Flyfishing Articles

Bamboo Fly Fishing Rods

What Do You Know About Bamboo Fly Fishing Rods?

Some say that fly-fishing started with bamboo rods, and hence the name. Most of the veteran anglers are of the opinion that bamboo fly fishing rods are the best there is for this type of fishing. This is why, in spite of having so many other materials today, the bamboo fly fishing rods are still manufactured and widely sold all over the world. Since the process of making these rods is very complex, these rods are one of the most expensive ones. Nonetheless, they are still very popular across the globe.

A Hundred Years Old and Still Going Strong

The bamboo fly fishing rods are indeed more than hundred years old. Their popularity in fly-fishing is due to its complete adaptability to the sport; so much so, that no other synthetic material can match it to date. Fly-fishing requires a very supple rod, which can be manipulated in such a way that it can send the line with the artificial fly in the exact required spot in one fluid motion. The swish-swash required here can be satisfied only by the elasticity of the bamboo fly fishing rods. Hence, no other material is able to take its place, yet.

In case you find the bamboo fly fishing rods expensive, you can try to make your own with a little help from books and even Internet where you will find detailed, step-by-step instructions. You will need a number of things such as, ferrules or connectors, pole pieces, reel, cork grip and cork, etc.

The assembling of the bamboo fly fishing rods is the easiest of the tasks. The difficult part is to choose the right type of bamboo. The piece you select should be supple enough to wave around freely without fear of breaking; it should be mature enough to withstand continuous contact with water and should be long enough as well. The process of putting together a good bamboo fly fishing rod is tough – this is why it is so costly in the market; however, you are welcome to try your hand.

While you will have great time fishing with these rods, keep in mind that they require a lot of care and maintenance. You will need to protect them from debris and humidity or they will rot in no time. In order to prevent damage from water (its worst enemy), you will be required to rub it with grease or Vaseline as often as possible to make it waterproof. Pay great attention to any debris lodged on the rod or on the cork grip. The wood should be kept dry at all cost and occasionally polished with furniture polish for enhanced protection.