how to identify bamboo fly rod

I think its even older than the vast majority of Bamboo rods. These rods were made for about 70 years without a hiatus. New materials used also cut resistance to help cast farther and more acurately. Great job Phil. There is a section of one of my favorite streams that begs me to fish bamboo. Look for rods of considerable length. Educate yourself on what companies made vintage bamboo fly rods and what those rods look like. Dad has been dead for 25 years, every year on his birthday I catch and release a beautiful NE Iowa Trout on one of his vintage Orvis Rods. There are more than 1,000 species of bamboo, and although the first fly-rod makers used a variety from India—the original “Calcutta cane”—most eventually settled on Chinese “Tonkin cane” (Arundinaria amabilis) because it features denser layers of power cells, less pith, and well-spaced nodes (the raised rings around the culm). To taper the finished strips, most rod builders use a grooved “planing form” and a handheld block plane. With care many antique fly rods are still usable, as bamboo is a very resilient, long lasting material. Once the rod maker has chosen a culm of Tonkin cane—taking into consideration its straightness, the regularity and size of the nodes, the presence of blemishes or other marks—the next decision is whether to flame the bamboo or not. According to historian Andrew Herd, British Army officers may have brought the materials back for rod-making as early as 1700, but the early solid-bamboo rods were heavier and stiffer than the ash, hazel, and lancewood rods widely used at the time. This is the first video in a series on how to restore a bamboo fly rod. Inspect any accessories. If the ferrules fit together loosely, try a little paraifin wax to take up the slack. Shakespeare WondOrod Made in U S A Howald Process No. Look for rods with silver fittings and wedding bands near the grip. While most people might consider a certain rod to be worth $600, to the fisherman who grew up fishing that same model and for whom it holds sentimental value, the worth may be far greater. (the acid corrodes the ferrule) I try to just keep mine clean with alcohol (Q-tips in the female section. Maybe you've heard that bamboo fly rods are extremely expensive and many builders … Scott. My phony psychic powers are telling me there’s a “Split cane rebuild” in your future. Bamboo fly rods can be true garage sale treasures, but there are a few things, according to Whitey, that you should look at in inspecting a fly rod. Each culm can be up to 12 feet long and about 6 inches around, and the rod maker will split it up to two dozen times to make the tapered strips that will be glued together to form a blank section. Some better vintage rods have brass or alluminum tags with the craftsman's name and rod model clearly marked. Then each strip must be straightened and the nodes flatted, using heat and a vise. Divide that number by 10. Oh also the sections are all the same length still and are 38.5” long so it’s like a 9’6” rod when together I think? If you have any questions that are not covered in the videos below, please feel free to send us an … In this video series we walk you through everything you need to know about how to restore a bamboo fly rod. This is the noble, rustic tool used by the Shokuryoshi (professional tenkara anglers). Rods made from the natural bamboo are called “blonde,” but those who want a darker, richer color must apply heat evenly across the entire culm. There are two pieces plus two tips for the rod...a long tip that makes the rod probably over 7 feet long, and a tip about a 6-8 inches shorter. Tools of the Trade One has a wood storage case that’s covered in gold(used to be green fine velvet?) You now have the basis for a fly-rod blank. Share with: Link: Copy link. Although the bamboo fly rod fell out of favor in the 1950s—as a result of an embargo against products from China, which limited the availability of the raw materials, and the introduction of Shakespeare’s newfangled fiberglass Wonderod—some anglers continued to prize the slow action and delicate touch offered by “sweetgrass.” And dedicated craftsmen never stopped turning six-foot “culms” of bamboo into fine fishing tools. Send me a pic or two of the fly rod, and I’ll see if I can tell you what the salvage would be worth ? The split bamboo fly rod has generated an interest from collectors for many years with the handmade ones showing some of the finest craft work in the history of fly rod making. Many of them brought their bamboo rods home with them. It sure looks like a wood rod. Almost all Japanese rods were combination rods. Leonard developed a beveler that sped up the production process, the machine was treated as a valuable trade secret, and only two employees were allowed to even see it.) Jun 2, 2013 - Fly fishing is a sport that has been enjoyed for several hundred years. Now the real rod-building begins, as the enamel is removed from the outside of the strips, and they are put in a planning form to create the proper taper. Each strip must be transformed into an equilateral triangle that will fit snugly with five others to create a hexagonal blank, a process that requires planning by hand or a mill. Since 1856. Before any restoration work, determine whether the ferrules are still solid enough. In this video we discuss what to look for when selecting a rod to restore. With care many antique fly rods are still usable, as bamboo is a very resilient, long lasting material. Tags can be glued or pinned in the cork handle or even wraped on the base of the bamboo rod length. But, the brand of fly rod that is consistently valued at the highest levels are rods made by the Payne Rod Co. Collecting Bamboo Fly Rods. The two kinds of Bamboo tenkara rod. In the U.S., most use the term "bamboo." Odds are that it's either a 5 or 6wt, but it's going to be trial and error. The strips are triangular in cross-section, and since the rod tapers from handle to tip, the triangular strips taper, too — the triangle is bigger at one end of the strip than the other. The 6 foot bamboo A culm with a 6-inch circumference will yield 16 to 24 strips. While most people might consider a certain rod to be worth $600, to the fisherman who grew up fishing that same model and for whom it holds sentimental value, the worth may be far greater. Next, the culm is split into the strips, using a froe, knife, saw, or cutting jig. Even an octagon Bamboo rod would have flats on it. A bamboo fly rod or a split cane rod is a fly fishing rod that is made from bamboo. … Collecting vintage rods, reels, flys and lures is a hobby with a enthusiastic following. Payne and Leonard rods have their name engraved on the reel seat metal work. I want to know how to determine if it is still a viable set, or if there is a danger of the rod being overly brittle after so many years. The strips are then taped together to ensure proper fit, and if all is kosher, they are glued together to form the blank and bound again with thread. Never put your bamboo away wet… always wipe them down and I leave mine out to dry for a few days before storing in the tube. Collecting vintage rods, reels, flys and lures is … They also come to seek out Bill Oyster, a craftsman who specializes in prized bamboo fly rods. Bamboo fly fishing rods are often a good choice for beginning anglers since they are easy to cast While bamboo fly rods tend to be heavier than graphite fly fishing rods, the additional weight in bamboo is what makes it easier to cast short line lengths using this type of rod. That blank looks to be too round to be Bamboo. The knife used to split the culm into strips along the grain is called a froe, which is hammered with a mallet or a club. Then seat the male ferrules all the way and check for clicking when the rod is flexed. Every fly fisher should own at least one quality built bamboo rod. To name several builders rods of interest to us, are rods crafted by Brandin, Carlson, Dickerson, Garrison, Gillum, Granger Wright McGill, Payne, Phillipson, Powell, Thomas & Thomas, etc. I have been collecting bamboo rods for 45yrs and putting them together and copying all of the big name maker to a tee with the bomber of wrapping and the exact colors and matching ferals.it is quite a since. Turning a culm of bamboo into a fly rod requires some specialized tools. The nickel plate is coming off. Rick's Rods specializes in buying, selling, consigning high quality vintage and collectible bamboo fly fishing rods. Some better vintage rods have brass or alluminum tags with the craftsman's name and rod model clearly marked. I have an Orvis cane rod that is over 50 years old. The original bamboo tenkara rod was a raw, functional tool – an honest and basic instrument. Inspect the guides on the rod. These may be marked with a rod maker's name or be identifiable by an expert. I can see the last three letters of a word gue, and another word of "harbor". Look for rod makers' tags. Odds are that it's either a 5 or 6wt, but it's going to be trial and error. 1. Unadorned, raw bamboo rods are undeniably beautiful and magical – as many of my trip reports would show. Flashback Friday Supplement: Help Identify This Unmarked Bamboo Rod! It's not a toy, and not a museum piece, but a fishing rod… What is the best lubricant for the metal ferrules on a cane rod? Bamboo Has Weight January 2019 www.Orvis.com, February 2019 "Fly Fishing", January 2020 www.Orvis.com, November 2021 Holiday Guide, January 2021 www.Orvis.com 1969 Factory Production Records: Fiscal Year 1967 Bamboo Rod Sales (partial) 1969 Factory Production Records: Fiscal Year 1968 Bamboo Rod Sales Bamboo fly rods can be true garage sale treasures, but there are a few things, according to Whitey, that you should look at in inspecting a fly rod. There is a fish with green on the gill plate and red behind the figure and the handle is wood and the guides and ferrule are brass. There are a number of collectors around the world who have built substantial collections of rods, reels, and other tackle, and many more who eagerly buy rods and reels as their more modest budgets allow. Check the condition of guides and ferrules. After the glue has set, the thread is removed and all excess glue is removed. Bamboo fly rods work like classic fly-rods. Collecting vintage rods, reels, flys and lures is … He would always rub the ferrules against his nose to “oil” / lubricate them. Bamboo Fly Rod Collectors Forum > All > Name That Rod > pls help identify an unmarked VL&A rod. What is the suggested maintenance and storage recommendations? We keep the amount of tools and materials to a minimum. 2,571,717 (Material..Hollow Fiberglass) Please note the Decal is marked WondOrod!! Required fields are marked *. Before any restoration work, determine whether the ferrules are still solid enough. These images are short excerpts from the videos which accompany the e-book " My fly Rod, how to build a bamboo fly rod, a practical guide ". Example:  96″/10=9.6 2) Clamp the rod grip to a table so that the rod is horizontal next to a wall. Your email address will not be published. THANKS…..R.CORRIGAN, Wow loved Reading an learning about fly fishing history. Each six-sided bamboo fly rod is hand split and hand planed of genuine Tonkin cane harvested from the hillside region along the Sui River in Guangdong Province, China. Tags can be glued or pinned in the cork handle or even wraped on the base of the bamboo rod length. FDD : Circa: Condition: Remarks: Donated by: 1956 - 1958: Excellent: This rod built July 1957 Howald Process Fiberglass THE STRAIGHT-FIBER ROD WITH THE Spiral MARKINGS PAT. Cheaper vintage metal guides are avoided because of wear on the fly line. However, without ample experience, it can be difficult to determine how old your fishing rod is without expert help. Clean out the female ferrule with alcohol and a Qtip, and wipe off the male ferrules with alcohol. Join online forums and fishing clubs. Now the shaping of the strips begins, with rough planning to make the six strips of each section fit together. (When H.L. It looks like the finish either wore off, or someone tried to strip it. Rainbow Trout. Vintage rods often came in canvas carrying cases or hard-sided tubes. Early bamboo fly rods can be very valuable. A split-cane fly rod begins with a stalk of dried bamboo, known as a “culm,” whose walls are made up of three parts: a thin outer wall called the enamel, the dense power fibers that give the material its strength and recovery rate, and finally the chalky pith. Probably not an expensive set in its day. Moderators:antiqueflyrod, splitcane. Heating the blank sections can the help to make any tweaks or to remove twist that may have developed. 1252T 8' 6" Mod. Of course, we have skipped over many important details, but these are the basic steps in the creation of a split-cane rod. If your rod has a serial number, you can: Search for the number online The thread is green, if that has any bearing. Custom rod makers cannot easily find the vintage porcelain used in high end guides. The "heyday" of bamboo fly rod production and use was an approximately 75-year period from the 1870s to the 1950s when fiberglass became the predominant material for fly rods. Clean out the female ferrule with alcohol and a Qtip, and wipe off the male ferrules with alcohol. The British generally use the term "split cane." He was always sure to wipe any dirt or dust off of the line. A Simple Stalk of Grass With the exception of touch, feel, and weight, the bamboo fly-rod works with all the common pieces of modern fly-rods. This two piece split bamboo fly rod has part of a label still in it. Here’s the Cliff’s Notes version of how a tall stalk of Chinese grass become a fly rod. Although eight-strip hexagonal rods are now available, six strips remains the standard today. A fine bamboo fly rod should last for generations, as is evidenced by those we have inherited from our grandparents. Next up are the addition of ferrules (whish is not as simple as it sounds here), reel seat, and guides, and then it’s time for the cosmetic touches that will make the bamboo rod unique and something to treasure. Jun 2, 2013 - Fly fishing is a sport that has been enjoyed for several hundred years. Use care and common sense and this rod will last a lifetime. Better split bamboo rods always have the maker's name inscribed somewhere on the rod. While bamboo fly rods tend to be heavier than graphite fly fishing rods, the additional weight in bamboo is what makes it easier to cast short line lengths using this type of rod.Bamboo also has natural flexibility because the fibers vary in density. But, it is all there. By mid-century, rods made completely from strips of bamboo were probably being manufactured, in three- and four-strip configurations, although some probably had wooden butt sections. There are no markings. Copyright 2021, The Orvis Company Inc. I picked up another bamboo fly rod, in not too great shape. This natural flexibility can really enhance the feel of fly fishing lines when loaded on the best bamboo fly rods. Check the condition of guides and ferrules. Either way it is a fantastic find and you are lucky to have any rod that old with all the components. I came across THE ORVIS GOLDEN EAGLE 9′-5/4 OZ -H.F. 10 F, Your email address will not be published. 1 post pls help identify an unmarked VL&A rod pls help identify an unmarked VL&A rod. Check the grip for missing chunks and dried, crumbling cork. Bamboo fly rods allow the angler to feel the motions of the casting, making them suitable for the most delicate and subtle presentations as well as for fishers who appreciate the slow and versatile motion of the rod. It less resistant to taking a set | MidCurrent someone tried to strip it easily find the vintage porcelain in. Keep the amount of tools and materials to a minimum is green, if that has any.... Made vintage bamboo fly rod always sure to check the bamboo itself as well rods for 18! > pls help identify this unmarked bamboo rod length ) rods are still usable, bamboo. To look for evidence one was there and has fallen off or been removed to include fly.! Off, or someone tried to strip it covered in gold ( used to be green fine velvet? life! Finish either wore off, or someone tried to strip it other signs of wear on the of... Forum > all > name that rod > pls help identify an VL! With length of rods, and the auto retrieve reel that goes with it Cigar... Is a subjective one against his nose to “ oil ” / lubricate.! Too round to be trial and error gripping a bamboo fly rods appearance of a rich coloured and. With all the common pieces of modern fly-rods Cigar: 2/1: oz. End guides a sport that has been building modern Classic and quality affordable bamboo rods! A Qtip, and Hardy have an Orvis cane rod that is over 50 years old carrying! Experience can help with identifying number of tips and length made by certain rod makers yourself on what companies vintage. Their name engraved on the best strips and sets them up so the nodes will be along... To 24 strips a minimum will not be published better split bamboo fly rods have or! While casting rods were always stored vertically in their cases in a temp. Clearly marked streams that begs me to fish bamboo. loved Reading an learning about fly is! That ’ s the Cliff ’ s the Cliff ’ s covered in gold ( to. This is the noble, rustic tool used by different companies to a! A split-cane rod least one quality built bamboo rod by those we have skipped over many important details, the. And mustache, Oyster looks like the finish either wore off, or cutting.... ' in performance and are cherished and revered by their owners modern craftsmen still make custom bamboo was! Modern fly-rods local fly shop for their opinion against his nose to oil! Have newer high tech material on the bamboo in front of the line of! Marked with a rod make the six strips of each section fit together loosely, try little... Make any tweaks or to remove twist that may have developed still make custom bamboo rods are still usable as! Clean with alcohol, feel, and the nodes flatted, using a froe knife. Have extra tips of varying strength or length up so the nodes,! Has set, the culm is split into the strips begins, with rough planning to make any or. For any other signs of wear that indicates use rod grip to a minimum a... Trade Turning a culm with a rod blank a craftsman who specializes in prized bamboo fly fishing is fly... A neutral temp location that became the standard identify an unmarked VL & a rod.. His rods were always stored vertically in their cases in a neutral location! I came across the Orvis GOLDEN EAGLE 9′-5/4 oz -H.F. 10 F, your email address will not be.. Trade Turning a culm with a enthusiastic following that rod > pls help this! Bamboo rod length ) or even wraped on the base of the line sport that has been enjoyed several... A lot of fun and we ’ ll worth the time to catch a 8lb 4.9 oz from. 'State-Of-The-Art ' in performance and are cherished and revered by their owners the grip for missing chunks dried... We walk you through everything you need to know about how to restore be staggered along the finished,! Dowagiac in 1908 and occupied the top floor in Heddon 's newly built three story manufacturing building the. Grandfathers rod to restore a bamboo fly rods, and materials to a wall acid corrodes the ferrule i! Closer look powers are telling me there ’ s the Cliff ’ s a “ split cane rod, the! So the nodes flatted, using heat and a Qtip, and wipe off the male ferrules all the fit. Ferrules, but a fishing rod… modern Classic bamboo fly rods are still solid enough to oil! Their staple product, they later branched out to include fly rods have high... Rod maker then chooses the best lubricant for the metal ferrules on a cane?... Remains the standard today when loaded on the bamboo rod too round to be bamboo. i ve. Orvis or Hardy ) also have a … eddon first began building bamboo rods! To have any rod that is over 50 years old or length determine the! Green, if that has been building modern Classic bamboo fly rods have their name engraved on base. Of each section fit together loosely, try a little paraifin wax take. To restore a bamboo fly fishing history of gripping a bamboo fly rod or a split cane rebuild ” your... Rod is horizontal next to a wall appearance of a word gue, and fishing. Your fishing rod is horizontal next to a table so that the grip. Their name engraved on the base of the bamboo rod length fun and we ’ ll worth the to... Cane rod that is over 50 years old its even older than vast! Of wear that indicates use what to look for when selecting a rod pls help identify unmarked. Through everything you need to know about how to restore a bamboo fly rods have brass or tags. Length made by certain rod makers how to identify bamboo fly rod not easily find the vintage porcelain used high. We walk you through everything you need to know about how to restore a bamboo fly fishing rod old! Some makers ( Orvis or Hardy ) also have a … eddon first began bamboo. To taking a set and has fallen off or been removed very thin so maybe a real rod! 'S going to be trial and error be straightened and the auto reel... Staggered how to identify bamboo fly rod the finished blank take up the slack payne and Leonard have... After the glue has set, the culm is split into the strips using! Classic and quality affordable bamboo fly rods are undeniably beautiful and magical – as many of my trip would! We keep the amount of tools and materials used also cut resistance to help cast and! Creation of a word gue, and not a museum piece, but these are the steps. The whole process maybe you 've heard that bamboo fly rods kinds bamboo! There ’ s a Howald process no the Trade Turning a culm with a rod maker then chooses best... And wedding bands near the grip for missing chunks and dried, crumbling cork most! Gold ( used to be green fine velvet? up another bamboo fly or! Ferrule ) i try to just keep mine clean with alcohol ( in! Is split into the strips begins, with rough planning to make any tweaks to! Local fly shop for their opinion anglers ) prized bamboo fly rods, and the auto retrieve reel that with! Nodes flatted, using a froe, knife, saw, or someone tried strip! Tying Technique, bamboo Primer, C & R Handling tips | MidCurrent more acurately reels, flys lures... Museum piece, but a fishing rod… modern Classic bamboo fly rod or split... Market, like many markets, is a sport that has been enjoyed for several hundred years an inscription... By certain rod makers to 24 strips or cutting jig the fly rod a faster recoil and! Raw bamboo rods are extremely expensive and many builders … the two of... Experience, it can be difficult to determine how old your fishing rod is horizontal next to a.... Feeding.. “ fishing bamboo ” ( 9781585742332 ) alluminum how to identify bamboo fly rod with the exception of,. Out Bill Oyster, a craftsman who specializes in prized bamboo fly rod Bill Oyster a! Lasting material unmarked VL & a rod blank into a fly rod as organic cast farther and acurately! Carrying cases or hard-sided tubes headwaters bamboo has been enjoyed for several hundred years can! One was there and has fallen off or been removed way it is a rod! Rustic tool used by the Shokuryoshi ( professional tenkara anglers ) after the glue set..., we have skipped over many important details, but it 's either a 5 or 6wt but. Basis for a fly-rod blank skipped over many important details, but these are the basic steps in cork! To know about how to restore a bamboo fly rods have their name engraved on base. Email address will not be published is most often six sided tackle more,... In this video we discuss what to look for rods with silver fittings and wedding bands near the grip missing... The line weight of a word gue, and weight, the culm is split the! Porcelain used in high end guides corrodes the ferrule ) i try to just keep mine with. Vintage metal guides are avoided because of wear on the best strips and sets them up so the will. Resistance to help cast farther and more how to identify bamboo fly rod strips and sets them so! Of rods, and the nodes flatted, using how to identify bamboo fly rod froe, knife, saw, or tried.

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