News & Ads

January , 2007
ABRA was proud to work with the Fly Fishing Show to bring the Rocky Mountain Bamboo Rod Revival to the Denver show this year. We had a whole aisle with bamboo rodmakers on one side and a bamboo casting area on the other. Six ABRA members had tables at the show while three others had full booths. Jeff Hatton graciously displayed part of his large historical collection of rods and drew a big crowd all weekend. The ABRA booth headed up the aisle and was staffed with volunteers who answered general questions, busted myths about bamboo rods and then invited show goers to head down the aisle and cast a rod. Many people were able to cast a bamboo rod for the first time and a lot of eyes were opened. Rods were sold, orders were taken, and new converts were sent home with a new addiction. We look forward to working with the FF Show again to do similar events around the country. 

January 4, 2006
Mike St. Clair has created another ad for us to use. If anyone has more ideas on where to advertise, please contact one of the board members.
 

December 14, 2005
ABRA's advertising campaign moves forward with the purchase of space in the March/April issue of Fly Rod & Reel, the March issue of Northwest Fly Fishing, the March issue of Eastern Fly Fishing, and the March issue of American Angler. Mike St. Clair has come through for us again with an elegant black & white ad.

December 1, 2005
ABRA is proud to announce that our first color ad. ran in the 2006 January/February issue of Fly Rod & Reel magazine on page 5. We are very happy with the placement of the ad. and the editorial piece that was published about our organization on page 10. John Gierach also wrote an article on collecting bamboo fly rods for the Sporting Life feature in the back of the magazine. We have purchased additional space for the March/April issue and are looking at other magazines to advertise in. We would like to thank our members and corporate sponsors for making this happen. Keep spreading the word to ensure another generation of cane-iacs get the "feel"! 

This is our first print ad. designed by Mike St. Clair of St. Clair & Hynes (www.schflyrods.com) with help from Dave Collyer and Jeff Fultz & Matt West. The photo was taken by Matt Schliske.

Press Release

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: Oct. 7, 2005

CONTACT: Jeff Fultz, 303-722-6324, jeff@fultzrods.com

American Bamboo Rodmakers Association Kicks Off First Ad Campaign

DENVER—With a two-thirds page glossy advertisement debuting in the January issue of Fly Rod & Reel magazine, the American Bamboo Rodmakers Association kicks off its initial marketing campaign.

            “ABRA’s only purpose is to promote the use of bamboo fly rods, preserve the legacy and craft of making bamboo fly rods and dispel the myths surrounding them,” explained Association founding president and rodmaker Jeff Fultz. “We also want to educate the public about the differences between quality, handcrafted rods and cheap, imitation cookie cutter rods. Our market research shows that the vast majority of today’s fly fishermen and women think bamboo is either outdated and useless—too fragile to fish with—or the holy grail of rods but out of reach, costing $3,000 or more,” he added.

            ABRA’s goal is to dispel some of these myths and show the fishing public that bamboo rods are a viable alternative to high-end graphite rods. “After all, some of the biggest rod companies have been trying to mimic the feel of bamboo for years. We want anglers to know that nothing can bring that lively feel to a rod like bamboo,” Fultz noted.

                The association’s Web site at www.goabra.org features a variety of informative articles concerning bamboo fly rods and a locater map to find a maker or dealer near you. “Many of today’s great rodmakers are more than willing to work with you on options and prices,” Fultz said. “You might be surprised to find that a good quality, American-made bamboo rod can be purchased for the same amount as many high end graphite rods.

            “Most of today’s rodmakers also offer great warranties,” he added. “Browse our site and if you haven’t tried a bamboo fly rod, get one in your hands” he urged. “You really don’t know what you’ve been missing!”

            The site also offers a sneak preview of the organization’s first ad and information on how to join. The nonprofit association is incorporated in Colorado.