With the days finally getting longer, we find ourselves heading into summer. One of the best summer activities out there has to be fishing! It is a great way to relax and spend time alone or with some of your closest friends. You can do it from inside a boat or even from the shore. It is a hobby that you can spend as little or as much as you want on.
As many experienced fishermen will tell you, one of the most important pieces of equipment used is your fishing rod. Fishing rods are made in a variety of materials such as graphite, fiberglass, or bamboo. Did you know that a fly fishing rod can be anywhere from six feet to twelve feet in length? The size of the fish you are catching determines what length of fishing rod you need. The graphite fishing rod is mainly used by beginners whereas the fiberglass rod is used most widely because of its strength and durability. However, it is on the heavier side.
Bamboo rods tend to be considered one of the best fishing rods out there. They are both light and flexible compared with the other types of rods, and you will find the most serious anglers out there using them. There are various brands on the market such as Partridge, Sage, Shakespeare, Daiwa, and Greys to name just a few. Bamboo rods can cost you anywhere from $5 up to hundreds of dollars for handcrafted fly fishing rods. You can even make your own bamboo rod!
Collecting classic bamboo rods and restoring them has become a hobby for many fishing fans. You can find restored rods at fishing gear shows selling for up to $600! These rods come from attics, hand me downs, and even eBay and Craigslist! In May 2008, there was even the First European Bamboo Rod Maker Gathering that was held in Sansepolcro, Tuscany. Bamboo rod makers were able to share their methods, views, and rods. In the United States, there is a conference that is held in the fall at the Catskill Fly Fishing Center and Museum in New York. There are several other conferences worldwide you can attend if on bamboo rods. You can also talk with other bamboo rod enthusiasts on forums such as The Classic Fly Rod Forum. There are several books written on this topic too!
Since there is more demand for bamboo fishing rods now, production of them have started up again. Many of the rods you see today are based on the past designs. No matter if you are using a new bamboo rod or an old vintage one, bamboo is material of choice. You can’t do better than the flexibility and strength of bamboo. Using the right kind of rod for the right kind of fish will help make your day an eventful and fun one!
Bamboo t-shirts
Make sure to wear the right gear for your fishing trip too. For those hot summer days, invest in moisture-wicking and thermo-regulating bamboo shirts!
Happy Fishing!
{ 2 trackbacks }