reels believed to have belonged to Seth Green.
The Caledonia Trout Festival is an annual event that celebrates the history of fishing in the area and features live music, fishing vendors, and conservation groups. The Big Springs Museum in Caledonia, New York, houses a collection of Seth Green's fishing reels and other memorabilia, showcasing his contributions to trout fishing.
The discovery of these rare reels in the museum was a serendipitous and emotional experience for the guest, who had been visiting the town for years.
Split bamboo rods are highly regarded for their casting ease and forgiving nature, making them suitable for beginners and experienced anglers alike.
Vintage split bamboo rods can be found at affordable prices, offering a classic and classy alternative to modern graphite rods.
The Caledonia Trout Festival is an annual event that celebrates the town's fishing heritage and offers various activities, exhibits, and vendors for fishing enthusiasts.