A Timeless Beauty – Bamboo Fly Rods
Bamboo Fly Rods
Fishing with canes specifically bamboo fly rods started around the years 1790 and 1845. During those early times, wood materials including bamboo were commonly used for buildings, and consequently bamboo had been preferred in making bamboo rods. It was believed that the first 6 strips bamboo rod was first introduced in 1846 and thereafter other bamboo rod designs including the bamboo fly rods had evolved. Bamboo fly rods are otherwise termed as split cane rods.
A bamboo fly rod is one fly fishing rod which is made from high quality bamboo, having the proper width and length.
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Fishing Bamboo: An Angler's Passion for the Traditional Fly Rod by John... US $14.11 Auction Ends: Tuesday Feb-07-2012 10:00:23 PST | Watch this Item |
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Dave Klausmeyer 7 ft 3 wt 2 Pc 2 Tip Bamboo Fly Rod US $795.00 (0 Bid) Auction Ends: Tuesday Feb-07-2012 10:01:07 PST | Watch this Item |
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Brazilian Tulipwood Ferrule Plug - for Bamboo Fly Rod US $15.00 Auction Ends: Tuesday Feb-07-2012 10:39:41 PST | Watch this Item |
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Hardy 'The Crown Houghton' Split Bamboo Fly Rod US $266.94 (3 Bids) Auction Ends: Tuesday Feb-07-2012 12:24:49 PST | Watch this Item |
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Lot of 3 Antique Bamboo Fly Rods - For Parts/Repair - Vintage Flyfishing Pioneer US $49.00 (15 Bids) Auction Ends: Tuesday Feb-07-2012 12:34:04 PST | Watch this Item |
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Milwards 'Flymaster' 9'-0" Split Bamboo Fly Rod US $101.09 (18 Bids) Auction Ends: Tuesday Feb-07-2012 12:58:48 PST | Watch this Item |
There are over a thousand species of bamboo but the most common bamboo specie from which fishing rods can be made are the Tonkin Cane and the Calcutta Cane. Most of these species can be found in South America, China and other countries in East Asia.
These bamboo species are known for high fiber density, superb strength and flexibility very much suited for fishing. Also, they are known for their well-spaced nodes and their straightness which makes cutting and engraving easier.
To make bamboo fly rods from canes, the bamboo culms are cut into halves and are once again cut into smaller strips. A design can be planned, whether to make a hexagonal or pentagonal bamboo fly rod.
After ascertaining the rod’s design, the bamboo strips are then glued together to form a bamboo blank. Pressure has to be placed in the glued bamboo strips. This can be done by tightly wrapping the bamboo strips with a string or thread. Then keep it still until the glue dried. Thereafter, the bamboo blank is wrapped with fine silk threads then varnished for a smoother surface. What follows is the making of cork grips and the wooden reel seat. The entire process of making a bamboo fly rod will take around a hundred hours.
By reason of the labour and intricacies in making these rods, their price is relatively higher than ordinary bamboo fishing rods. Higher rates are given for collectible bamboo fly rods, personalized bamboo fly rods or antiques. Bamboo fly rods are popular for salmon and sea fishing for they are known to be superior rods.
From the time that bamboo fly rods had evolved, the use of bamboo rods had become popular until now. More fishing aficionado even prefers using bamboo fly rods than fiber glass and graphite rods. This is because bamboo rods are way stronger, flexible and harder. Not to mention that they are definitely cheaper.
As to variety, there are home-made or personalized bamboo fly rods. With the guidelines given, it would be easier to make yourself a bamboo rod. But to save time and labour, there are now available bamboo fly rods in fishing shops. They come in different designs and prices.
The commercializing of bamboo rods had started around 1874 when H.L. Leonard Company started making bamboo fishing rods for sale. From there, various fishing rod companies emerged. Some fishing enthusiasts had organized themselves for making bamboo fishing fly rods for commercial purposes. Surely, bamboo fishing rods can cope with the modern world fishing.
