North 40 Fly Shop eMagazine July 2016 | Page 47

I have driven by the Winston factory in Twin Bridges, Montana, a hundred times, usually on the weekends and usually on my way to the Ruby, Jefferson, or the Big Hole, and I'm not really looking to stop anywhere. However, a week earlier, Winston's sales manager Jeff called and asked if we could attend a dealer event at the factory. So Fred, our Great Falls fly shop manager, and I made a 4:30 AM drive to Twin Bridges to attend. I've never really taken the time to understand Winston rods. I've known they make really fine fly rods and pride themselves on quality. I knew they used boron. I knew they were green, and I knew they were made in Montana. I suppose that much should be just about enough. However, we got the real story and a behind-the-scenes look that most people never get to see. So, I’m going to share with you why you’ll want to own at least one Winston for your quiver.