More then a book, A Fly Rod of Your Own by John Gierach is an inspiration. I pulled it of my book shelf at the same time I took out my bamboo fly rod for a dusting it did not need. I guess the need to assemble it and to feel it flex was the real motive. I have few possessions that I cherish more then my bamboo fly rod. When it is doing it's thing on a stream I feel complete. I, the rod, the stream, and all that surrounds me. It's a feeling that those who fish bamboo know very well.
There are many cane crafters out there. Their work is beautiful and the overall price of cane rods are within most of our budgets.
Several readers of SSR's have been successful in restoring old bamboo rods, and this to can offer a great deal of pleasure ans satisfaction.
To catch a spirited wild brookie on a bamboo rod is near the top of fly fishing's pleasures.
Stewart's Black Spider
Black Magic
Two very good small stone fly patterns.
Alan, I purchased a used Orvis Battenkill flyrod several years ago, and use it once or twice a year. There is something special about fly fishing with a bamboo rod that I can't explain.
ReplyDeleteDave H
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Dave does using that rod give you a feeling. And with it being used it also has that history along with it. You may or may not know the history but I'm certain it does.
I have been looking for a 5+ foot bamboo rod. Yours is beautiful and I have read your glowing reports on it.
ReplyDeleteWho was the craftsman that made yours?
Great blog! I've been a fan for years.
Ed
Anonymous
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Ed the crafter was Mike Kattner of Cane and Silk. They are located in Pennsylvania.
Sweet rod Alan but I'm too clumsy for bamboo these days!
ReplyDeletebillp
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Bill I too am a bit clumsy. But when I fish that rod some extra care is taken.
John Gierach is an inspiration any way you look at it.
ReplyDeleteMark Kautz
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Mark he is one hell of a writer. Trout Bum and Fly Fishing Small Streams are my favorites.
Such a beautiful rod. Thanks for sharing, Alan.
ReplyDeleteTom Davis
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Tom I love it. Simply elegant and very functional.
Like all his books, same with all your posts on SSR, just great reads. Gierach's books and your posts are from the heart and relate to all of us who fly fish. I fished tonight for a couple of hours, and as expected, much of the stream was locked in shelf ice after the cold January. Finding a place to drift flies was not easy, but I ventured out on the iced over zones I knew were shallow. The water was as cold as the ice and trout must have been in hibernation mode, or as close to trout get to hibernating. No action, but it sure felt good to be out hearing the water.
ReplyDeleteSam
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Sam I was waiting for a report on some winter fishing activity. It has been cold and that shelf ice can be troublesome. Two thumbs up on your attempts. I have my fingers crossed that I'll be able to get out this month.
Hoping you get out soon, Alan. Some little black stoneflies were crawling around on the ice yesterday, number 16's in hook size I would say. What a hearty insect!
DeleteSam, I'm hoping we have a moderating trend. Lots of rain falling now. Fingers crossed for the best.
DeleteAlan
ReplyDeleteSo, impressed with your Bamboo Fly rod and I can see why any fly fishermen would cherish such a fly rod. Did you get two tips with the it? Thanks for sharing
Bill Trussell
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Bill I enjoy the rod very much. This rod came with only one tip.
Stewart's patterns, when they finally made inroads on my consciousness, were revelations. I've never been without them since. Love the cane, Alan.
ReplyDeletemike
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Mike I don't fish them often but when I tie one on there's a surprise. Cane just feels right.
I look forward to one day experiencing the magic of a well built bamboo rod. In the meantime, I look forward to tying up and casting some of those black spiders.
ReplyDeleteShawn
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Shawn, Sam commented on those little stone flies, said they were out in force. The spiders you can use now, the cane is for warmer times.
Hi Alan
ReplyDeleteI am an avid fan of John Gierach and have read all but one of his books (I only have 'Signs of Life' left but that is long out of print!).
A couple of the old boys in the club on the little river Leven swear by cane rods on her enclosed waters - a bamboo 'rod of my own' is on my bucket list! Perhaps one day????
Those soft hackle spiders look fantastic - have you tried a couple of turns of peacock behind the hackle on the Black Magic?
Take care & stay safe
Alistair
Alistair
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Alistair I hope your list on this comes true soon...I know you'll love it. Peacock herl would be great. I'll try a few tied with it.
Hi Alan, beautiful fly rod. At this time of year I find myself peeling a few feet of line off my reels just to hear the click. It’s seems like winter never goes away in New England. I’m a lover of cane rods and I’ve restored 2 left for dead from the 1950’s. While they came out well, they are simply too heavy for most of my fishing. Last year I ordered a new bamboo 7’ 6” 3wt blank with components and finished the rod last month. I have forwarded you some photos. I’m a lover of the feel of bamboo and building from a blank is an affordable way to be able fish cane. My completed rod came in at under $400. Anyone who can tie flies should have the skill set and all the information you need is available on youtube.
ReplyDeleteDean F
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Dean your restoration efforts sound awesome. Also the cane rod you crafted is gorgeous, saw the photos you sent me. I'm still not in that category of accomplished rod maker but I do like your encouragement.