In August of 2001 I was walking through the center of Rangeley Maine when I came upon a book store. We went in to browse and came across a book that has had an influence on me over these many years. The book was written by Kathy Scott and it is about a year spent crafting a bamboo fly rod. Now that is a pretty simple review but it is more than just that. Ever since I started fly fishing I have always wanted a bamboo fly rod. I think most of us have had the same feeling. Well I just could not afford to purchase a new one and the used ones that were available were not worth the money or the work that would be necessary to restore them. So I went on fishing my graphite and glass rods for all of those years. Still in the back of my mind was the dream to be in a stream casting a bamboo rod to little wild trout. Last March through the generosity of Mike Kattner I was finally able to realize that dream of casting a bamboo rod to my beloved brookies. Mike's gift of a 5' 1" cane rod has taken my small stream fly fishing to the top. There is no way for me to describe my feelings when I'm doing battle with a 5" wild brook trout on that bamboo rod. So I encourage you to read Kathy Scott's book and if possible "fish bamboo".....
Hi Alan,
ReplyDeleteAs I've said before, I completely agree with you about how much fun it is to fish bamboo. But it doesn't have to be expensive, even for the shorter, lighter rods needed for small streams. It takes some looking, but you can find bargains on E Bay or the Classic Flyrod Forum. I got a used impregnated Sharpes 7-foot 3wt. with two tips for $300, and my brother-in-law picked up a one-tip Orvis Flea, a nicely-finished kit rod, for $300. Neither rod is a museum piece or worth much more than we paid, but both fish beautifully. Several rod makers also offer new rods for $300-$450. I have one, a 7.5 3wt. It's not fancy, but fishes like a dream.
Best wishes,
John
John Strucker
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John there is no feeling quite like bamboo. It's just plain exciting. I know there are bargains out there but it's that trust factor that worries me. You obviously know your bamboo.
When I was 11 years old I got an Orvis "99" Bamboo fly rod. I have fished that rod on and off since I got it that day in 1958. Today when I fish it it's like taking an old friend fishing.
ReplyDeleteYou are in for a lovely time.
Ray
Ray
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Ray that's quite a long relationship. That rod is still performing after so many years.
Such a wonderful thought. Thank you for sharing. And congratulations!
ReplyDeleteUnknown
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I appreciate your comment.
My only experience with bamboo has been to take old washed up Montague's and turn them into little 5' ultra light spinning rods or ice fishing jig sticks. I've always been terrified I'd spend the money and then break the damn thing. I did that with one of my grandfathers rods when I was a kid. a Granger or a Heddon, I forget which now, and I started furiously waving it back and forth like a buggy whip... *snap!*
ReplyDeletemike
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Mike that's proper recycling. I have a few fly tying tools, a bodkin and a threader that are made from old bamboo. That's a tough lesson you learned. I'm certain many bamboo rods suffered such fates. My only real concern is when I break the rod down. I have a fear of twisting the ferrules.
I had a bamboo rod that was my fathers. During a divorce I forgot it was in the garage and was never able to get it back. It had one of those fly reels that had the tension levers that would wind in the line.
ReplyDeleteMark Kautz
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Mark that rod would have been a nice piece of family history to have in your possession now. Those automatic fly reels were big at one time.
Hi Alan,
ReplyDeleteI too would love to fish with a grass rod instead of the graphite ones I use at the moment.....
There are a couple of members of the club on the little river Leven that swear by them and the words by the likes of Gierach and Atherton make them sound so special and nostalgic. Perhaps one day I will get one and fish it upon the Leven for those feisty North Yorkshire brownies, but for the moment I will make do with my Trout Bum!
Take care
Alistair
Alistair
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Alistair I always wanted one and now that I been able to fish one for a year or so I realize just how wonderful they are. And I'm certain those North Yorkshire browns would be a blast on Bamboo.
As John Strucker mentioned there are some decent cane rods at reasonable prices out there.
Alan,
ReplyDeleteThe Bamboo honors the catch
The beauty of brook trout honors Bamboo
And we are the lucky witnesses to that relationship.
Humberto
Anonymous
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Humberto, poetry, another wonderful part of you.
Alan
ReplyDeleteThat Bamboo fly rod is the perfect compliment to the streams you are fishing there. I envy you so!!! Thanks for sharing
Bill Trussell
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Bill it really fits in. It truly feels like a natural extension of my arm. Sensitive and smooth.
G'Day Alan,
ReplyDeleteThat little 5'1" split cane fly rod must be a delight to fish small streams with. Do I see a silk fly line adding to it soon?
The only cane fly rod that I have is a garage sale acquired one made in London--cant recall the maker. About 10 foot long and heavy compared to modern fibreglass and graphite rods. I've fished it with an old wooden reel and a L6 line. Wears my arm out very quickly--we are spoilt, aren't we?
I'm sure you will have many happy hours on the stream with your new companion.
Cheers,
Steve.
Steve
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Steve a 10' fly rod, perhaps a salmon rod? I could see where some liniment would be needed at the end of a fishing day.
I have a silk line for it, it was given to me by the man who made the rod. I will give it a try soon.
Alan, Check out Customrodsmith.com, Ray has lots of restored cane rods at a low price SouthBends are a bargain!
ReplyDeleteWes Jordan was in charge of the shop till he moved to Orvis in 1939
RW Van Brunt
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RW I just checked it out. He does have quite the variety.
Hi Alan- I was given a left for dead 9' 5Wt South Bend 1955ish Bamboo rod which I restored 2 years ago. I figured if I messed it up the rod was free. I learned each step of the process, non of which are too difficult from youtube. I had never done anything like this before but I can tell you if you have the patience to learn to tie flys you probably can restore old bamboo rods. Building one from scratch requires a lot of skill and special tools. Restoring one is simple in comparison. I just finished my 2nd rod which I found in a Maine antique shop for $20-. I had to purchase $135 in parts and invest 60 or so hours of labor. Still not to bad considering the cost of a new one.
ReplyDeleteDean F
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Dean the cost of restoration is really not a consideration. After it's complete you have before you something you have given life to...and in time it will repay you many times over.