| Fly-Rod Making -- Introduction and Equipment |
From "The Outdoor Zone"
episode TOZ-102 |
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Fly-Rod Making -- Introduction and Equipment
In this episode, of DIY's The Outdoor Zone, we take a look at the specialized practice of bamboo fly-rod making. Using bamboo strips, thread, glue and some specialized tools, expert craftsmen fashion beautiful custom-made rods made with meticulous attention to control, balance and that indescribable "feel" of something hand-made. The episode follows all of the steps in the process as practiced by long-time fly-rod artisan, John Cole. Fishing with one of these rods won't assure that you'll catch more fish or bigger ones, but there is something particularly gratifying about simply holding one of these magnificent handcrafted pieces of work. In this segment, we introduce the basics of bamboo fly-rods, and some of the equipment used to make them.
Commercially made fly-rods today (figure A) are typically made from graphite, a light, powerful and durable material.
The earlier incarnation of fly-rods were made from strips of bamboo. Hand-making these fine rods required creativity, skill and technique. Today, there are still craftsmen who practice the exacting and traditional craft of bamboo fly-rod making. In fact, today the skill is experiencing a sort of renaissance.
If you enjoy working with your hands, and possess patience and attention to detail, you might even want to try your hand at bamboo fly-rod making. Some fly-fishing outfitters and outdoor stores supply the materials and specialized equipment needed to get started in this rather ambitious endeavor.
Bamboo is actually a member of the botanical family of grasses and reeds, and it possesses physical properties such as elasticity and strength (figure B). These qualities make it a natural choice for making precision-balanced rods the old-fashioned way. Like fine wine and quality cigars, these carefully crafted fly-rods are favored by the most discerning fly-fishermen.
The rod built in this episode is made for use in small to medium-sized streams (figure C) where short casts, accuracy and a delicate presentation are needed. This particular rod is eight feet in length, and is made in two pieces.
Tools and materials you may need include:
- Workbench
- Cotton string
- Splitting tool
- Gouge and mallet
- Block plane
- Depth gauge with 60-degree point (figure D)
- Rough, intermediate and final planing-bars (figure E)
- Vise (figure F)
- Scroll saw
- Sandpaper; steel wool
- Calipers and wax
- Heat-treating oven
- Heat gun
- Varnishing tube
- Fly-rod glue
- Toothbrushes
- Razor blades
- Rod-binding machine (figure G)
- Rod cradle (figure H)
RESOURCES :
The Complete Idiot's Guide to Fly Fishing
ISBN: 0028629531
Author: Michael D. Shook
The Complete Book of Fly Fishing
Author: Tom McNally and Tom Beecham
Catch and Release Association
The Catch & Release Association is an organization dedicated to promote the practice of Catch & Release fishing as a Sport, helping insure the future of the sport fishing industry.
Catch and Release Association
Website: www.thecatchandrelease.com/
Catch and Release Foundation
The Catch & Release Foundation is a non-profit organization dedicated to the promotion and preservation of sport fishing throughout North America. The Foundation serves to advise, educate and develop support for the research and management of programs designed to conserve and improve our aquatic resources.
Web site: www.catchandreleasefound.org
Catch and Release Foundation
Website: www.catchandreleasefound.org/
Smithgall Woods Conservation Area
Smithgall Woods Conservation Area
Web site:
www.smithgallwoods.com
-or-
ngeorgia.com/parks/smithgall.html
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