Several months ago I posted the following question to all you rod builders.
“Is it too late for a 60+ year old to learn to build good bamboo rods?”
Well, thanks to all of the encouragement received from my friends at FAOL I jumped head long into the addictive world of boo. Along the way, planing forms, binder, oven, sharpening jigs, and wrapping stands all became separate projects required to complete the rod. It has been a wonderful challenge and I think I can now answer the question myself. No, it is never too late to learn something new.
The rod is not quite complete, lacking the lettering and the final coats of varnish but I just couldn?t wait any longer to take some photos and share the results. It is a 7?-6?, 2 piece, 2 tip, 4 wgt., built to the Jim Payne 100 taper. The guides are Snake Brand and the reel seat and hardware are from Golden Witch. My only regret is that I did not use a little better grade of cork to build up the grip. But then again I never thought my first attempt would be good enough to justify it.
I am currently putting the finishing touches on a dip tube set up so I can get the varnish right and pouring over taper charts trying to settle on what the next rod will be.
Thanks to all for getting me kick started. I think!
Thanks, both of you; I really appreciate it. Of course I have cast it. Only in the yard so far but I am just tickled to death. It is very sensitive out to about 40 ft and I think with a little adapting on my part it will be a great rod. I have not previously had much opportunity to cast bamboo rods so I have to slow down a little and feel the rod. I grew up on glass so it is kind of familiar.
Congratulations on your first rod! It looks really great! You must be a happy man now when you have a finished rod in your hands. I’ve been gathering all the tools and materials for more than one and a half years now but still didn’t complete my first rod. Can’t wait till I get some free time and finish my rod!
Isn’t it fun? Beautiful work Shaky! I am such a sucker for orange wraps on blonde rods. Well done and congrats! Is the reel seat cedar? Where did you get it, or did you turn and finish it yourself?
Whoops, just reread the post and notice the info on the seat.
Wow Shaky!! That is absolutely beautifull for a first build. Chalk that up a few for second, third and fourth build, too! I wish I had the discipline to do what it takes to build forms, an oven and all else it takes to build a bamboo rod. I have a friend who builds for a living out of Overland Park, Ks, and I really like going up there, just to be in the shop. It’s a really neat craft I wish I knew. I was fortunate enough to obtain one of his builds, a 7’ four wt, and I first fished it this Monday eve, again Tuesday eve, and sure enough, again on Wednesday eve. As you can see, I’ve clearly found a new love in the lifestyle of fly fishing. You are absolutely going to love the feel of bamboo with a fish on.
WOW! I never expected such an outpouring of compliments. Thank You. I am indeed a happy, proud guy right now and I can’t wait to get a fish attached to the working end of this thing.
The match of the reel seat and wraps color was somewhat of a happy accident. I originally planned on a brown thread with red trim bands but my test wraps turned out way too dark under the varnish. I had ordered silk in three different colors for the wraps just in case and I ended up using Pearsals classic chestnut which I originally thought would be too light but when the varnish hit it, perfect. The reel seat is light cocobollo.
Betty: You are officially the first person on my waiting list. However, I should warn you that if I charge $5 / hour I figure the price will be about $2000. Maybe I will get faster with a little practice.
Beautiful work Shaky! I am such a sucker for orange wraps on blonde rods. Well done and congrats! Is the reel seat cedar? Where did you get it, or did you turn and finish it yourself?