Grandpa's Old Bamboo Rod

[steve l]

I've had my grandfather's old bamboo fly rod given to me by my uncle. It is a South Bend, most likely bought in the 40s or 50s. Knowing my grandpa it is not a high end rod. The bag came with it, although the identifying numbers have faded pretty bad. There was a decal or similar on the rod, but it also is no longer all there or legible. I see no other identifying marks on the rod.

The rod has four pieces, with two being tip sections. It looks like is three of the sections can be combined for a 7.5 foot rod. The other tip piece seems to go on the butt end for a 5 foot 3 inch rod. That seems odd, but that is what it looks like. the guides are attached with red thread.

I have no idea what weight/action of the rod is, but it seems that might be helpful for a reel or line. I know all the above is pretty vague, but anyone know enough to be able to identify or a site that might be helpful?

I would like to get it in good enough shape to use, maybe take along backpacking in Idaho this year. It seems that would be neat to be able to catch fish with it again.

It has not been used in probably 30 years or most likely longer, and I have no idea if the guides are well attached or what. One of the metal pieces that connects the sections comes loose.

I am in Springfield, IL. There is one guy who does rod & reel repair here and I will visit him. But no idea if we will or can do this.

Any thoughts from anyone on how to approach? I doubt I would do this myself, so looking for alternatives.

[Njardar]

Nice to know there is another person from Springfield, IL on this site.

Charlie

[ness]

South Bend was a kind of working man's fly rod, but that's a real treasure for sure. Do you know what he fished for with it? I guess there's no reel with it? That could zero you in a little. A friendly fly shop might let you try it with a few different lines to determine the right weight. Or a friend who's into fly fishing.

As for repairs, it sounds from your description like it's in pretty good shape. A loose ferule isn't hard to fix, and a rewrap isn't too bad either if you find a loose guide. Lotsa folks could do it. Bamboo isn't drastically different from graphite, but given the value, sentimental and otherwise, someone with experience might be better. A lot of older cane rods can benefit from a new coat of finish too.

If you can, post up some pictures. And, Google images might get you a little closer to what you've got too.

[jdmidwest]

Bamboo rods came with 2 tips because they were pretty easy to break. From what you are saying, one of the tip section has been broke and a new tip put on making it a shorter section.

If the rod has been kept in a fairly temperature and moisture stable place the glues that were used are probably still strong enough to fish it. Otherwise, you may have some issues when you start using it after it has been stored for a long period of time. Ferules and guides are easy repairs.

I would try a 6wt line to start and see how it loads, it would be middle of the road for most bamboo rods. I have one that casts a 7wt line and others that like the 5wt or 6wt lines. Bamboo is a slow action and will require getting used to casting if you have been fishing newer hi tech rods.

I bought a nice Horrocks Ibbotson Vernley 2 weeks ago at my great Uncles sale. He had promised me the rod a long time ago but never could find it. I was sitting with him watching the sale when I heard them call out Bamboo Rod. I won the bid and walked back over to give him crap about it. It was in the original tube and sock, still had the shrink wrap around the cork handle, in near mint condition albeit 70 years old. It is a 9 ft rod with 2 tips that are original length and casts well with a 5 wt line.

I have a couple other H I bamboo rods, a Herters, and a Heddon. I love to fish them, just have to be more careful with them. Make sure you dry them out good and wipe them off before you case them back up. I use a silicone base rod and gun cloth for that.

[steve l]

Thanks for the replies. I have attached a couple of pics. the individual pieces are about 32 inches each. The pic with the four sections has the two tip sections. One of the fits in the middle section & the other in the butt end section only.

Hey Njardar, yeah, have lived in Springfield for pert near the whole life. Work at Horace Mann.

[ness]

You're in pretty good shape there, man. I don't see anything glaringly wrong. That fatter tip section is kinda odd -- don't know what to make of that. Could it be combo fly/spin maybe?

Anyhoo finish looks pretty good, wraps too. You're lucky.

[jdmidwest]

Looking at the butt section, I believe the grip flips around and Ness is right, it is a fly/spin combo. Appears to be in pretty good shape. Re glue the ferrule to the rod and address the wrapping and you should be good to go.

The grip part with the reel seat is reversible. It may screw/unscrew to flip around. The cork will go to the rear if you use as a spin rod with the thicker tip section. Or leave it as is and use the thinner tip as a fly rod. Check for a threading on the butt end.