Bill McGuire of Rock Island has more than 60 years of expertise in designing fly fishing rods, spin casting, marksman shooting, making specialty gunstocks, and guiding celebrities on fishing and hunting trips. His experience as a fisherman, sportsman and craftsman will be shared through an exhibition at the Wenatchee Valley Museum that opens Friday, November 5.
McGuire started building and selling fly rods in 1950. He continues to refine his techniques, keeping up on new materials and the demands of today’s angler. A few years ago he and his friend Buzz Fiorini developed a new fly-casting system that allows novice and physically restricted casters to toss a line 60 to 90 feet with ease. He still holds the world distance record for spin casting, at 325 feet.
Known around the world for marksman shooting as well as fly fishing skills, he has guided celebrities like Bob Hope, Bing Crosby, Debbie Reynolds and Ted Williams. “Bill McGuire was doing a casting exhibition in England once, and was afforded an honor reserved only for royalty and the exceptionally distinguished,” said McGuire admirer Dave Graybill, known as the “Fishing Magician.” “He got the chance to fish the ‘Queen’s Pool.’ This Atlantic salmon water is the exclusive haunt of Queen Mother and her guests.”
McGuire will be at the opening reception of the exhibit of photographs and sports memorabilia, from 5:00-7:00pm. Refreshments will be served, and there is no admission charge all day Friday. The exhibit runs through February 19 in the Gold Gallery at the Museum, located at 127 South Mission, Wenatchee. For more information, call (509) 888-6240.
The Wenatchee Valley Museum and Cultural Center is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization that operates in partnership with the City of Wenatchee. Housed in two historic downtown buildings that served early Wenatchee as post offices, WVMCC inspires dynamic connections to the unique heritage of the Wenatchee Valley.
www.wenatcheewa.gov