Bamboo Rods...opinions?

[OKFlyFisher44]

Been reading about and shopping around for a bamboo fly rod. I'm thinking I'd really like to try one out...just because of the "vintage" factor of fishing with one. Love to have one custom-built for me but they're WAY too expensive...found a few rod-makers that are moderately priced ($275-$600) compared to the high-end bamboo rods.

Anyways...who has fished with bamboo? Did you like it? Do they cast pretty well? Fun to fish with?

Any input would be great...

[Danoinark]

Love cane. But just remember they are real sloooooooow in action.

Dano

[Guest kevinkirk]

I have 5 of them and they are heavy and SLOW. Once you get away from them you wonder how you ever fished with one.

[Gavin]

Who's rods are you looking at in the $250-600 range? Most of those are probably Chinese imports from Headwaters or Zhus rods and I'd stay away.

Wha kind of fishing do you intend to do with it? I've got a bunch in the 2-5wt category, lenghts run from 6' to 8'. The ones I have are very nice, but many of the old production rods are junk (Shakespeare, South Bend, Montagues, H&I's, post WWII Japanese imports). You should be able to get something decent in the $600-800 range, if thats too much buy a one tip blank from a modern american builder and finish it out yourself.

If your looking for starter cane, your best bet in a finished rod is a used Orvis, Granger, Phillipson, or Heddon in the 8' 5wt configuration or a blank from a modern builder probably something in the 7.5-8' range for either a 4 or 5wt. Let me know if you have any additional questions. Cheers.

[laker67]

Been reading about and shopping around for a bamboo fly rod. I'm thinking I'd really like to try one out...just because of the "vintage" factor of fishing with one. Love to have one custom-built for me but they're WAY too expensive...found a few rod-makers that are moderately priced ($275-$600) compared to the high-end bamboo rods.

Anyways...who has fished with bamboo? Did you like it? Do they cast pretty well? Fun to fish with?

Any input would be great...

Send Murdoc a PM. "RDP Fly Rods"

[Murdoc]

OKFlyFisher44,

The bamboo is a total different beast! Like they said they are slow action! But one of the great things about them is that it will make you pay attention to what your doing!! Cast right or end up in a birds nest or hooked! I let my daughters fish with one of mine and it has helped them when they use the graphite rods. You also have to watch how you treat them. They will bend weird if you put them up wrong.

[JPF]

Cane is a slower action which becomes very enjoyable (at least to me). Grew up with both cane and glass.

You ought to consider going down to SRG (Southern Rod makers gathering) in Mountain Home Arkansas October 23-25. You may be able to hook up with a rod maker at a good price or at least get to cast a few rods to see what you think. I placed a link with to their site below.

http://www.southernrodmakers.org/

[jdmidwest]

I like the feel of Bamboo rods. I have picked up on eBay a 9' Horrocks Ibottson that casts a 5 wt and a 7 foot Montgomery Ward that likes a 7 wt. Both were less than $100 and are alot of fun. I have in the past fished custom Bamboos made by a friend of mine. They are slow action and weigh a little more but they are classic. Even with new graphite I tend to stick to the slower to mid range tapers.

I have seen US made rods at Cabelas for around $500. They look like decent rods. As always, I suggest you cast one and see how you like it before you buy it.

Just watch out on eBay, there is a whole bunch of junk on there that is overpriced. I was lucky to have a friend that has been trading Bamboo for years for a little advice. He has a nice collection that he has picked up over the years.

[OKFlyFisher44]

Who's rods are you looking at in the $250-600 range? Most of those are probably Chinese imports from Headwaters or Zhus rods and I'd stay away.

Wha kind of fishing do you intend to do with it?

You hit the nail on the head....Headwaters is the one I found in the back of an issue of American Angler while reading on my "thinking chair" So I'm guessing they are junk or what?

Just kind of want a bamboo rod to play around with when I'm fishing small water or the trout parks. Just to have something that has the old school "vintage" look and feel to it....just for fun honestly! Not looking to try to fish Montana or something like that with one...just something to play with.

If I'm going to have to spend over $500 to get a decent one.....I think I'll pass up on that. I can buy some other things I can really "use" with that cash....plus the wife won't be as grumpy

[drew03cmc]

If you would not be against a vintage rod, look for a South Bend 290, 291, 323, or 359. The 290 and 291 are 7.5' 5/6 weight rods, but the 291 is a 4pc. The 323 and 359s are 8.5' 5/6wt rods. If you can find a single tip rod, these can be had on ebay for less than $250. Also, look for a Granger 8642. These are an 8.5' 5/6 as well. If you are looking for a shorter rod. You can get a nice H-I Tonka Prince 7' 4-6wt for less than $200 shipped. A Tonka Queen will run you another $50 and it is a 7'9" 5/6. The Phillipsons are cheaper than the Grangers but were made by the same guy (Bill Phillipson) with cheaper accoutrement.

I am going to PM you.