Bamboo Rod Builders?

So, I just sent in my order form for a Mike Clark South Creek ltd bamboo fly rod. There is a 3 year waiting list. No problem, gives me plenty of time to save the money. I selected Mike because of all the great things I've read about his rods. My question though is this: What other reputable bamboo rod makers are out there? I've sure there are a ton of makers, but who is making a truly quality rod right now? I'm purchasing the rod to fish, not just sit, but I have 2 sons and I will need 2 rods to eventually pass them on to my boys. Thanks.

Take a look at Harry Boyd of the Boyd Rod Company. He is in Louisiana. He might be close enough for you to visit.

Jerry

I've always liked Bill Oyster's rods. They are more like works of art and tend to be expensive.

http://oysterbamboo.com/index.html

If I ever hit the lottery, I'm going to buy one of his Epic Series.

There are dozens of awesome bamboo rod builders building amazing rods. I honestly believe today's builder are building some of the best rods ever made. Prices start around $700 and go up to almost $5000. I would suggest going to a larger show like Somerset and meeting the builders and the dealers. You can see, touch & cast a lot of rods before choosing. There are good deals in the used market too!

I'll second Fishbum's recommendation and add a couple more...Ron Barch and Chris Bogart

Brad

I would recommend the following bamboo rod makers.
They do excellent work and are great to work with.
They also won't break the bank.

Dennis Stone.........http://www.stonerodco.com/
R.W. Lancaster......http://www.codella.com/
Chris Carlin.........http://www.carlinbamboo.com/
James Reid..........http://www.jmreidbamboo.com/

May fine makers working today and providing excellent rods and service.

Thanks for the replies. I'll check them all out.

Also, spend some time over on theclassicflyrodforum. They are mostly bamboo oriented.

Dave

Earlier this year my wife (for our 30th anniversary) contacted Fishbum (he posted above) to build a hollow built 5 wt which she and Jerry surprised me with in January at the Northcoast Flyfishers Flytying Expo. Beautiful finish and such a light and smooth casting rod. I also have others by Don Recker of Ohio and Keystone Rods of Michigan. All make high quality rods.

Jim Downes is making some of the best rods in the country right now.

http://www.ljdownesrodcompany.com/

Doug
www.dehartofamaker.com

a good friend just bought a Dennis Stone ferruled blank and sent it to me for finishing. gotta say, for the price Dennis work can't be beat. the varnish is perfect and the blanks is great. while he was at it I had Dennis make a replacement tip for my Granger 8642. Ammonia toned and everthing. you really can't tell the original from the replacement. Excellent work.

second the mention of Jim Downes. you could go to Bamboo Week at Upper Canyon Outfitters and finish one yourself with his help. he builds rods to fish with, and they are very, very nice!

so many great builders. Many are hobby guys who don't sell rods. If you get a chance go to a rod builders get together. You would have the chance to cast many rods and see for yourself who you like best. The SRG in Arkansas in the fall is one of the best.

Thanks for all the great information. I'm trying to soak it all in. Going to a rod builders get together is a great idea. Thanks again. Hope everyone had a Merry Christmas.

Quote:

---

Originally Posted by birddog

so many great builders. Many are hobby guys who don't sell rods. If you get a chance go to a rod builders get together. You would have the chance to cast many rods and see for yourself who you like best. The SRG in Arkansas in the fall is one of the best.

---

Birddog, what is the Arkansas SRG?

I think this is what he is referring to, awesome gathering of makers, builders, and bamboo!
http://southernrodmakers.blogspot.com/

Hello, Mr. Grant. I hope I got that correct. My name is Tom Coutu and I live in Clinton, MS. I am a fellow bamboo enthusiast and also a bamboo rod maker. I am not trying to sell you anything but it might be nice for us to get together some time and cast some of the rods that I have built so you have an idea of what you want. I have built 7 rods and was a student of Bill Oyster. I have 4 rods here. Two others went to my uncle, who got me started fishing at a very young age, and to a close friend. The third went to charity and brought $1200 for wounded warriors. If you are interested in more established rod builders, i highly recommend Harry Boyd or John Hollifield. Harry is close, in Winnsboro, LA. John is in NC. They both build beautiful rods. Bill Oyster makes wonderful rods, as well, but he demands a higher price. Let me know if you would like to get together. Perhaps I can walk you through the process so that you can be better prepared to make your choice. My shop is at my home in Clinton. I would really like to find a local fishing partner. My number is 601-415-8914. Give me a call