Advantages Of C. Gualdoni Bamboo Fly Rods

It is extremely easy to line up the line guides when assembling.  While they may not be as easy to assemble as a modern graphite rod, they are a lot less finicky than a traditional nickel silver ferrule that is usually used on a bamboo rod.  Disappointment in metal ferrules was what got me interested in bamboo ferrules.  They make a secur

It is extremely easy to line up the line guides when assembling.  While they may not be as easy to assemble as a modern graphite rod, they are a lot less finicky than a traditional nickel silver ferrule that is usually used on a bamboo rod.  Disappointment in metal ferrules was what got me interested in bamboo ferrules.  They make a secure connection and are easily disassembled.  The ferrule is tapered and do not bottom out when together.  I occasionally rub some paraffin wax  on the male section for lubrication.

The thin bamboo walls of the female sections are reinforced by wrapping with a clear Kevlar thread, with a layer of silk thread over that.  The male end sections are just bamboo.  When a metal ferrule is fitted on a bamboo rod, some of the strongest part of the bamboo has to be removed in order fit the 2 together.   An adhesive and someti

The thin bamboo walls of the female sections are reinforced by wrapping with a clear Kevlar thread, with a layer of silk thread over that.  The male end sections are just bamboo.  When a metal ferrule is fitted on a bamboo rod, some of the strongest part of the bamboo has to be removed in order fit the 2 together.   An adhesive and sometimes a metal pin is all that attaches the metal ferrule to the rod.  My ferrules are made from the same 6 strips that make up the rod sections. 

People are often intimidated by bamboo rods, thinking something so fine and beautiful is going to be fragile.  Bamboo rods can handle a lot more abuse than a graphite rod would ever come close to.  Besides cosmetic damage, the rod in the photo was fine after being run over by a truck tire.  Accidents do happen that could break any kind of

People are often intimidated by bamboo rods, thinking something so fine and beautiful is going to be fragile.  Bamboo rods can handle a lot more abuse than a graphite rod would ever come close to.  Besides cosmetic damage, the rod in the photo was fine after being run over by a truck tire.  Accidents do happen that could break any kind of rod.  Most damage to bamboo rods can often times be repaired.  Because the tip section is often the piece that gets broken on any kind of rod, my rods come with 2 matching tip sections.

The Tonkin bamboo that I use is grown in a small region in southern China.  The smooth flexing and strength of the fibers make it the perfect material for a flyrod.  Split bamboo rods have been made and used since the early 1800's.  Simple bamboo poles have been used for far longer.  Many of the early rods are still being used and can be 

The Tonkin bamboo that I use is grown in a small region in southern China.  The smooth flexing and strength of the fibers make it the perfect material for a flyrod.  Split bamboo rods have been made and used since the early 1800's.  Simple bamboo poles have been used for far longer.  Many of the early rods are still being used and can be quite collectable.  The look and feel of a natural bamboo flyrod does not compare to a graphite or fiberglass rod.  The real beauty in a bamboo rod is in the casting and fishing.  They may look nice but they are definatley designed for fishing.