Why bamboo?

[Stew]

Some might think it's incredibly unpracticle to desire a bamboo fly rod especially with an asking price of close to $1000 :bigshock:
Will you catch more fish with it than a graphite rod? probably not :shrug:
Will you enjoy your flyfishing experience more??? Can't speak for the rest of you but for me I can answer that with a definitive yes!
It's all about enjoyment as far as I'm concerned :cheers:

[happybrew]

Way back when, as a wee lad in junior high woodshop class, I wanted to make a split bamboo fly rod. I had the plans laid out, a source of bamboo, and I was ready to go. Shop teacher said no. I still have the cork board I made all those many years ago, and it's in great condition. If only I had a split bamboo fly rod as well. My life would be complete, and I wouldn't have to disagree with everyone else on LIG. :crazy:

happybrew

[deefly]

I agree with you Stew. I broke my TFO 4wt last week and had to sub with my 8.5ft H/I Beaverkill. what a great rod. And cheap too! In 1945, it was just 9.00! But its the way it looks and feels and throws a nice slow line! Heres a pic of the result....I hope! :smash:
Well, maybe next time! Its too late! :eek: http://www.geocities.com/victorianflies/bamboocut.jpg :wave:

[Mark Vickers]

You know, I didn't understand this obsession with bamboo until very recently.

While I can't relate directly to the bamboo rods, I have taken a liking to old American side by side shotguns. There are all sorts of magnum autoloaders out there, but there's something elegant about two barrels, the balance, and knowing that I'm experiencing the same as my great grandfather.

I would guess that the feeling of swinging bamboo is way more than just a physical sensation. There's a bit more to it.

[mpruet]

I too have become a fan of bamboo.

After having the opportunity to cast a few rods last weekend, I can see why they are so popular. The way that they pretty much load and throw the line for you, is simply unbelievable.

Will I ever own one? That is a question only time will answer. Right now the answer is no.

[Meskel]

Nice fish, I especially like the way it is displayed with the rod and all. Is this a keeper? I only ask because I would love to take my pictures in this fashion but I rarely keep anything.

I will have to try and throw a bamboo rod some time to see what it is all about. Never know trying to make one could be in my future.

Meskel

[deefly]

Meskel: That was a C/R cuttie about 15 inches or so. Great fight on a bamboo! Released immediately after this pic! I keep the camera in the fish bag and fumble it out and snap away before the fish cries "Foul!"
A small camera like a Nikon Coolpix is not a big space taker in a creel.
Glad you liked the pic
Deefly :applause:

[mandinga]

History and tradition.

I inhereted an old fiberglass rod that I have really started to enjoy fishing with.

[lost_sailor]

I took a few casts with a handmade 2-weight bamboo rod one time. It was incredible - weightless. I have some antiques (Dad's) on my wall, I don't think they're usable ... haven't tried. I have pieces of three different rods, and all of none.

[john montana]

since getting into bamboo i've abanoned all my graphite rods...it is a dangerous addiction though! i simply like the way they cast. being a natural material i don't feel any bounce to the rod, and i can feel every move a fish makes instantly. they are heavier, but it doesn't take long to get used to that. i only fish graphite for 8 wts and above now.

wish i could have made the gathering on the met last week...lots of good rodmakers there...

[mandinga]

they are heavier, but it doesn't take long to get used to that. i only fish graphite for 8 wts and above now.




I don't know why, but I have found the same to be true...after owning most of the high end trout rods that are 2-4oz's I have found myself becoming slowly attracted to the heavier natural materials. It's almost like they are "Too light" these days. :whazzup: :shrug: (don't get me wrong, a fast action graphite internal ferrule rod under 3.5 oz's still gets me really excited!)

[Grantspastor]

Probably for the same reasons I tie flies and prefer wooden drift boats. They all are beautiful things, and involve craftmanship beyond the norm. A rod like Stew's is a thing of exquisite beauty. How could you not love it?

In addition you are honoring the heritage of fly fishing. Some folks don't esteem it much, but it is a rich and diverse heritage. it all adds up to a greater experience.
Like most, I don't fish Bamboo rods for large fish, or when long distance casting with large flies is called for Graphite works much better. On the other hand, what could be finer than fishing small dry flies over trout with such a wonderful tool as a Bamboo rod?