Last week, we reviewed the P5 fly rod from Stickman Rods, with much fanfare. While that may have been the first time you heard of Stickman Rods -- a relative newcomer out of Spain and Hungary -- but there's a good chance it won't be the last. A few weeks ago, we sat down with Ákos Szmutni for some insight into Stickman's design philosophy, manufacturing principles and some insight into Stickman's decision to enter the high-end rod market.

Someone in Montana has my fly rod.

Sitting at the bar at Izaak’s in Craig, Montana, a stone’s throw from the banks of the Missouri River, I’m struck by a hollow ache in the pit of my stomach. Something is wrong, but I haven’t yet put my finger on what. A moment later, I replay the end of our day and realize what it is.

We clamber up the Missouri’s steep banks, make our way down the road and back to our vehicle, lay down rods, kick off wading boots in favor of flip flops, strip off waist and chest packs, pluck flies from the brim of hats and drying patches and toss the whole lot in the back before heading off in the direction of town.