Bamboo Fly Rods A Timeless Tradition

You have probably seen or used bamboo fly rods if you know a fly-fisherman or if you are a fly- fisherman. In a throw-back to a simpler time, bamboo fly rods are still just as popular today as they were a hundred years ago. You can find brand new ones online or beautiful antique models on the popular antique show on public television. With all of the new and just as durable materials on the market like fiberglass, graphite, and others, why would someone want one of the simple bamboo fly rods? The answer probably lies somewhere between tradition and quality.

Understanding Fly Fishing

Before you understand fly rods, you will need to have an understanding of fly-fishing. Fly-fishing is done by waving the rod back and forth smoothly through the air and then letting the line out at just the right moment for gravity and force to cast it out into the water at the perfect spot. Bamboo fly rods must be flexible, lightweight, and have a sensitive touch-this is what they make them perfect.

Bamboo rods have been around for almost as long as fishing has been around. If you do an online search you can find not only information about bamboo fly rods, but how to care for them, how to make them, where to buy them, and you can even find antique rods for sale-some that were made before the first World War. The antique rods are not usually for use, but they would be a treasured part of any serious fly-fisherman's collection.

How To Find Bamboo Rods

If you want to make your own bamboo fly rods there are several places that you can purchase the different pieces that you will need including the line guides, the pole pieces, the ferrules (the metal caps on the ends of the each pole piece that act as connectors), the cork grips and the reel as well. You should take special care when choosing a finish. The finish on bamboo fly rods should be durable and flexible and should withstand water damage. Once you have the parts, you can find instructions for putting it together in one of the many books or websites available online.

But, if the do-it-yourself route is not your style, you can purchase bamboo fly rods online. There are models that range from a simple pole with a hook on the end for as little as five dollars-and there are deluxe models with all of the bells and whistles that can run several hundred dollars.

Some people might want to take an old rod and refinish it. While this can be a fun and rewarding activity, it may cost more to restore some rods than they are worth especially if they are cracked.

Caring For Your Fly Rod

Caring for bamboo fly rods takes time and precision. If they are not cared for properly they will quickly decay and rot. Clean and dry the wood after each use and use furniture polish occasionally. The ferrules should also be kept free of debris and can be cleaned with denatured alcohol, Vaseline, or lighter fluid. The cork grips can be cleaned with toothpaste and a soft brush or dish soap or a cleaner that has bleach in it. Be careful not to remove any small pieces of cork. As the cork begins to get old it should be replaced.