Roast Posted July 22, 2013 Posted July 22, 2013 I have been watching a few blogs and it appears that a couple of manufacturers (Orvis and Echo, maybe others?) are working on new fiberglass rods. I personally have been gravitating towards slower rods and recently purchased a bamboo blank that I just finished wrapping out. Just casting it on the lawn, I'm amazed at the feel and how effortless casting is. I started fishing with graphite, I hadn't tried anything else until now. For another winter project, I am considering ordering a fiberglass rod blank (McFarland or Steffen or both) to see how it compares. With all that being said, who on the forum uses fiberglass or bamboo and why? Quote
Taco Posted July 23, 2013 Posted July 23, 2013 I like fishin' glass, Fiberglass shines in shorter lengths. Up till now it's been late era Phillipsons but I'm startin' to unload those for modern glass, Kenney glass to be specific. I fish a 835 and have a 794 coming sometime in the spring. I also fish a San Franisco era Winston Stalker blanked rod I bought from Don Andersen. Quote
Taco Posted July 23, 2013 Posted July 23, 2013 And why? Because I got to a place where I found myself overlining my RPL+'s more and more. Quote
SilverDoctor Posted July 23, 2013 Posted July 23, 2013 I fish a variety of modern and Bamboo rods depending on my mood, Still have a few fiberglass rods, Fenwicks and Phillipsons but I bought those new in the 70's, seldom fish them but do take them out now and again. Love the live feel of bamboo. The solwer casting is more to my style because of the accuracy. But I also have a couple of Loop and Meiser rods that I love to fish. Quote
DonAndersen Posted July 23, 2013 Posted July 23, 2013 Roast says " I personally have been gravitating towards slower rods and recently purchased a bamboo blank that I just finished wrapping out. Just casting it on the lawn, I'm amazed at the feel and how effortless casting is. I started fishing with graphite, I hadn't tried anything else until now." I'm pleased that you have discovered how easy cane is to use. Glass rods are great as well. Enjoy your journey in the non-graphite world. Be warned though. Unlike the couple of graphite rod companies, there were/are thousands of cane builders all making rods of various tapers. Lot more choices. Don Quote
Conor Posted July 23, 2013 Posted July 23, 2013 I remember being where you are now just a few years ago ie. just starting to realize how much fun fishing is with cane and glass. It was exciting. I fish bamboo most of the time for trout and built up a Lamiglass honey last year, which is also a blast. I've been itching for a Stephan/McFarland/Kenney but am more focused (budget-wise) on building bamboo than on modern glass. I have also been enjoying seeing some of the bigger manufactures getting back to what works and not just what markets well. There is really no good reason that most shorter trout weight rods are graphite, other than that is what the market expects. Glass makes a great trout rod just a cheaply as graphite and modern anglers should have more options. Quote
Roast Posted July 24, 2013 Author Posted July 24, 2013 " There were/are thousands of cane builders all making rods of various tapers. Lot more choices. Don You're not kidding, so many tapers that I would like to try. What's closest bamboo gathering to Calgary? I would really like to try a parabolic/Young taper to see what they are all about. It's going to be a fun journey:) Quote
DonAndersen Posted July 24, 2013 Posted July 24, 2013 Roast, The nearest formal gathering of bamboo builders occurs in the Kamloops area every two years. The gathering is open to builders and very few users as it is normally over-subscribed. I usually get my invitation near Xmas. If you are still interested, let me know and I'll get your contact info to the convenors. I have 4 Para 15's that are used regularly for lake fishing. If you are interested in casting them, give me shout. Parabolic tapes are liked by many, cussed by few. A friend calls them "butt swingers" which perfectly describes the action. Regards, Don Quote
Taco Posted July 25, 2013 Posted July 25, 2013 Oh Christ, there's an image I don't need, Don Andersen swingin' his butt Quote
maxwell Posted July 27, 2013 Posted July 27, 2013 I've bin building and fishing blue halo fibreglass blanks! really digging them!! hoping to build a cane rod down the road they definetly have there purpose and spot on my quiver! not all about super fast action rods in some situations Quote
bigalcal Posted July 27, 2013 Posted July 27, 2013 This topic makes me want to pull out the old wiggly glass rod that I still carry in my truck...! Think I'm gonna!! Quote
Roast Posted July 28, 2013 Author Posted July 28, 2013 I've bin building and fishing blue halo fibreglass blanks! really digging them!! hoping to build a cane rod down the road they definetly have there purpose and spot on my quiver! not all about super fast action rods in some situations Those are some really nice looking blanks:) Looking more at blanks there are some really nice looking options from Epic, Steffen, McFarland. I also saw that Tom Morgan's fiberglass blanks are available with a bit of a wait. Reading more about the man in the past few weeks, I respect his and his companies work even more. The cost of the blanks cost a bit more compared to other glass however they still seem like a bargain. Then like you I think about making my own bamboo rod. I know I am getting ahead of myself, however that's what I love about fly fishing, there is always more to learn. Quote
Tungsten Posted July 28, 2013 Posted July 28, 2013 On the topic of bamboo,where does one get the proper kind for a blank?Is it expensive? Quote
DonAndersen Posted July 28, 2013 Posted July 28, 2013 Tungsten, Below are two bamboo rod builders that make blanks. Both of them are highly respected within the bamboo community. http://www.stonerodco.com/about-2/ http://www.carlinbamboo.com/pricelist.htm There are however other companies that provide blanks into the market that are cheaper than the two mentioned above. Be aware the the cost of these blanks clearly reflects their quality. What is clear however that a blank price of <>$400 doesn't mean that a rod you finish will be worth what the blank builder charges for a rod. The builder may spend 30 hours getting a rod finish completed to his satisfaction. Most first time bamboo rod builders rarely have either the equipment or skills to complete a rod to the level of perfection demonstrated by the blank builder. Regards, Don Quote
Roast Posted July 28, 2013 Author Posted July 28, 2013 Don isn't kidding about how much time it takes to finish a blank, especially if you choose fine grade silk. I used yli 100 wt silk that is just a little thicker than pearsall gossamer. Having never used silk before, it took me a really long time in the beginning to get it to where I was happy with it. However I got more proficient with every wrap and I am happy with the finished product: Another option is to use silk that is heavier, like yli 50 wt which is much easier to work with. I would highly suggest ordering a rod and working on it over the winter so that you aren't tempted to rush:) As another user mentioned, you can always buy a new or used rod, but ensure that it is from a respected dealer. Here are a few that I am aware of: - http://www.coldwatercollectibles.com/classics.html - http://classicflyfisherman.com/PRE_OWNED_RODS.htm - http://www.codella.com/binventory.htm (already mentioned) - http://www.vintageflytackle.com/collections/bamboo-rods Bamboo veterans will suggest that you try a taper before you purchase a rod. This can be very hard to do, and some of the dealers above offer a 3 day inspection period where you can see if the rod is for you. Quote
Tungsten Posted July 28, 2013 Posted July 28, 2013 Some nice stuff there,I'm interested in getting raw cane.Where does it come from?Price? Is it cheap enough that one could build a few and make a few mistakes? Quote
Roast Posted July 28, 2013 Author Posted July 28, 2013 Don will definitely have more answers however here are a couple brokers I have heard of: http://www.tonkincane.com/tonkprice.html http://www.bamboobroker.com/products.html The best bamboo comes from the Tonkin region of China. Here is a great video about bamboo, importing, etc: http://m.youtube.com/#/watch?v=uKE-6GsZBZg&desktop_uri=%2Fwatch%3Fv%3DuKE-6GsZBZg Quote
Conor Posted July 28, 2013 Posted July 28, 2013 Roast- that is nice finishing work. Very well done. Where did you get the blank? Taper? Tungsten- I have some cane you can buy. I organized a big order a while ago to reduce the bite of shipping charges. I would guess you could get a single culm of tonkin cane in China for less then a dollar, but to get just one to Calgary you are looking at maybe $50-100. If you stop by some time (Marda Loop- Calgary) I can spare one or two for $30 ea. Each one makes about 2 rods. Quote
Bowbiker Posted July 28, 2013 Posted July 28, 2013 Don isn't kidding about how much time it takes to finish a blank, especially if you choose fine grade silk. I used yli 100 wt silk that is just a little thicker than pearsall gossamer. Having never used silk before, it took me a really long time in the beginning to get it to where I was happy with it. However I got more proficient with every wrap and I am happy with the finished product: Another option is to use silk that is heavier, like yli 50 wt which is much easier to work with. I would highly suggest ordering a rod and working on it over the winter so that you aren't tempted to rush:) As another user mentioned, you can always buy a new or used rod, but ensure that it is from a respected dealer. Here are a few that I am aware of: - http://www.coldwatercollectibles.com/classics.html - http://classicflyfisherman.com/PRE_OWNED_RODS.htm - http://www.codella.com/binventory.htm (already mentioned) - http://www.vintageflytackle.com/collections/bamboo-rods Bamboo veterans will suggest that you try a taper before you purchase a rod. This can be very hard to do, and some of the dealers above offer a 3 day inspection period where you can see if the rod is for you. Roast, Looks like all that is left to do is dip it. Regards, Dick Seymour. Quote
Roast Posted July 28, 2013 Author Posted July 28, 2013 Hey Dick, You're right, its been done for quite sometime, however it's been a busy month. I will give you a call to work out a drop off time. Conor, it is a Dennis Stone Cascade Blank, 7'9" 5wt:) Quote
Tungsten Posted July 29, 2013 Posted July 29, 2013 Tungsten- I have some cane you can buy. I organized a big order a while ago to reduce the bite of shipping charges. I would guess you could get a single culm of tonkin cane in China for less then a dollar, but to get just one to Calgary you are looking at maybe $50-100. If you stop by some time (Marda Loop- Calgary) I can spare one or two for $30 ea. Each one makes about 2 rods. Well that's a hell of an offer thank you,i have too many projects on the go right now and haven't a slightest clue on what to do with it. Maybe once winter rolls around.Thanks for all the info. Quote
peetso Posted July 30, 2013 Posted July 30, 2013 I fish a 4 weight fiberglass Scott. I really like it. It hates wind. Quote
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