Rodmaking

Because There is a Difference

Bamboo, as a rod-building material, is substantially different from graphite. A rod made from bamboo is slightly heavier than a similar graphite rod, and will load under it's own mass. What this means to you as an angler, is that your bamboo flyrod will cast with as little as 3-4 feet of line out of the tip, allowing you to fully present the fly to that trophy Brook Trout or Salmon.

A bamboo flyrod will also cast further than a similar graphite rod. Graphite is not as versatile a material as bamboo. The average graphite 7' 4wt rod needs 8-12 feet of line to start to load properly. It has a shorter range of cast that it works properly in, and will not be able to handle over 40 feet of line or more with ease. Bamboo does not have these limitations and a 7' 4wt from a Garrison taper, slightly modified, will cast easily to 60 feet, in the right hands. What this means to the angler is a more versatile rod, covering fishing distances from 10 feet to 60 feet or more.

Building a Custom Bamboo Fly Rod

A 2 piece, 2 tip bamboo flyrod takes approximately 65 hours of labor to produce. The process of converting a "culm" or a stick of bamboo into a completed flyrod suitable to pass along to future generations is both time consuming and exacting. I strive to build the best rods available. Upon receipt of deposit, you will get a 2 page questionnaire to fill out and return. The first page covers the manner of fishing and helps me to determine a taper for your rod. The second page deals with the cosmetics of your rod.

I build flamed, browntone, or blonde, with bright or blued hardware. Real seat type, grip shape and color of wraps are determined by you, or I will choose a combination for you.

Historic Replica rods, emulating a specific model's taper and cosmetics, are available.

Prices For 2009 Orders

Maine Guide Series (2 tip)

2 piece rod: $1000

3 piece rod: $1350

Northwoods Series (1 tip)

2 piece $800

3 piece $1175

Tipped Wraps Add $75

Rodmaking classes, one to one ratio: $1100

Historical Reproduction and Legend Series rods quoted on an individual basis.

All orders require 35% non-refundable deposit