Bamboo fly fishing rods, also known as cane rods, have been used by anglers for more than a century. Constructed of bamboo strips that are glued together and coated in varnish, they are manufactured in a wide range of shapes, sizes, lengths and weights. The Tonkin variety of bamboo is considered the best variety of cane for fly rods because of its straight growth and strength. Calcutta cane is also used regularly in the construction of fly rods.
Perks
Bamboo fly fishing rods are valued for their flexibility, strength and control. The most valuable feature of a bamboo fly rod is the dampening effect it has on the back cast and forward cast that allows an angler to smoothly and gently place a fly on target water. The weight of a bamboo rod also makes roll casting easy and accurate. The strength of the rod guides the fly line authoritatively through the cast.
Sacrifices
Bamboo fly rods are prone to nicking, cracking, warpage and breakage, making them more delicate fly rods that require great care when storing and transporting. The varnish coating can be weakened by overexposure to sunlight and high temperatures during storage. The rod tips also tend to be brittle and are virtually impossible to repair once broken.
Bottom Line
Bamboo fly rods are works of art that closely connect you to your cast. Their beautiful wood tones and sleek design make them collectible and useful. Most importantly, they provide fluid and smooth casting that increases accuracy. A bamboo rod can last for decades when properly stored and cared for.
About The Author
Jake Kulju is a Minneapolis, Minnesota-based freelance outdoors writer with 10 years of experience. Jake is an outdoors guidebook author for Avalon Travel and his work is regularly published in Outdoor Traditions Magazine and Naturescape News. Jake holds an English degree from the University of St. Thomas in St. Paul, Minnesota. His nature-based poetry is published in Poetry Canada and Farmhouse Magazine.
