Bellevue's first bamboo rodmaker?

[Dave Westburg]

Found this advertisement for Bellevue, WA bamboo rodmaker Chuck Umphlette in the 1954-1955 Ben Paris sporting guide. "The finest in custom built split bamboo fishing rods made from specially selected Tonkin cane." Check out the phone number. Anyone ever seen one of his rods?

I found a post on umphlette rods at the Classic Fly rod forum.

Umpette Rod - The Classic Fly Rod Forum

 

[@Dryflyphotography]

I like the grip shape and handle on the Umpette in the CFRF post - made to fish and perfect for our PNW waters. Maybe I'll stumble across one someday and how I'll know to snag it when I do. Thanks Dave.