Bamboo Fly Rods
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Review: From a client with many years of experience, who has collected and owned some of the best bamboo fly rods ever made:
“…a working-work of art…”
“…cast[s] as well as it looks…” “Buttery smooth…and light in hand” “…could not be more pleased…” |
I. General:
I make handcrafted bamboo fly rods for traditional trout fishing applications. I consider the craft of bamboo rod making to be the perfect union of knowledge and handwork, culminating in one of the highest orders of functional art. As observed by Ernest Schwiebert, like the work of Antonio Stradivari and Giuseppe Guarneri, both legends in the School of Cremona, a fine crafted bamboo fly rod "probably represents the ultimate equilibrium of utility and craftsmanship and esthetic qualities." Trout Tackle Two, p.4 1984.
I also consider bamboo fly rods to be the most sophisticated fishing instruments that exist. No material is crafted and manipulated to match the technical challenges of particular water, particular circumstances and the specific casting style of an individual angler, like bamboo fly rods. This results in not only a beautifully crafted piece of function art, but a tactical instrument of the highest level of precision.
I highly value skilled craftsmanship and things made by hand. My mother was a crafter who made beautiful scarves and purses. Her creations were incredibly intricate and well designed works of art. Likewise, I've developed an interest in working with my hands and make each and every part of my rods, including all components, from raw materials in my shop. Bamboo culms are split, baked and planed; metal stock is machined and fabricated into rod components on a lathe and milling machine; and cork grips and reel seats are turned on a lathe. The result is a unique, heirloom quality piece of functional art that excels in trout fishing. With such customization, a single rod can take hundreds of hours to complete.
I make handcrafted bamboo fly rods for traditional trout fishing applications. I consider the craft of bamboo rod making to be the perfect union of knowledge and handwork, culminating in one of the highest orders of functional art. As observed by Ernest Schwiebert, like the work of Antonio Stradivari and Giuseppe Guarneri, both legends in the School of Cremona, a fine crafted bamboo fly rod "probably represents the ultimate equilibrium of utility and craftsmanship and esthetic qualities." Trout Tackle Two, p.4 1984.
I also consider bamboo fly rods to be the most sophisticated fishing instruments that exist. No material is crafted and manipulated to match the technical challenges of particular water, particular circumstances and the specific casting style of an individual angler, like bamboo fly rods. This results in not only a beautifully crafted piece of function art, but a tactical instrument of the highest level of precision.
I highly value skilled craftsmanship and things made by hand. My mother was a crafter who made beautiful scarves and purses. Her creations were incredibly intricate and well designed works of art. Likewise, I've developed an interest in working with my hands and make each and every part of my rods, including all components, from raw materials in my shop. Bamboo culms are split, baked and planed; metal stock is machined and fabricated into rod components on a lathe and milling machine; and cork grips and reel seats are turned on a lathe. The result is a unique, heirloom quality piece of functional art that excels in trout fishing. With such customization, a single rod can take hundreds of hours to complete.
By making each and every part of my rods, I have full and complete control over the entire rod, including the taper. The functionality of a taper is not only the way in which bamboo strips are planed, but also the way in which ferrules are machined, adhesives used, etc.. Many things influence the taper and the overall performance of the rod.
I believe that each rod must meet the unique and technical challenges for which it is created. As such, I separate my rods into two categories, which mirrors two different types of fly fishing:
I believe that each rod must meet the unique and technical challenges for which it is created. As such, I separate my rods into two categories, which mirrors two different types of fly fishing:
Small Stream Bamboo Fly Rods
I make rods that excel on small streams in the 2–4 line weight range. Rods for small, canopy laden streams must make delicate presentations, have tight loops and a rod length that is not overly burdensome.
Medium Sized River Bamboo Fly Rods
I also make rods that excel on medium sized rivers in the 4–6 line weight range. Rods on larger waterways are tasked with delivering flies at longer distances and must often be able to pick line off the water surface with relative ease.
This is the type of fly fishing in which I engage and am most familiar. As such, I test my rods continually in all four seasons and adjust them accordingly.
I make rods that excel on small streams in the 2–4 line weight range. Rods for small, canopy laden streams must make delicate presentations, have tight loops and a rod length that is not overly burdensome.
Medium Sized River Bamboo Fly Rods
I also make rods that excel on medium sized rivers in the 4–6 line weight range. Rods on larger waterways are tasked with delivering flies at longer distances and must often be able to pick line off the water surface with relative ease.
This is the type of fly fishing in which I engage and am most familiar. As such, I test my rods continually in all four seasons and adjust them accordingly.
II. Rod Performance & Tapers:
I design my rods to be superior fly fishing instruments on both small streams and medium sized rivers. The goal of my design is for the rod to "disappear" and become an extension of one’s arm while fishing. As such, my objective is for the angler to fluidly move through water and direct his or her attention to the placement of the fly, rather than focusing on the rod’s performance. As such, the rod and angler become a unified, tactical team. Similarly, I’m most interested in refined aesthetics where the natural qualities of the cane take center stage.
I design my rods to be superior fly fishing instruments on both small streams and medium sized rivers. The goal of my design is for the rod to "disappear" and become an extension of one’s arm while fishing. As such, my objective is for the angler to fluidly move through water and direct his or her attention to the placement of the fly, rather than focusing on the rod’s performance. As such, the rod and angler become a unified, tactical team. Similarly, I’m most interested in refined aesthetics where the natural qualities of the cane take center stage.
With this goal, my building influences have spanned different traditions, builders and tapers, from the east and west coast. As a Connecticut native, I cannot help but be influenced by the great work of EW Edwards. His innovation, wonderful tapers and influence over future generations is unparalleled. From heat treating, to experimenting with hollowing, to influencing his sons, along with C. W. "Sam" Carlson and Harold "Pinky" Gillum, all Connecticut builders at one time, he is very much responsible for the evolution of the bamboo fly rod.
Similarly, EC Powell’s innovation on the west coast cannot be understated. His hollowing techniques are used by many builders today. Powell’s development of A, B and C tapers has served as a foundation and guiding framework for taper analysis and development.
Similarly, EC Powell’s innovation on the west coast cannot be understated. His hollowing techniques are used by many builders today. Powell’s development of A, B and C tapers has served as a foundation and guiding framework for taper analysis and development.
III. Ordering:
If you have an interest in a rod, please feel free to contact me. At the time of ordering, an estimated delivery date will be given. From time to time, I may offer non-custom bamboo fly rods, which can be purchased without the wait. You are welcome to check back often.
If you have an interest in a rod, please feel free to contact me. At the time of ordering, an estimated delivery date will be given. From time to time, I may offer non-custom bamboo fly rods, which can be purchased without the wait. You are welcome to check back often.