2009 BRTU Banquet Live Auction Program - Join us September 25th

2009 BRTU Banquet
Live Auction Program

LA-: “The Art and Soul of Cooking.” Robert Neaves, Owner of Art Focus, is well-known as a master of oil painting. Bob has been contributing fine artwork to BRTU since our very first fundraiser 29 years ago and is the only artist to have donated every year. However, Bob is also a master cook of gourmet continental cuisine. He regularly leads trips to Europe that meld fine art and history with sublime culinary experiences. This singular premium pairs a gourmet continental dinner for four prepared by Bob with an original oil painting to commemorate the meal. So, prepare your sense and dig deep for this premium. (Item # 2) Winning Bid: ______ Bidder Number: ______
Art Focus - Fine Arts and Framing
215 West Main Street
Hamilton, MT 59840
406-363-4112

LA-: “Jenny’s River.” People who float the Bitterroot River with BRTU member and guide Jenny West come away with a special perspective on the river. Jenny has a unique approach to fishing and a winning way with the fish. Jenny was born and raised on the river so her feel is truly instinctive. If you select this one day float trip for two on the Bitterroot, you will experience Jenny’s River. (Item # 16) Winning Bid: ______ Bidder Number: ______

LA- : “Flathead Angler’s Sandwich.” This great premium consists of a float trip for 2 in the Flathead area, donated by Lakestream Fly Shop of Whitefish, sandwiched between 2 night accommodations for 2 at the award winning Grouse Mountain Lodge in Whitefish. Lakestream is the premier shop in this area and Grouse Mountain Lodge cannot be beat! How can you lose with this premium? (Item # 72, 74) Winning Bid: ______ Bidder Number: ______

LA- : “Gunning for the Big Boys.” Gunning for the Big Boys is the expression used by the guides from Bozeman’s Montana Troutfitters when they head out. Although this expression is particularly apt in the fall, it is true in just about any season and on any river in the Bozeman area if you know what you are doing. Started in 1978, Montana Troutfitters was Bozeman’s first full-service fly fishing shop and has maintained a high reputation for guides, equipment, and advice. Manager Kris Kumlien, who is the son of legendary Bozeman guide Dave Kumlien, carries on the tradition and exacting standards at Troutfitters and has generously offered this exclusive one-day fishing trip for 2 anglers. http://www.troutfitters.com/ (Item # 53) Winning Bid: ______ Bidder Number: ______

LA-: “Haunted by Waters.” Inspired by the famous ending of A River Runs Through It, internationally recognized Montana artist Monte Dolack has created this gorgeous scene of an angler on the Blackfoot River. The location is near one of the spots specifically mentioned by Norman Maclean in the novella. The edition is limited to 100 using the archival process of giclee printing. Monte and his wife Mary Beth Percival own Monte Dolack Gallery and they have donated this special piece of art. http://www.dolack.com/ (Item # 21) Winning Bid:________ Bidder Number:_______

LA- : “1/2 Day Duck Hunt for 2 at The Teller with framed Joe Thornbrugh Montana Ducks Unlimited print.” The Teller recently partnered with Trout Unlimited and others on a major stream restoration project on Gird Creek. This and other projects have led to some of the finest duck shooting opportunities in Western Montana. You can find out for yourself, because The Teller has generously donated a ½ day duck hunting trip. In case your shooting skills are a little rusty, this premium is matched with a framed limited edition Joe Thornbrugh Montana Duck Unlimited print donated by BRTU board members Theresa Blazicevich and Dave Woodgerd. Proceeds from this premium will go towards BRTU’s Bitterroot Buggers and education programs. http://www.tellerwildlife.org/ (Items # 17, 62) Winning Bid: ______ Bidder Number:______

LA- : “Spaghetti and Meatballs – NOT: A Tempting Taste of Tuscany.” Amble up the West Fork to the Elk Track Ranch where the ambiance of Tuscany will greet up to eight dinner guests. The menu will reflect the regional cuisine and Tuscan style of dining. Don’t expect spaghetti and meatballs like Mom used to make! Donated by Dick and Judy, The Italian, Estler
Must be used by September 1, 2010. (Item # 18) Winning Bid: ______ Bidder Number: ______

LA-: “Dinner and a Show - and No Drive Home.” Thanks to the generosity of Gordon Maus who is Technical Production Director for Missoula Children’s Theatre, BRTU is pleased to offer this great Missoula premium. Start off with dinner for 2 at the acclaimed Finn & Porter, followed by 2 tickets for a wonderful performance at the Missoula Children’s Theatre.(Reserve your tickets early!) Best of all, the premium includes overnight accommodations for 2 at the Edgewater Doubletree. Once you check in, you won’t have to get in your car until you head home the next morning. In fact, you might not want to come back home at all! (Items # 4,5,6 ) Winning Bid: ______ Bidder Number: ______

LA-: “Matched Trio of Split Bamboo “Rods”.” Glenn Brackett and Jerry Kustich, known as the booboys operate Sweetgrass Rods in Twin Bridges and make the finest split bamboo rods in the world. For our 30th anniversary banquet, the booboys have created a unique one-of-a-kind set of three 2 piece “rods.” – a four-strip set, a five-strip set and a six-strip set. These are the very first rods like this that the booboys have ever crafted and they will test your skills on patterns like Kung Pao Chicken, Suan La Tang, and Ma-Po Tofu. http://www.sweetgrassrods.com/ (Item # 10) Winning Bid: ______ Bidder Number: ______

LA-: “Two Nights for 4 in the Big Hole at an Exclusive Private Bed and Breakfast.” The Bitter Root Land Trust is working hard to help preserve critical resources and open space in our valley. BRTU is again partnering with the Land Trust to support their important efforts. The Land Trust is donating two nights for 4 people at a beautiful private Bed & Breakfast Retreat. The home is nine miles north of Wisdom on a bench overlooking the Big Hole Valley. The home is on 40 acres, situated in the middle of a 12,000 acre working ranch. Your host, BRLT Executive Director Gavin Ricklefs, will prepare 2 breakfasts, 2 dinners and even pack you picnic lunches. You’re not far from public access on the Big Hole River - bring your waders, fly rod and your raft. All proceeds from this premium will go to the Bitter Root Land Trust. http://www.bitterrootlandtrust.org/ (Item # 71) Winning Bid: ______ Bidder Number: ______

LA- : “A Day on the Big Hole.” Former BRTU President “Banjo Jack” Mauer, owner of Wapiti Waters, has guided extensively on the Big Hole River for many years. The Big Hole is known as the most perfect trout stream, and a day with Jack will show you why. The water is gorgeous and the fish are strong. After a day of personalized instruction on the Big Hole for 2 anglers with Jack, you will want to return over and over. If you prefer, Jack may be able to substitute a trip on the Bitterroot. http://www.wapiti-waters.com/ (Item # 13) Winning Bid: ______ Bidder Number:______

LA-: “The Kootenai and the Yaak.” Ever wonder what it was like fishing in Montana before there was an espresso stand and a Lexus at every pull-out? To find out, come and fish the Kootenai or Yaak River with Tim and Joanne Linehan of Linehan Outfitting Company and spend a night in a lovely cabin in the wild, but captivating upper Yaak River Valley. This is a genuine Montana experience that will draw you back again. http://www.fishmontana.com/ (Item # 20 ) Winning Bid: ______ Bidder Number: ______

LA- : “Bitterroot Honey Hole.” Nationally recognized Missoula watercolorist Kendahl Jan Jubb, co-owner of Jubb-Murphy Fine Art in Missoula is acclaimed for her unique approach to scenes of nature. Her highly sought and brightly colored fish, wildlife, birds, and flowers are exquisitely rendered and striking in appearance. Kendahl and her husband Ram Murphy have generously donated a personally embellished giclee print for the BRTU banquet, the first TU banquet to which Kendahl has donated. The print has been framed by Joe’s Studio. http://www.kendahljanjubb.com/ (Item # 54) Winning Bid:____ Bidder Number:___

LA-: “Thirty Dozen Flies in a Presentation Box.” In a singular effort for our 30th anniversary banquet, BRTU President Geoff FitzGerald has organized a cadre of local flytiers to create a collection of 30 dozen flies. Geoff has also arranged for a one-of-a-kind presentation display case handcrafted by Dave Bryan. At more than a fly a day, no matter how much you fish, this premium ought to sustain you through a full year. Don’t count, but there are actually more than 30 dozen! And after the flies are all gone, you still have the gorgeous box.(Item # 14, 33) Winning Bid: ______ Bidder Number:

LA-: “A Cutthroat on the Bitterroot.” Long time contributor Judith DeYoung has painted a gorgeous cutthroat for this year’s 30th anniversary banquet. Her original scratchboard elegantly depicts a native cutthroat trout, Judy is the acknowledged expert in this demanding art form and this time the fish will hook the angler! Framing is by Robert Neaves of Art Focus. (Items # 48) Winning Bid: ______ Bidder Number: ______

LA-: “Angler’s Seasons.” Dick Estler and Eddie Olwell have teamed up for a wonderful premium. Dick’s lovely original watercolor titled “Every Fisher’s Winter Dream is framed in antique barn board and willow and a one day float trip for two with former BRTU President Eddie Olwell of Fishs EddieO Outfitters fills out the package. In addition to being an excellent flytier and angler, Dick is a great artist and Eddie’s skill as a guide is guaranteed to hook you some trout. Plus, Eddie’s New Jersey accent and wit will make you think you’re fishing with a real wise guy. (Items # 12, 19) Winning Bid: ______ Bidder Number:__________

LA- : “Framed Stonefly Prismacolor and Realistic Nymphs.” UM Entomology Professor, Dr Diana Six, has created another one-of-a-kind premium for this year’s banquet. A framed Prismacolor drawing of a stonefly nymph is accompanied by a number of realistic stonefly patterns. Diana studies insects for a living and her skills as an artist and flytier are evident in this exclusive offering. (Item # 56) Winning Bid:____ Bidder Number:___

LA-: “Russ Peak “Zenith” flyrod.” Legendary California rodmaker Russ Peak was referred to as a “Stardivarius” and is acknowledged to have been one of the greatest private rodbuilders of all time. Russ worked only in glass and graphite; in the ‘60’s and ‘70’s he spent summers on Rock Creek perfecting designs for a limited and very exclusive clientele, including Tom McGuane and Harmon Henkin. Tom has written that Russ was “the ne plus ultra rodmaker in the seventies when I was fishing two hundred days a year.” This near mint condition Russ Peak “Zenith” was custom-made for Pasadena, CA rod collector and BRTU member, Dr. Martin Weiss, who knew Russ well. The rod is, serial number 14356, 8’ 2 ½” and is rated for 5-6-7 weight line, and is a superior collectible. As you can learn on eBay, Russ’s rods command a premium value on the secondary market. (Item # 28) Winning Bid:____ Bidder Number:___

LA-: A Day on the Lake with 2009 Bassmaster Classic Contender Jay Evans. Spend a day on Noxon Rapids Reservoir chasing trophy smallmouth bass with Professional Bass Tournament Angler Jay Evans. Jay is a four-time and current Montana BASS Federation Angler of the Year, 3-time BASS Federation National Championship Qualifier and represented the BASS Federation Western Division at the 2009 Bassmaster Classic in Shreveport, LA. He has served on the Bitterroot Trout Unlimited Board of Directors for the last 8 years and is the Conservation Director for Montana BASS Federation Nation. This once in a lifetime fishing trip includes a full-day guided trip for 2 on Noxon Rapids Reservoir. You and a guest will spend the day chasing trophy smallmouth bass in a 2009 Triton X3 Bass Boat powered by a 250hp Mercury Pro XS Motor, MotorGuide 109TE Electric Motor and Lowrance HDS Electronics. Trip includes all necessary equipment, gas, lunch and 1 night accommodations at Lakeside Resort in Trout Creek, MT. Sponsors: Triton Boats, Mercury Motors, Motorguide, Lowrance Electronics, Optima Batteries, G. Loomis, Gary Yamamoto Custom Baits, Gamma Technologies, Simms Fishing Products, Lakeside Resort (Item # 78) Winning Bid:_______ Bidder Number:___________

BRTU apologizes for any errors or omissions.
Items and order are subject to change.
All sales are final and the auctioneer’s word is law!

For tickets and information call:
BRTU President: Geoff FitzGerald at 406-375-9064 or email fitzes91@yahoo.com.
Or
Fishaus Fly Fishing
Bill Bean
702 North First Street
Hamilton, MT 59840
(406) 363-6158 or toll free (888) 363-6158
email fishaus@montana.com