I would think less of Summers had he not built on the foundation of his PHY experiences and developed his own style. In a way the changes may be the best testament to being mentored by the very adaptable Paul H. Young (plus there were other influences on Summers, such as Lyle Dickerson).

FWIW, when I cast the Pickard Midge it looked just like a Young Midge, but it felt much more to me like a short version of my Summers Model 275, rather than like a Midge built by Paul H. Young. But when I lengthen the cast on the Model 275 and get some line in the air for a long cast, then that's when it feels more like a Young rod - always smooth, but happiest with a little power on display when you get the butt working. Probably none of this makes any sense either.

I think that the only Summers rod model that people consistently say is very like a comparable Young rod is the Model 856, which may be compared to the Para 15. But the Young-built Para 15, Summers-built Para 15, and Summers 856 that I have owned over the years were all unique rods. When people contact me and ask, "Should I buy a Perfectionist? Should I buy a Para 15?", I have learned to reply, "Get hold of the actual rod that's being offered by the owner or dealer. Examine THAT rod and cast and fish THAT rod. Don't worry so much about what the books generally say about the model. Concentrate on whether or not you like the specific example in your hand right now."

Interesting that A.J. Thramer had second thoughts about the "replica rod business." I wonder what was the nature of those second thoughts. Maybe it's like being a great musician who plays in a tribute band. If you're good enough to sound just like Jimi Hendrix, then at some point you're going to growl with frustration, "Hey! I'm also good enough to sound just like ME!"

Howard: When I saw Jon two Saturday evenings ago I told him, "I've just been trout fishing this afternoon," and he looked at me like I'd said, "Hey, I've just been to the men's room." The report of my recent activities was clearly not essential information. image

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