How do I identify a bamboo fly rod?
Check for any other signs of wear that indicates use. Look for rod makers’ tags. Some better vintage rods have brass or alluminum tags with the craftsman’s name and rod model clearly marked. Tags can be glued or pinned in the cork handle or even wraped on the base of the bamboo rod length.
Who made the first bamboo fly rod?
Samuel Phillipe
Bamboo was used in a variety of capacities in the first half of the 19th century, often in simple, somewhat rustic forms. Samuel Phillipe, a Pennsylvania gunsmith, is regarded as being the first rod maker to build the hexagonal bamboo rod in 1849, though his reach and reputation were modest.
What is a split bamboo fly rod?
As the name implies, a split-bamboo rod is made from strips of bamboo, called “splines,” that are cut from a stalk, or “culm,” of bamboo. (The joints themselves are called nodes.) The strips are then tapered, using either a milling machine or, if you want it to take longer, a hand plane and an adjustable form.
What bamboo is used for fly rods?
Tonkin cane
Materials. Gather your rod making materials. First, you will need a 10 to 12-foot piece of Tonkin cane, which is the type of bamboo most often used in rod making due to its long, dense fibers. You can order Tonkin cane online.
Are old bamboo fly rods worth anything?
Yes, antique bamboo rods are unique and sought-after collection pieces. But you won’t become a millionaire if you have or find one! The most expensive bamboo rod sold in an auction was about 20’000$ worth. But more generally if you get 3000$ this is a very good price.
How long do bamboo fly rods last?
A quality fishing rod can last for decades. I’m still regularly using a rod I bought in the late 1970’s. I also have a rod that dates from the early 1960’s that is still functional. Some fly anglers still use bamboo rods that are 60-70 years old.
Why do bamboo fly rods?
Bamboo fly rods are ideal for the most subtle and delicate of presentations, and for anglers who enjoy the rod’s slow and very flexible action. Much like fiberglass fly rods, bamboo fly rods deliver a unique feel and experience when battling a fish. The give of the fly rod helps to protect light tippets from breaking.
How do you store bamboo rods?
It’s best to store your rod with ferrule plugs in the female ferrules but if you don’t have them put the rod in its sock with the female ferrules facing down to keep grit out of them. Check them before assembling the rod to be sure they are clean. Don’t wax your ferrules.
Are bamboo fly rods worth it?
Bamboo fly rods are ideal for dry flies on small to medium-sized streams. Bamboo fly rods are noticeably heavier than their modern counterparts. The good news is that most high-end bamboo fly rods come with a great warrantee, should they break and need repair.
Do bamboo rods break easily?
The tips on my rods are finer than on many other bamboo rods. People are under the impression that they are therefore very delicate and can break easily when fishing. This is not the case. When a rod is properly used in casting and fishing, the stress on the tip is immediately transferred down the rod towards the butt.
Are bamboo fishing rods strong?
Who invented the bamboo fly rod?
In the early 1800s, quite a few people began experimenting with splitting the cane and re-gluing in 2,3 and 4 sections. Samuel Phillipe of Easton, Pennsylvania is credited (at least by Americans) as being the first to produce such a multi-sided rod.
Are old fishing poles still good?
Old fishing rods dating back to 1920-1960 come under vintage rods. Now vintage does not necessarily mean it’s worth a really good price because it is often old. Nevertheless, old fishing rods from the vintage time do have some value and may go for a good price.
How much does a bamboo fly rod cost?
Many used fishing rods are worth less than $50; many more, less than $20….What are the most valuable fishing rods?
| Fishing Rod | Sold Date | Price |
|---|---|---|
| R.L. Winston Bamboo Fly Rod | May 2018 | $1,800 |
Why are bamboo fly rods so expensive?
If you are a fly fisher, I don’t think your life is complete without fishing a bamboo rod a few times, or better yet owning one. Because they take a long time to make and so much hand labor goes into them they are expensive.
How long does it take to build a bamboo fly rod?
Craftsmanship and Process. While all bamboo rodmakers approach the rodbuilding process in slightly different ways, the bottom line is that it often takes on the order of 40-80 hours of work to build a quality fly rod.
What type of bamboo is used for fly rods?
How long does a good fishing rod last?
What is the world’s most expensive fishing rod?
Oyster Bamboo Fly Rod – $4,600 An Oyster Bamboo Fly Rod starts at $4,600, thus making it the most expensive fishing rod that can be found out there on the market. In part, this is because each example is hand-crafted upon the customer making a purchase.
How to find out if a bamboo rod is antique?
Read books, catalogs, attend auctions or visit auction sites, meet colleagues and bamboo rod makers in person, write articles…Only then you start to get an immediate feeling about vintage fly rods. Have realistic expectations. Yes, antique bamboo rods are unique and sought-after collection pieces.
How old are bamboo fly rods in China?
I have some very old rods here, including ones given to me by a Chinese family who claimed they are 100+ years in age and came from China (yes they are bamboo). So if it is cool to ask, here is a three piece bamboo fly rod (see attached photos).
How big is a South Bend bamboo fly rod?
PRE-ZIP PISTOL GRIP FISHING ROD PRE-ZIP METAL MODEL SEVEN-ELEVEN 5″ Here is a Vintage South Bend Bamboo Fly Rod. This is Model#59 and is a 3 piece 2 tip for total length of 9 feet. The rod is in good shape overall. Some more of the guides should have the wraps redone and the varnish touched up; or do a complete refinish.
Where was the split bamboo fly rod made?
Thanks in advance! your split bamboo rod was made by montague.. Tim is right, your rod is a US made Rapidan made by Montague. If you have others, post photos of them.
Read books, catalogs, attend auctions or visit auction sites, meet colleagues and bamboo rod makers in person, write articles…Only then you start to get an immediate feeling about vintage fly rods. Have realistic expectations. Yes, antique bamboo rods are unique and sought-after collection pieces.
How old was the first bamboo fly rod?
I have been fly fishing now for 56 years and I had my first “love affair” with Bamboo over 46 years ago. I got my first Bamboo Fly Rod, which was a Hardy Palakona in Frederickton, New Brunswick, when I was 16 years old. It was an 8 foot three piece rod and the price was $60.00.
What kind of fishing rods are made of bamboo?
EC 2/2 with sock and tube Heddon EXPERT #125 Bamboo Fly Rod 9′-0″ 3/2 100% original in tube NEAR MINT!! Vintage Heddon Rods !!! Shakespeare Model 1304-9, Varnished bamboo flyrod With Alum.
How much is the most expensive bamboo rod?
The most expensive bamboo rod sold in an auction was about 20’000$ worth. But more generally if you get 3000$ this is a very good price. Many, many bamboo rods in the past were also made for the mass market and so they were and still are cheap bargains.
