Tom Morgan, the rod-building legend inextricably linked with industry giant Winston Fly Rods, longtime Southwest Montana fly fishing industry icon, and courageous fighter of a true bastard of a disease – relapsing/remitting MS, passed away Monday the 12th at his home in Manhattan, MT.
There are a host of stories and tributes floating around the web of late; I’ve always liked this Forbes article from 2008 about Tom and it’s the one I’ve typically referred folks to when they’ve asked about him over the years. Midcurrent has a pretty nice piece up here as well.
Tom Morgan Rodsmiths was in process of being sold when Tom passed; may the new owners spend a bit of each day pondering thoughtfully what damned big shoes (or wading boots) they have to fill.
I know I’m not alone in hoping that there are still good numbers of true craftsmen making rods out there today; there are scores around the country in small shops and working independently, though it’s tough competing with the big boys and probably tougher finding a mentor to guide one through an “apprenticeship” to truly learn the ways of the old masters. Think about a custom rod next time you need to add one to your stockpile.
