On my way to the stream with my new 'boo rod, a guy approached me in the parking lot, we were talking about bamboo versus graphite and fishing in general. As we left he mentioned that his overall favorite rods are fiberglass. I walked away thinking…am I missing out, what are the advantages and disadvantages of fiberglass compared to graphite and bamboo?
I know they are indestructible (Which is an advantage to me since I have broken two rods, one cane and one graphite in the last six months :oops: )
What else is there to them?
:shock: Oh, oh!
I’ve always thought of the glass rods as a poor mans boo! except lighter! They are a delight to cast, marvelous to bring in the fish, and are beautiful to look at while you’re casting and retrieving. (I have a couple Hardy Perfectionglass rods … incredible!!)
OK … you knew this was coming … You owe it to yourself to cast a few, and even add a few to your quiver. :roll:
Betty, Betty, Betty! I had no idea you had two of them. WOW! I’m impressed. (I only have one, 7.5 ft, 4wt.) Congrats… now, for the question he asked.
http://www.flyanglersonline.com/prorevw/perfection.html
Oh, hit the ‘search’ on the main wbsite, more info too. 
What Betty & JC said…
…about 30 minutes ago I added yet another glass rod to my quiver that includes bamboo & graphite.
It is a wonderful rod building material that while not “lightning fast” is better suited to many applications. It is the ultimate material IMHO for really small stream fishing and rods in the 6’6" to 7’6" length are wonderful FISHING rods. But I also fish a vintage Fenwick FF85-3 8’6" 6wt as my go to winter trout rod and it slings everything with ease.
Try one and see if you like it; if you do, be prepared for sticker shock when it comes to the “premium” glass rods but it’s still cheaper than bamboo.
Here’s an interesting quote from Jim Green of Fenwick and “sleeve-over-ferrule” fame:
“To this day I have always said that the worst thing that ever happened to Fenwick was the development of the Graphite Rod”.
I just finished a rebuild of a Phillipson Eponite Royal.
I have a big water Phillipson and love the way it casts, so I’ve been looking for a trout sized one for a while.
Being a cheapskate, I was happy to get one in rough condition and bring it back to life.
It may not be a Hardy, but it casts pretty darn smooth and I have no doubt that it will be a go-to rod this season.
The Hardy rod sounds sweet. Are there many available on the used market? Is is softer than soft bamboo? What would be a fair price for one now?
I would imagine a silk line would be perfect on one?
So JC, do you have any experience with old Saint Croix fiberglass?
Bam…it seems Fenwick is the most sought after and demand the highest prices now. So why? Collectible or performance?
Didn’t Jim say that because it was too easy to make a graphite rod? It took the art out of making a rod. You only have to get close with graphite, and it turns out ok.
Guess I’ll have to drag out my old FF806 - when I was fishing with that I was so new I didn’t even know what line weight was, probably used a level 2 wt or something on it.
“Saint Croix fiberglass?” not sure, really. Been a long time. As for the line on the Hardy, the SYLK runs well. The feel of it is unique. If you find one for sale, buy it. You can always sell it later if you want to.
Is it for sale? :mrgreen:
Do you like the sylk line better than real silk?
http://www.cortlandline.com/factorystor … revstart=0[/quote]
Thanks for the link. Do you think those rods are as good as the originals?
I would consider it if I still don’t like it after I try it with a 6 wt. line. Will let you know.
http://www.cortlandline.com/factorystor … revstart=0[/quote]
Thanks for the link. Do you think those rods are as good as the originals?[/quote]
This is the rod that JC is talking about. First made in 1998
[quote=“Gramps”]
Didn’t Jim say that because it was too easy to make a graphite rod? It took the art out of making a rod. You only have to get close with graphite, and it turns out ok.[/quote]
Gramps:
That pretty much sums up his reasons. I found that interesting.
An uneducated guess would be:[ul]*Availability - 'cause there are zillions out there
*Castability and quality - because they were considered a good rod in their day and they are!
*Ferralite Ferrules - many older glass rods had metal ferrules. Fenwick had the first sleeve-over glass ferrules which are better IMHO.
*Sentimentality - I bought mine because they bring back memories besides the other reasons.
*Price - You can get one for $100 on eBay which still is a bargain IMHO for a really good rod.[/ul]I have two and I love them both!
http://www.cortlandline.com/factorystor … revstart=0[/quote]
Thanks for the link. Do you think those rods are as good as the originals?[/quote]
This is the rod that JC is talking about. First made in 1998[/quote]
Oh ok. That good to hear. I thought he had one of the originals.
Hmmmm bamboo to glas. Should I or shouldn’t I?
This would be a small stream rod right? I know the casting champ was throwing a lot of line, but that’s hardly me.
I would consider it if I still don’t like it after I try it with a 6 wt. line. Will let you know.[/quote] [/quote]
So I have first dibs?
And just to get the story straight Bam 
, actually there selling for under a hundred! :lol:
They were until you just posted that! :lol: