Bamboo Poles?

kayakfisher · 02-08-2004, 09:36 PM

I am looking for a ten foot pole for steelhead, but really don't need to spend 200 for it...

Was wondering...why wouldn't a nice piece of bamboo work...maybe make that my first homemade pole?

If it seems feasible..any suggestions on how to learn to make it?...a book?, a place for lessons?

I am not so good a fisherman as to need an expensive pole, and I really do not get to go out all that often...so the making of the thing is part of the ambiance...and I could do that in short sessions at home, when the kids are asleep.

Might be fun, but could bamboo be good enough?

M.

drhall99 · 02-08-2004, 11:47 PM

Interesting question. I guess it depends on what kind of fishing you are interested in doing with the bamboo. I think that bamboo would be lacking in sensitivity for activities like drift fishing. You would probably be better off buying a cheaper graphite blank and building it. Send a private message to me if you need a good source for cheap blanks. You could also buy used. It's been along time, but I used to get some good deals from the pawn shops in the Vancouver area.

Good luck,
Doug

Fshklr · 02-09-2004, 05:58 AM

Kayakfisher,
for $40.00 and change you can get an Okuma casting or spinning rod 8'6"-9'-10'6". The casting models have an exposed blank reelseat, cork grips and perform very well. There are even 11 or 12 foot models in casting and spinning for around $50 and change that are great for banking sturgeon.

Just buying the guides, wrapping thread, reelseat, epoxy, will run you the $50?

[ 02-09-2004, 06:59 AM: Message edited by: Fshklr ]

SalmonJeff · 02-09-2004, 07:16 AM

yeah I was at the show and got 2 of the okuma cheapies for $29.00 each I use the 8'6 foot for sturgeon and they do great. I also have some that I steelhead fish with and they are good rods for the price. I think BOB's sporting goods has them for 39.99 all the time I know they are 49.99 at G.I joes right now.

Rauly · 02-09-2004, 08:00 AM

My daughter would be happy to loan you her's. :grin: She thinks it is a pretty good one because it catches fish. Or just grab the one next to her, there is lots of room and fish.

[ 02-09-2004, 09:02 AM: Message edited by: Rauly ]

FishinTechnician · 02-09-2004, 08:12 AM

Bamboo and steel were the materials of choice before fiberglass came around. My Dad had two bamboo rods one 10' for salmon fishing off the CR bars and a 11' for sturgeon that he could throw two RxR spikes with. All the old boat poles were 4-5' bamboo with wood handles. Before he would go fishing he would take them out of the garage and lay them on the lawn overnight to soak up some moisture so they wouldn't break. The only problem with bamboo is that it would take a set after a day of fishing. Usually the set came out when stored. I recall them working just as good as the big beach rods we use today.

kayakfisher · 02-10-2004, 11:34 PM

I did see one ten footer at the show that was fairly inexpensive...but didn't like the guides on it.

Cute kid Rauly...how much does she want for the cool pole? :tongue:

I like the idea of building from cheap blanks...so now i need to find a suitable source of blanks, and learn how to do the deed...

M.

Steelheader69 · 02-11-2004, 08:19 AM

Yeah, may be best to get one of the newer style blanks. It all depends on what type of bamboo pole do you plan to make. Just a straight bamboo with eyes? Or do you plan to mill it, and make it split bamboo?? The later will take alot of effort and skill. I still have two of my granddads bamboo rods and one of his steel rods. One is about a 7' split bamboo baitcaster he used for salmon/steelhead and the other is about a 9' split bamboo fly rod. I will agree, after just a few fish they will get a "fish set" on them. Mostly in the tip sections.

Like suggested, just go with a more standard blank.

reeldick · 02-11-2004, 01:15 PM

You definately don't want to tackle a bamboo rod for your first rodbuilding project. Start with a fiberglass blank for the first one. If you enjoy it, make number two a good graphite blank. Bamboo does not make a fine rod for fishing. Get to graphite for the best rods.

cotalot · 02-11-2004, 06:14 PM

My dad used bamboo rods when I was young and we always had fish in the freezer! I can sure appreciate the as described, ambiance of it. Whether in fishing or anything else, you name it, there's a certain satisfaction in making something- then seeing it work. Or taking part in traditional ways. Bow hunters and muzzleloaders don't necessarily invest the time to become experts in their craft because it's the most foolproof hunt.

WheresMyBobber · 02-11-2004, 11:39 PM

I once watched a show on TV that showed how they make split bamboo fishing rods. It sure didn't look like an easy project, and certainly not a project for the average Joe in my opinion. I've refinished and rewrapped a couple split bamboo rods, but I wouldn't even attempt to build one from scratch.