I'm looking for a couple bamboo fly rods. I don't need a top of the line perfect condition fly rod. Just looking for some decent shape rods in the $100 range. In fact some cheaper ones that need to be reconditioned would be nice too. I'm looking for one to fish with and one or more to display. I got hooked on them for small streams when I used my friends a few years ago and now I want one of my own to play with. A rod/reel combo wouldn't be turned down either. I'm not made of money, so please no dealers with top notch rods. I'm looking for ones in decent/fishable shape w/o alot of fishset on them. I only need a couple, so once I have a couple I'll close the add. I want to actually see before I buy so you must be in or near the Tacoma, WA area. (I've seen too many misdeals over the internet). So, if you have a bamboo rod and want to get rid of it let me know and give me a price. Thanks............Jerry

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Bamboo is fine for the mystique--but not the best fishing poles made. I've fished with a 9' bamboo rod and brass Union Hardware reel since I bought them 15 years ago at a flea mart for $20...fine for trolling flies in the local trout lake, but presenting problems in casting performance. Just got a Fenwick, and have come to the conclusion that I haven't really been fishing all these years...

Bamboo decomposes with age, losing its stiffness and camber. Mine has the consistency of a cooked spaghetti noodle--only slightly stiffer (it seems) than the fly line. Difficult to cast and slow on the hookset. Those old brass reels sure are pretty in their simplicity, but after using a modern reel with adjustable drag I began to rue all the fish lost because I never got them on the reel or, when trolling, they pulled my rod instead of my line.

I mention this only as a cautionary note--bamboo has its romantic properties as well. I've seen rods for as low as $50 at the Antique Mall in Bellingham--try flea marts and the such, as you're likely to hit a fixer-upper for around that price.

Good luck!

>><<(((*>-----mja

Yeah, I know all the problems associated with Bamboo. You said you had a 9ft? Is it a flyrod or a spinning/baitcaster rod. I have rarely seen them that long, it explains the limpness you experienced. I fished with a very nice (and very expensive) bamboo. It was only around 7-8ft long though. It wasn't that bad to cast. It's in the 4wt range anyhow. But, as I said in my add, I mostly want one to display and one to fish. Trust me, I have some older glass rods and tons of newer graphite ones. I just want to have a bamboo flyrod of my own. I mostly was looking on here because I figured most guys on here hopefully are more caring with their rods then someone who just is selling one. I want one that might be aged, but at least taken care of. Thanks for the advice, it may help someone who's also looking for a rod. That's why I asked for someone in the area, that way I can view the rod.
Thanks, and tight lines..........

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It's a 9' fly rod, 2 pc. I know there's a two piece and a three piece in Bellingham--check 'em out if you get up that way. If you're on Orcas this spring, get ahold of me and we'll slap bamboo around together!

I have quite a few, in many different grades.... let me know exactly what you are looking for and I may be able to help.

I have quite a few, in many different grades.... let me know exactly what you are looking for and I may be able to help.