by Tim Romano

It's that time of year. You've got a couple more days to open an IRA, donate a non-working car, or simply write a check to your favorite charity to get that tax write-off you could probably use come April 15th.

While simply joining a conservation group like TU at the regular membership level is always an easy yearly donation, this year if you've got some extra cash burning a hole in your pocket and want to give to a great group of fishy like minded individuals -- TU is offering an exclusive rod/reel combo from the R.L. Winston Rod Company and Waterworks-Lamson for any individual wanting to sign up for a lifetime membership.

TU sent the set up for Deeter and I to play around with, and while I've yet to actually take it on the water I have been roaming the frozen tundra that is my neighborhood, throwing a hookless fly at cats and squirrels, and can attest to cast-ability of the rod not to mention the absolutely gorgeous finish of this thing. It seems perfect for pitching delicate dries, but versatile enough to chuck meaty streamers and seems to have a very smooth medium-fast action, which I really like.

The rod is called the Winston Home Waters rod and the blank was made exclusively for TU in Twin Bridges, MT. It casts much like Winston's classic IM6 and LT5 rod models, but offers a lighter, crisper feel due to the sleeve over ferrules, higher modulus graphite and advanced tapers. The rod only weighs three oz, and is fitted with insanely nice components like nickel silver hardware and hand-selected burled wood inserts. They also added custom silver trim wraps to the guides and etched a TU logo on the end cap. The Waterworks-Lampson Guru 1.5 reel TU has paired with the rod is a perfect fit as it only weighs 4.7 oz., is a looker and should be able handle almost any trout fishing situation you get yourself into. The rod retail value if you could purchase it is $775 and the reel is $189.

A life membership to TU is a chunk of money but, you can pay in installments. It is 100% tax deductible, and you'll never again be bombarded by TU's relentless mail campaign. This in turn frees up more money for what they do best -- protecting and restoring our cold water fishing habitats throughout the US.

If interested click here or call 1-800-834-2419

Comments (3)

from Joe Demalderis wrote 21 weeks 1 day ago

Better check with your tax pro before taking the deduction. I wouldn't read the CPA Journal for fishing info. and I don't read fly fishing sites for tax info.
Generally the deduction is less the value of any incentive or product you receive, but double check with a tax professional.

On another note, join TU because they're a worthwhile organization.

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from Woods Walker wrote 21 weeks 1 day ago

I agree with Joe - please join TU because it is an excellent organization that is supporting our fishing heritage. My local TU teaches fly tying to kids, gives TU magazine subscriptions to the local school libraries and many other positive activities to get/keep kids involved with the outdoors! And it is great fellowship with others of like mind!

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from upacreek333 wrote 20 weeks 1 day ago

One quick note on this... the life membership is fully tax deductible if you DON'T accept the rod as a gift. If you do, you can only deduct the portion of your donation above and beyond the retail value of the gift.

And Tim's right about one thing... once you're a life member, you won't get all the renewal notices TU sends out at a regular clip in attempt to build membership. BUT... you will get TU's appeal letters--the organization's volunteers are its bread and butter, and it needs folks like us to engage on issues and do our part to protect our fly fishing heritage.

So, yes, enjoy the rod, deduct a smaller portion, and know that your membership dues are going to help TU save the world, one trout at a time. ;)

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from Joe Demalderis wrote 21 weeks 1 day ago

Better check with your tax pro before taking the deduction. I wouldn't read the CPA Journal for fishing info. and I don't read fly fishing sites for tax info.
Generally the deduction is less the value of any incentive or product you receive, but double check with a tax professional.

On another note, join TU because they're a worthwhile organization.

+3 Good Comment? Yes | No | Report

from Woods Walker wrote 21 weeks 1 day ago

I agree with Joe - please join TU because it is an excellent organization that is supporting our fishing heritage. My local TU teaches fly tying to kids, gives TU magazine subscriptions to the local school libraries and many other positive activities to get/keep kids involved with the outdoors! And it is great fellowship with others of like mind!

+2 Good Comment? Yes | No | Report

from upacreek333 wrote 20 weeks 1 day ago

One quick note on this... the life membership is fully tax deductible if you DON'T accept the rod as a gift. If you do, you can only deduct the portion of your donation above and beyond the retail value of the gift.

And Tim's right about one thing... once you're a life member, you won't get all the renewal notices TU sends out at a regular clip in attempt to build membership. BUT... you will get TU's appeal letters--the organization's volunteers are its bread and butter, and it needs folks like us to engage on issues and do our part to protect our fly fishing heritage.

So, yes, enjoy the rod, deduct a smaller portion, and know that your membership dues are going to help TU save the world, one trout at a time. ;)

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All submitted comments are subject to the rules set forth in our Privacy Policy and Terms of Use.