Is this a good rod?

Fish catching kid · 05-02-2003, 07:09 PM

today I was looking in a pawn shop and I found this split cane rod for a few bucks and decided to buy it thinking there are no bad cane rods. I was wondering if this is a good rod and if any one might be able to put a price on it. The rod says "Canadian" on it, there is no other writing on it but a number, I guess to be the serial number,

2514 The rod is 9'6" inches long has two tips and is a three peice, it doesn't say what weight it is but I would guess between an 4 and a 6, very old, and is in quite good condition. Anyone like to guess the value? :whazzup:

Kid

Steelheader69 · 05-02-2003, 10:39 PM

Never heard of the Canadian. There isn't a "bad" bamboo, but there are "inexpensive" one's. Have to check out the Canadian to see who made it. I know some are only worth what you pay for it (Have found them from collectors going for only $30 for a really nice rod, but come to find out they were made in Japan or Korea). I have a nice bamboo rod. Mine is an older USA made one. Has the agate stripper guide and tip top. Has the two tips as well, though one has fishset on it. Other is straight.

Does yours have the reversible handle? Usually the one's made in Orient were reversibles. I'll see if I can find the online page that deals with collectible canes.

deefly · 05-03-2003, 07:49 AM

Well...I think there actually are some bad bamboo rods out there. Larger Montague rods come immediately to mind. Generally any rod over 9ft is going to beat your ass! Probably an early steelhead rod. I just looked through my bamboo rod restorers book but didnt see "Canadian" You can check under "Dick Spurr" on Google. He has a history site with old rods for sale on the web.
good luck and Enjoy. BTW: all tips should be the same length. But it will not kill the fishability of the rod if it is down by 1-2"
Best of luck! :grin:

Fish catching kid · 05-03-2003, 10:41 AM

The handle on this rod is not reversable. The tube it was sold in was old and on the bottom it read "IMPROVED MAILING CASE CO. NEW YORK"

Fish catching kid · 05-03-2003, 07:57 PM

I went to a fly shop today and the guy that helped me realy did that. He was able to tell that the handle style was either a South Bend, Heddon, Goodwin Granger, Montague, or Granger. there is one agate guide.

Grantspastor · 05-03-2003, 11:47 PM

I couldn't find any thing in my references either concerning this rod. Bamboo rods range in quality from the ridiculous to the sublime. I will say however that with ANY fly rod...how "nice" it is depends in large part on how much the user likes it. I'd have bought it...and tried it out. If it's an enjoyable rod to fish, then you scored a great deal.

Grantspastor · 05-04-2003, 10:06 PM

If it's a Goodwin Granger and in good condition you may have a pretty decent rod.

drbfish · 05-05-2003, 09:44 AM

I think H-I made a 'Canadian'. I think it was made in varnished and impregnated cane.

Grantspastor · 05-05-2003, 04:15 PM

H-I as in Horrocks-Ibbotson? They had a reputation as being a little weepy. Nevetheless...I'd get it out on the water and let myself be the final court of appeals on whether it is a good rod or not.

deefly · 05-05-2003, 09:26 PM

I just checked out my restoration manual and the model in H&I is "canada creek". The different possible makers listed by your friend at the shop leaves more questions than answers. There are BIG differences between say...Granger, Heddon, and South Bend. I would contact a larger shop or fish around on the net. there used to be a bamboo rod makers board somewhere on the net.
Good Luck.

drbfish · 05-06-2003, 07:50 AM

the truth is this, fish with it, if you like it it is a good rod!

If you have photos of it would help with Id. (close-ups of realseat and ferrules)

will_e_fish · 05-06-2003, 08:32 AM

How does it feel? Have you put line on it and tested it out yet? I think it will catch fish and handle well and last if taken care of.