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How to Make Cane Poles From Bamboo

How to Make Cane Poles From Bamboo

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Fishing with a bamboo cane pole reminds one of days gone by, when life went by at a slower pace. Though nowhere as advanced as the technical equipment made today, a bamboo cane pole still can catch fish. In most states you can find patches of bamboo growing among the bottomland forests. From start to finish, you can have a finished pole in approximately two weeks.

Instructions

Difficulty: Moderate

Things You’ll Need:
  • Machete Saw Sandpaper Cord Varnish Fishing Line Electrical Tape
  • Machete
  • Saw
  • Sandpaper
  • Cord
  • Varnish
  • Fishing Line
  • Electrical Tape
Step 1
Use a machete to cut several straight pieces of bamboo that are 10 to 14 feet in length and approximately one and one-half inches in diameter around the butt end. Do not damage the tip of the bamboo.
Step 2
Strip the leaves from the bamboo pieces.
Step 3
Saw the butt end of the bamboo just below a jointed area to make the end square. Be sure not to damage the tip of the bamboo during the sawing process.
Step 4
Rub your hand up and down the pole to feel for any rough spots. Use a piece of sandpaper to lightly smooth any rough areas.
Step 5
Tie a piece of cord to the tip end of the bamboo and the tie off the cord to a tree limb. You want the bamboo hanging straight and upright with the butt end of the pole hanging several inches from the ground. This will keep the tip from curving during the curing process.
Step 6
Allow the bamboo to hang in the tree undisturbed until the outside takes on a tannish color. The curing process can take two to three weeks. Varnish the outside of the bamboo cane pole, if you desire.
Step 7
Tie fishing line to the butt end of the bamboo pole approximately three inches above where you will be holding it. Wrap a piece of tape around the knotted area.
Step 8
Run the line down the length of the pole, taping it approximately every two-and-a-half feet.
Step 9
Wrap approximately one foot of line around the pole one inch from the very tip and tie it securely. Allow a pole's length of line plus one foot to hang from the end of the pole before you cut it. Rig your new bamboo fishing pole as you normally would and go fishing.

Article Written By Joyce Starr

Joyce Starr is a professional writer from Florida and owns a landscaping company and garden center. She has published articles about camping in Florida, lawn care and gardening and writes for a local gardening newsletter. She shares her love and knowledge of the outdoors and nature through her writing.

Write for Trails.com

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