Hey, just wondering if anyone has experience using bamboo for flyfishing. I pulled out my grandfather’s bamboo rod, which has never been used, and was urged to use it. It was built in the 1960s, but is not a high end rod, so I might as well quit depriving it of it’s intended use. I seem to recall someone telling me that the action on bamboo is quite different from graphite and glass.
Anything I need to be aware of?
Anything different I need to do for casting, etc.?
Can I fish nymphs without problem?
Maybe even use a sinking tip line, or do I need to stay with the standard floating line?
Thanks!
Hi there bdn06 and welcome to the BFT. Well before you start swatting flies do you have a matching reel and line weight? If not you will never know as one will be fighting the other. I have had limited time fishing with a Boo. My rod goes back to the 30’s. Not knowing what wt. rod it was as my Dad had strip the rod down and refinished same removing all markings in the process. I tried a few different wt reels and settled for a 6wt. Just casting line I couldn’t tell a whole lot though might have been nice if a little fishy had helped enhance my experience. I’m sure flygoddess can fill you in with more details for I understand that she uses a Boo on a regular basis.
Dryrod is right about the right line. I am assuming however, most of the older boo’s were 6/7 wt.
Little tips to look for:
First, when putting sections together, DO NOT TWIST! make a straight in connection. When pulling them apart, the same thing and you should hear a pop. (Coolest sound in the world)
Second: Is it straight. A lot of the older boos will be a little cocked, this could cause stress and snap a piece.
Third, do not use anything with silicon unless the finish is lacquered and be sure to dry it off completely when done.
I have heard when landing a fish to try turning the rod in different directions to evenly distribute the stress and if you have two tips, alternate.
The older rods are very heavy compared to the new upper end so you might want a heavier reel to balance it out.
It is going to be REAL! slow so wait for it. You can cast nymphs, but consider a little side arm to keep the fly out to the side more. It is going to take practice and patience, but you will feel a definite tug on the back cast so keep loops or arm at shorter strokes.
I find glass comes real close to boo and I prefer to teach newbies on glass to teach them to slow down and feel the line straighten out.
Landing a fish is a RUSH!
Keep in mind that bamboo is WOOD and it is a lot stronger than people give it credit, but it does require a little extra consideration.
Once you get out and using it, try some of the newer upper ends and you will see why I am a BOO FREAK!
Also smaller guides on the older (made for real silk) might tell you to go with smaller diameter line like Superfine by Orvis or SYLK by Cortland.
Someone from rodbuilding.org suggest I use their CCS to determine line weight, which I will do. Thanks for the information on using the rod, and on the line suggestions also. I am stoked and ready to cast! Unfortunately, I may have to wait until spring, so I will just be chomping at the bit. Gives me time to search for a deal on a reel, however. Thanks again.
My sons helped me rebuild an old South Bend Bamboo rod. I have used it several times and enjoyed using it. The looks from other anglers is also fun.
My rod had a bit of a curve in the first section [3 piece rod]. This comes from years of storing the rod under tension.
I heated the curved area by running it through my hand until the friction warmed the bamboo. I then gently flexed the rod in the opposite direction of the bend. I repeated this until the rod was straight. I also read that you can put the rod under reverse pressure and it will straighten out.
The rod is very heavy and I can only use it for an hour or so before I begin to get tired and start casting a poor loop.
Enjoy the rod but be gentle with it.
Good tip on the straightening. That is why I say to be sure when landing a fish to occasionally turn the rod around in your hand, putting even tension all the way around.
Always make sure it is dry before storing (mine has a coating on it but, I still take NO chances)
And if lucky enough to have two tips, rotate using them. However, some of the earlier bamboo’s had two different weight tips. Real cool idea.
They are going to be heavy, but get a larger reel could help pendulum it out.
I tried straightening the tip section of my Boo by steaming. Didn’t help. Will give your suggestion a try. Really doen’t matter for on the wall it will hang until such time the Fly Gods call me up.
I have an old bamboo fly rod that I have been trying to get information on for years now if anyone knows much about it please reach out!
