This year's rod is now on display at Little River Outfitters!  
< LRO will also happily accept your $25. "donation" toward a "door prize" ticket. >

With spring just around the corner it's time to start thinking about outdoor activities, such as fishing, hiking, camping, AND, TroutFest 2008, the Little River Chapter of Trout Unlimited's annual fund raiser/educational event held each spring in Townsend Tennessee. Since the first event four years ago the Bamboo for Brookies rod raffle has been a big part of the celebration, helping to raise thousands of dollars to be used for conservation, restoration, and educational activities in and around the Great Smokey Mountains National Park.

The Little River Chapter would like want to thank everyone who has supported this part of the fund raising effort through your donations and to ask for your support again this year.  As with last years rod, donations are $25.00 each, with a maximum of 200 accepted.  The rod, made and donated by Charlie Downs of Yallerhammer Rods is a darkly flamed 6' 4wt. 2pc. rod with an extra tip.  The silk wraps are a root beer color, the reel seat is a downlocking cap and ring with a walnut burl spacer and bright nickel silver hardware.  The ferrules are also bright nickel silver, contrasting nicely with the dark bamboo rod sections.  The rod comes with a beautiful, hexagonal, cherry rod tube made this year by Doug Pape, and both the rod and tube are contained in a gorgeous maple/cherry, glass topped display case, also made again this year by Doug Pape.

The drawing for this beautiful rod will be at the TROUTFEST banquet on Friday, May 16, 2008.  Good Luck..!  and thanks again for your support..!

A special note of thanks to Stan Smartt who has taught the art and craft of bamboo rod making to so many people over the years.  Without Stan's appreciation for, and dedication to, bamboo rod craftsmanship, the "Brookie's" rod would not be possible.

All money raised through TroutFest activities is used for conservation, restoration, and education efforts in and around Great Smoky Mountains National Park, a place dear to all our hearts.

For additional information and tickets please contact:
Charlie Downs:  h.859-278-0029  c. 859-327-2625
Joe Hatton: 865-567-0410