Scenes from Michi-Glass and Ken Frazee’s Notes

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I have records of Michi-Glass going as far back as 2011 and this northern Michigan one-day long event bringing “Glass Geeks” together was first organized by rodmaker Mark McKellip, with Ken Frazee and Paul Frost taking over the reins this year. The other day I shared a T.F.M. post on floating with those two and left a stash of Japanese fly rods with Ken to be displayed at the event, which he reviews his notes below. Take a moment to slow scroll this post.

Ken wrote… “We had a beautiful day for casting and displaying fiberglass fly rods. Turnout was more than double of last year even given the late cancellation of four individuals who intended to display a decent number of their own rods or blanks. It was still a fantastic time given the collection of regulars, local anglers dropping in, several of the participants from Grayrock Rodmakers Gathering saying hello and a few fly fishermen who were new to trying fiberglass fly rods. Those attending came from Iowa, Pennsylvania, Michigan and Ohio.

The day went fast with a dizzying array of modern and vintage fly rods on hand. The following makers or brand names of fiberglass fly rods were on hand and I’m sure that others could add a few that I missed, yet this is my recollection: Campanella, Conolon, Cortland, Browning, Fenwick, Fisher, Fred Paddock, Garcia, Glastech, Hardy, Heddon, Ijuin-Rod, Kabuto Rods, Larry Kenny, Lamiglass, McFarland Fly Rod Copmany, Tom Morgan Rodsmiths, Orvis, Paul Young Rod Company (yes in glass), Phillipson, Ramaglass, Scott Fly Rod Company, Seele, Shakespeare, St. Croix, Steffen Brothers, Three Jays, Tiemco, Wanigas, Winston, Mario Wojonicki, Wright & McGill, Yamame Fly Rods, and likely others.

The fly rods on hand ranged from 3-weights to 10-weight fly rods with the 3-weights being especially well represented in higher end well crafted fly rods. One could have limited themselves to just say 6-weight fly rods alone and had a full day of casting.”

Ken continued… “A special treat was to be able to handle some of the finest fiberglass fly rods being made currently in Japan and provided by The Fiberglass Manifesto for the enjoyment of those attending the 2026 Michi-Glass gathering. Paul and I overheard many positive comments about the Japanese rods on display. Those attending had never cast any of these rods previously other than a few who had tried the Ijuin-Rod Yomogi in the past and some had never even seen images of the rods before so it was fun to see the reactions. Here are a few of my own notes from casting each…

CAMPANELLA LUNAR FLEX 6’6″ 3-WEIGHT – This fly rod had the
hallmarks of being made by those who care. The blank diameter was thin
even for a 3-weight. Good tube and tube cover were included with
the test rod. It would travel well as would the three section rods
noted given the four sections. While well conceived and with a unique
attractive blank color this rod would be best for shorter casts in
smaller waters. Generally I like longer fly rods than this length;
however, this rod would be fun to try on our trico hatch later this
summer.

IJUIN-ROD YOMOGI 7′ 3-WEIGHT – A well made handcrafted creation. Overall a fine casting fly rod. The green color paired with the hardware shown is especially attractive to my eye and blends naturally on many river settings. Finishing touches are tastefully executed from the rod to the packaging. This level of quality is admired. A good all around 3-weight rod for this length. Casting this model was a pleasure and if I had time to fish it could imagine enjoying it even more.

IJUIN-ROD SAKURA 7′ 3-WEIGHT – This fly rod was the most
interesting of the collection received. A beautifully created fly rod
in all respects that when cast places one in a very calm frame of mind.
Exceptional reel seat insert and beautiful rod bag. Just a joy to cast
with its slower pace and exceptional balance. Would be best enjoyed
with small flies for short to medium distances on flowing water. Have
cast this rod from a moving raft and while wading. A better
wading rod and all smiles when casting with feet planted on the
substrate. This rod had my favorite grip of the bunch. Most all who
cast this rod at the event from those new to fiberglass to those with
large collections came away with a positive impression for its unique
feel.

KENNEY FLY RODS 793S 7’9” 3-WEIGHT – The new team at Kenny Fly Rods got this one right. Experimental taper which should come to market. Having owned his 8’1” 3-weight and having tried his 733 3-weight previously, it was clear Larry had a good handle on this line weight. The new 7’ 9” version shown was another hit. I found this to be slightly different from the well regarded earlier creations and in a good way. Would seriously contemplate acquiring this model for our local rivers as the casting feel, length and quality checks many boxes. Others testing casting this rod at the event enjoyed it providing positive feedback which mirrored my observations. Also, it had a nice tube and tube cover for extra protection.

TIEMCO GLASS MASTER 7’6” 4-WEIGHT – This rod had the most folks test casting it of any in the group provided. It has a feel easily identified and resonates even with those who aren’t experienced with fiberglass fly rods. It has a more traditional color scheme for fly fishing to most eyes; however, it has more of a factory built look to it compared to the other well crafted rods noted above. As a fishing tool you could do quite well with this rod. We enjoyed it on a float and a couple of the younger graphite anglers who stopped by inquired as to how to acquire this fly rod. This model is a good all around fly rod which makes fine casts. I believe Tiemco will do well with this series and it is a nice complement to their traditional fly fishing products.

A special thanks to the local fly shops in the Grayling area who each helped promote this event including Gates Au Sable Lodge, Old Au Sable Fly Shop, Drakes Fly Shop, North Branch Outing Club and Au Sable River Outfitters. If you are visiting this area fishing each of this shops is worth a visit and can connect you with the latest conditions and current hatches.”