In a world of modern materials like carbon fiber and Kevlar it would surprise a lot of people to know that fly fishing started with bamboo rods. Today we are going to look at what they are, the history and if they still have a place for the modern fly fisherman.
What are Bamboo Fly Fishing Rods?
Bamboo fly fishing rods are made from strips of Tonkin bamboo from China. This type of bamboo is used because it grows straight, the nodes are evenly spaced and the properties make for a great handling rod. Rod makers will split the bamboo into triangular strip that are tapered to create a hexagonal rod when six strips are bound together. This is why the British call these type split cane rods. Regardless of what you call them, bamboo fly rods were the standard until the 1950s. Trade issues with China and new fiberglass technology led to a move away from bamboo.
The History of Split Cane Rods
While bamboo and woods was used for a few hundreds years before, the first split cane bamboo rod was made in 1845 by Samuel Philippe in Easton, Pennsylvania. He originated the six panel hexagonal rod with each piece hand planed and straightened so they all fit together. The pieces would then be glued before the ferrules, reel seat and guides are added.
The result were rods that were both functional and works of art that would become collectors items. Many companies produce split cane rods including Hardy in the United Kingdom.
You can still find antique bamboo rods that harken back to an era when fly fishing was a sport of sophistication and the rivers were a lot less crowded then they are now. Images of gentlemen in tweed with pipes and fine whisky are evoked with the classy old school style of a bamboo rod.
Bamboo fly rods were prized for both their style and flexibility. These rods helped lead to the techniques of fly fishing as we know them today.
Are Bamboo Rods Still Relevant Today?
While we have the option of all the best gear these days, bamboo rods are still a viable option for the discerning fly fisherman. With a nice slow action and extreme flexibility, a bamboo fly rod can be the best tool when working fish that get spooked easily. It allows for a delicate presentation of dry flies, nymphs and emergers.
The give of the rod will help protect the light tippet you will tend to use when fishing winter tailwaters. The slower action makes them best suited for small to medium sized streams since it doesn’t lend itself to long casts. Bamboo rods have a unique feel when fighting a fish that is hard to describe. The rod feels more alive than synthetic materials which strangely makes sense since it is made from an organic material.
If you are interested in getting a bamboo fly rod you can get them from mainstream companies like Orvis as well as niche manufacturers who can build a custom rod for you.
Conclusion
While you might scoff at the idea of a bamboo fly rod, you shouldn’t discount it if you are looking for a tool to help with delicate presentations for those jumpy fish. While they can be more expensive, we fish for the experience and fishing with a bamboo rod gives a unique feel that isn’t replicated with other rods.