Thread: My brotherss handmade split bamboo fly rods and rod cases etc.

Well I'm a fisherman, and that is first class work.

I had a couple split bamboo fly rods as a kid. One got broke by a big ol' catfish, the other by a largemouth bass. Twas my own fault for using them improperly.... Or maybe they just weren't up to the task that I put them to. Like the wrong weight rod, for the application of larger flies and poppers, for bass, pike, and steelheads.

Stunning craftsmanship.

Pete <:-}

Originally Posted by rolodave

Beautiful work.
Good split bamboo rods make razors look cheap. 30 years ago, a "nice" one was $800.

Does he sell them?

Occasionally he will sell one. It is not a business but rather a hobby for him that has been going on for 20 years now.
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By the way, each of the leather rod tubes/bags is made for a specific rod's length . Thus no sloppy movement.

If you want to contact him just send me a PM.

Yes, amazing work. As a leatherworker i can really appreciate the craftsmanship of those tubes. I there a seam the length of them? Nice rods too BTW,

Your brother is an incredible craftsman, Randy (as are you-it must run in the family). To master numerous materials and crafts like that is just amazing. Though I have fly-fished for years, I never tried bamboo, only modern graphites. As I like slower rods, I'm sure I would love bamboo.

I'd be afraid to carry one that nice into the streams I fish, which often require bushwhacking (with the occasional broken tip over the years).

Originally Posted by tintin

Yes, amazing work. As a leatherworker i can really appreciate the craftsmanship of those tubes. I there a seam the length of them? Nice rods too BTW,

Yes, there is a seam the entire length. I apologize for not taking a pic of that.

Originally Posted by ScoutHikerDad

Your brother is an incredible craftsman, Randy (as are you-it must run in the family). To master numerous materials and crafts like that is just amazing. Though I have fly-fished for years, I never tried bamboo, only modern graphites. As I like slower rods, I'm sure I would love bamboo.

I'd be afraid to carry one that nice into the streams I fish, which often require bushwhacking (with the occasional broken tip over the years).

My brother will appreciate your comments. He has mastered my different skills and that pleases me a whole bunch. I cannot compare with him on that but thanks for the compliment.


Just out of curiosity, what weight rod do you use? 3 wt, 4 wt etc? and what kind and size of fish do you go after?

Great to see these old crafts kept alive.
They are a work of art.
Fly fishing is really popular in New Zealand and the old split bamboo rods are very collectible.

That’s pretty amazing Randy. Thanks for sharing.

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And here is the stitching
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