Hermann reel, Thomas and Thomas fly rod up for grabs

Truth is, most of us are never going to own high-end fishing gear. A bamboo fly rod and a top-notch, handmade reel could set you back thousands of dollars, after all. Even if you were willing to write the check for those items, another dilemma lurks: Do you dare actually use your valuable gear while … gulp … fishing?

Paul Hermann and one of his reels.

Or, would you do what many do, and simply treat your new rod and reel as collectibles, on display in your den, never to be used for the purpose they were designed?

One thing is clear: It would be nice to have the opportunity to make such a decision.

This morning, I’m happy to report that you’ve got a 1-in-600 chance at just such an opportunity.

I received an email from Gayland Hachey of Veazie last week, in which he told me about a unique opportunity being offered by the Veazie Salmon Club. The club is holding a raffle on  a package that consists of a Paul Hermann salmon reel and a 9-foot bamboo Thomas and Thomas fly rod.

Tickets are just $10, and only 600 will be sold. Half of the proceeds will go to the Penobscot River Restoration Trust, the other half to the Veazie Salmon Club.

A Hermann classic.

About a year ago I had the chance to visit Hermann in his Castine shop and talk to him about his craft. His work is truly amazing, and his attention to detail is stunning. And as you may have heard, Hermann has stopped making reels: Raffles like this may be the best shot you have at getting your hands on one … unless, of course, your pockets are deep and you can find a willing seller on the Internet.

I can tell. You’re interested. Here’s all you have to do:

Write to Gayland Hachey, 1076 Main Road, Veazie, 04401, call him at 945-9648, or send email to GPHachey@aol.com. Checks (in U.S. funds) should be made out to the Veazie Salmon Club. When Hachey receives your check, he’ll put your name on ticket stubs, scann them, and send a copy back to you via email. Hachey would be happy to answer any questions about the rod and reel via email as well.

John Holyoke

About John Holyoke

John Holyoke has been enjoying himself in Maine's great outdoors since he was a kid. Today, he's the Outdoors editor for the BDN, a job that allows him to meet up with Maine outdoors enthusiasts in their natural habitat. The stories he gathers provide fodder for his columns, and this blog.