We love getting these.
This from Mike Taylor in California. A really slick clean build and flawless cork - just the way we love em - thanks Mike!

Finally got the water conditions right yesterday and took my newly completed 686 out for a test drive on my local steelhead river here in the mountains along the California/Oregon border. As you already know it performed impeccably. Gave it a real test by using weighted flies, split shot and an indicator. Looking forward to trying it on a sunny, warm day when I can cast without the steelhead impediments.

     Nothing fancy in my build, just a great functional rod. H & H guides, Pearsall's green highlander silk thread high lighted with trim bands of dark brown Gudebrod nylon. 

     Yours, Mike