Sub-$1,000 Bamboo

[Rev Rob]

Let me state right up front ~~ Mike Brooks is a friend of mine. Having said that, let me say this ~~ Mike is one of the best guys to work with when it comes to ordering a new bamboo rod. His permacane process makes the rod almost bullet-proof. Follow the link provided above and contact Mike.

[glm38]

I know a couple of guys that have rods made by Ron Caimi. They both love their rods and they seem very well made. His are well under $1000 Heres the link:

http://www.troutcamprods.com/aboutme.htm

Greg

[Skeet]

Dave....ditto John Channer....I am thinking of having him build me another...great guy & great prices...talk to him or any rod maker first!!

[Ray]

Bill Taylor
A.J. Thramer
Art Weiler
John Channer
Harry Boyd
Mike Brooks

I would try to avoid a Chinese made rod, the quality is very low, the listed builders will build you a quality rod for a fair price.

[DaveS]

Thanks all for the tips/names given so far -- keep 'em coming if you haven't chimed in. I love reading about some of these makers on their web sites.

Another question for choosing a maker, and I suppose for a bamboo novice, buying any bamboo rod -- how do you know whether a rod maker's style will suit you? I see a number of the makers mentioned (AJ Thramer, Art Weiler) make "replica" classics, such as Garrison or Leonard tapers. With no access to a Garrison or a Leonard, how do I know if I will like the rod? And for that matter, I presume no two rod maker's have the same idea of what a "medium" or "medium/fast" rod action should be. Suggestions?

[Ron Eagle Elk]

DaveS,

When I talked with Bill Taylor about my quad boo rod, we spent a lot of time talking about my casting style, height/weight, etc. When I got the rod it fit me to a tee. There is nothing I would change.

E-mail some of the makers and call them on the phone. If you don't get a good feeling wait.

Best bet is to try to get to a Fish-In. A lot of folks bring their rods out for a casting session,that's how I got hooked on Boo in the first place.

REE

[Rev Rob]

The only way to know for sure if you like a rod is to cast it. I will say this ~~ two of the best pure casting rods I have owned were made by A.J. Thramer. One was a Granger Special 8' 3/2 5 wt and the other was a Payne 100. Mike Brooks McKenzie series is a very nice casting rod series.

[Jordan]

Chalk up another vote for John Channer. He made me one a couple summers ago on the advice of some of the folks in the bamboo chat here on FAOL. I really like it. I also own one by Mr. Thramer that gets a lot of use. My old Grangers are more or less riding the bench in favor of these two new rods.

[Ron Eagle Elk]

DaveS,

One thing you might want to do is stop by the Bamboo Chatroom on Thursday evenings. Thee are several fine makers and lots of Boo users in the room. A ton of info available there.

REE

[bdcanefly]

I have a few rods and have cast many.
The best way to find out what you like is to look for a bamboo gathering or event where many rods will be there for you to cast.
Just post where you live and one of us will help you out.

BDC