I’ve been working on this bamboo fly rod for about 3 months now and just finished it last night. It was supposed to be a 4 weight but turned out to be a 2 weight. Not sure what happened but from what I understand your not entirely sure how the rod will turn out until its completed.

Its not the typical hexagonal bamboo rod, it is a quadrate. It was quite the process and I estimate putting in about 50 hours into this rod. Not knowing the first thing about bamboo fly rods I decided to dive in because they are very intriguing to me. Many hours of research on the internet and questions on rod building forums ended me up with my first bamboo fly rod. Its not the prettiest but I cast it in the lawn this evening and it casts great. Cant wait to get out on the river on Wednesday.

Before pictures of the bamboo, this is just scraps but you get the idea.


And finished rod

it looks sweet

A 2 weight on Mill Creek right now might be the perfect rod.
Now you need to speed up the process and start taking custom orders.

On Chitownangler is a guy named Bear (Kevin). He builds rods. Taught himself and got lots of help from others. Get in touch with him. Tell him I sent you. He can probably save you a lot of time and trouble with shortcuts and tricks.

You didn't mention how long you made it.

Looks real good. Hope you don't snap it first time out.

Ken G wrote:A 2 weight on Mill Creek right now might be the perfect rod.
Now you need to speed up the process and start taking custom orders.

On Chitownangler is a guy named Bear (Kevin). He builds rods. Taught himself and got lots of help from others. Get in touch with him. Tell him I sent you. He can probably save you a lot of time and trouble with shortcuts and tricks.

You didn't mention how long you made it.

Looks real good. Hope you don't snap it first time out.

Thanks Ken now you jinxed me. Actually im hoping that wont happen. Bamboo is very flexible, i've taken spare strips and and almost bent them in a complete circle before you start to hear the fibers starting to give. And it is 7 1/2 feet. I was thinking the same thing about Mill just need some time. This weekend looks out so hopefully it wont be too late when i finally get out there. For now it will be the DPR, last time out i've notices little fish hitting little bugs on the surface.

That thing is just absolutely gorgeous! Great work man!

Thanks Darth

I don't recall seeing it mentioned that it has been used yet.

SNAP, CRACK.

Back to the drawing board.

I have used it a couple times on the DPR with nothing to show for it. I think its too late for Mill. First time out had a little problem, didnt epoxy the ferrules good enough and one of them worked loose. Just used a heavier grit sandpaper to make it easier for the epoxy to hold. Did i mention i suck at casting

I'll show you what little I know, but I've been shown a few things by 3 of the best out there.

One More Cast, Joseph Meyer. Stop by there, buy a few little things and ask him to show you a couple of little things. Bring your rod. Show him what you did. Not joking here. It will be worth your while.

Don't call him Joe.

Tell him I said hi.