Tag Archives: bamboo rods

Bamboo Rods on Hat Creek

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I spent a few days in Northern California last weekend fishing Hat Creek.  My buddy, Bill, had recently picked up a Montegue Rapadan that was in beautiful condition, and he was dying to get it on the water.  I took out my 9′  0″  5 wt Euronymphing rod.  The weatther had taken a turn for the worse so we had cold temperatures and off-and-on rain showers.  But, there were still some nice mid-day mayfly hatches.  Stonefly nynphs and small soft-hackles produced the most fish for us over our three days of fishing.  We didn’t land any large fish but still caught plenty to make if a fun time. 


Rod Wrapping Stand

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After seeing my wrapping video, William (from Tennesee) ask me for a few more details on my rod wrapping stand. I built an oak support stand 36″ long and 12″ high that support the rod sections when I wrap guides. The center support can be moved laterally by loostening a wing nut and sliding the support to one side or another. This helps to accommodate the cork/grip on a butt section or to give additional support near the tip-tops on tip sections.

I put groves into the upright supports that can hold two rod pieces and covered them with painter’s tape to prevent any scratching of the bamboo. I hand wrap everything using just a Dr. Slick Bobbin to hold the thread, holding the bobbin in my left hand and turning the rod with my right hand. I wrap all rods with Pearsalls Gossimer silk thread.

When wrapping a guide, my typical wrapping process is to wrap 6 times, then pack the thread with a plastic packing tool (used for modeling clay) that I bought at a crafts store for less than $1, then repeat.  It’s the yellow tool you see in the pictures above.  The video pretty much shows it all.

NorthWest Fly Fishing and Tying Expo

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The Oregon Council of the Federation of Fly Fishers is having their 2012 NW Fly Fishing and Tying Expo next month in Albany, Oregon. It will be a great show, with classes, tyers, demonstrations and vendors. This year, we’ll have 5 bamboo rod builders including me with tables/booths at the show. I’ll also be teaching a class in EuroNymphing Techniques. Plan on stopping by if you’re in the area on March 9th, and 10th. You can find more info about the Expo on their WEB site at: www.nwexpo.com.