Ron Barch suggested to me that I soak an old rod (9 footer)I had to delaminate it (said it was probably a hide glue of some sort) and plane it to a new length and taper of my choosing. He said that the 'boo was very good, even in mass produced rods and I would end up with a fine fishing tool. I haven't tried the proces yet so let me know how it works and I might try it.
Mark