Our Rods

Many of the bamboo rods we build are based on past classic bamboo fly rod tapers. These tapers create ideal fly fishing rods for various types of stream and lake fishing. Their actions are from slow, medium, medium fast to fast. We have access to many of the classic fly rod tapers of the past (Dickerson, Garrison, Granger, Leonard, Payne, Gillum and others) and also some present day tapers. Please inquire if you have a specific rod taper in mind.  All of our rods are six strip (hexagon); we do not build four strip (quadrate) rods. At this time, we manufacture only trout size rods. (3 weight - 7 weight)  We also offer ferruled, unsigned blanks to rod builders. Please contact us for additional information on all of our fly fishing rods.

We begin the process of building each cane rod by selecting the best "A" Grade Tonkin cane (Arundinaria Amabilis). We look for cane that has the deepest power fibers and fewest exterior visual flaws (bug & water marks). Our Tonkin cane is imported from China by Andy Royer, "The Bamboo Broker". www.bamboobroker.com.                            

The cane is then split, the nodes are staggered, filed, flattened and straightened. The eighteen strips (twenty-four strips for a three piece fly rod) needed to make a bamboo fly rod are then beveled to 60 degree equilateral triangles, heat treated and then hand planed to the correct final bamboo fly rod taper . The strips are glued with URAC 185 and bound together to create the hexagon bamboo rod blank. After the binding string is removed, the blank is sanded, the ferrules fitted and installed and other components are added. The rod is then dipped 3 - 5 times (sanding in between dips) using a proven clear gloss urethane (Varmor R10). This entire process can take up to sixty hours to complete.

At this time our rods are priced at $1400.00 for a two piece, two tip rod and $1550.00 for a three piece, two tip bamboo fly rod. Each rod is built according to the clients selection of components and choice of rod taper. A 10% discount is given on the rod when a fly reel and line are purchased together. Demo bamboo fly rods are available for a slightly lower price, the price will depend on the amount it has been used. We have several fly reels and fly lines to compliment your bamboo fly rod. Our list includes Saracione fly reels, Peerless Classic and Raised Pillar, Bellinger, Hardy fly reels and others including Spey reels. We carry Phoenix Silk lines available both in double taper and weight forward, Terenzio Silk and Artificial Silk, Royal Wulff Triangle Taper, Cortland Sylk and more!

We also offer fossilized Mammoth and fossilized Walrus Ivory ferrule plugs to add that finish touch to your bamboo fly rod. (Your own rod or one of ours) This option is at an additional charge. They range in price from $25.00 to $50.00 each depending on the materials used. Some ferrule plugs are available with a gold center bead. Please contact us to for more information or to place an order.

Ferruled 2 piece/2 tip bamboo fly rod blanks with tiptops are priced at $470.00, and 3 piece/2 tip blanks at $520.00. We can also supply all components to complete any bamboo blank purchase, at a discounted price.

Unferruled bamboo fly rod blanks are also available. A two piece/two tip blank is $425.00 and unferruled three piece/two tip bamboo blanks are $470.00.

We can also supply ferrules at a discounted price, along with any other rod building components.

Please contact us for pricing on both spinning and bait casting rod blanks. (Ferruled or non-ferruled) and blank/component packages.

A $100 non refundable deposit is required when the order is placed. When the rod building process begins on your rod, 1/2 of the payment is due. The balance is due at the time of having your name penned on the rod  We are willing to work with you to assure you of owning a quality bamboo rod that is both affordable and one that you'll be proud to own.

If you have heard that some dealers are selling bamboo fly rods for $300.00-$600.00, please view the following "Too Good To Be True" link.

Please contact us prior to making your deposit.

$100 Deposit

There is a three day inspection period on all bamboo fly rods, both custom made or demo. If for any reason the client is not satisfied with the rod it can be returned. We ask that the fly rod be returned in the same condition in which it was received and that you pay for return shipping.

All of our rods are serial numbered, personalized with the client's name (excluding demos) and other pertinent information. The cork grip is shrink wrapped with plastic upon completion. Each rod butt cap is engraved with our logo. Aluminum & cork ferrule plug(s) are included with our rods. (Fossilized Mastodon or fossilized Walrus Ivory ferrule plugs are extra) Also included with each rod is a heavy bright milled finished rod tube with a solid brass cap that is engraved with the client's name (including demos) and rod information. Each rod tube has our company label with detailed care instructions. A rod sock is also included. For an additional cost, you can substitute the aluminum tube for a leather covered rod tube meticulously handcrafted by Arne Mason of Ashland, OR.  

In an effort to assist our client's in creating the ideal fly fishing outfit including, reel, line and other accessories to compliment our rods, we have become distributors of various quality fly fishing products. Please view our Rod Accessories and Online Catalog pages to see some of the products we offer.

    All rights reserved - This site was designed, built and is maintained by A. B. Herndon  Unless otherwise noted, all photographs were taken by A. Bruce Herndon.