D I S T I N C T L Y M O N T A N A M A G A Z I N E • S U M M E R 2 0 2 0
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essay and photos by CAROL POLICH
F
ROM TRADITIONAL, NATURAL BAMBOO RODS TO THE VARYING
WEIGHTS OF 20TH-CENTURY GRAPHITE RODS, FLY FISHING LINE
COLORS ARE CAREFULLY CHOSEN. Then they are artfully threaded
onto the angler's atlatl. It is here from which the line is sent forth in its trajec-
tory. It dances with artistic dazzle as it curls and loops through the air above
the fisherman. With one hand maneuvering the rod, the other hand "strips"
the line into perfect length for catching the ultimate fish. It is re-launched to
perfection, time and time again. Hook and line gracefully touch the water as
the line is stretched and unleashed into its final burst of energy.
The
Line
Artistry
of the
