Are Bamboo Rods As Good As Carbon Fiber Ones?

With all the fantastic advances in fishing tackle technology in recent years, is it really worth buying a fishing rod from a bygone era? This is the question that many anglers have asked themselves, particularly fly fishers. Is getting hold of a classic vintage fishing rod actually practical and beneficial?

Your preferred fishing discipline is an important factor in answering this question. There is no doubt that cf (carbon fiber) has revolutionized the fishing rod industry, and is much, much better than fiberglass. An antique fiberglass fishing rod would thereby be a unwise purchase. Additionally, there is a fair amount of risk involved in buying an old rod, as the chances are high that it has been scratched, dented, cracked or otherwise damaged in some way. So basically a damaged rod is useless for fishing.

However, when it comes to bamboo rods, and in particular split cane fishing rods, the answer is not so clear. The view that a well-built vintage bamboo fishing rod is better than even the best of the current crop of cf rods is widely held by anglers, especially those who like fly fishing and spinning. Split cane fishing rods have an action that allows them to cast lighter weights, lures and baits than their cf counterparts. Also, there is the aesthetic value of a bamboo rod, which lends it to be seen as more of a work of art than a tool for fishing.

Are They Usable For Catching Fish?

So it seems that if you are into fly fishing or spinning, especially in estuaries, rivers, lakes, ponds and streams, or even from coastal shorelines, a quality vintage split cane fishing rod could be a worthwhile investment. The golden rule that a suspect rod is not suitable for catching fish is still valid though. So be quite paranoid about searching out any defects in the bamboo of a vintage cane rod. Check the entire rod closely for any sign that the cane has been compromised in any way, such as by holes, cracks or deep dings. If everything checks out and the cost of the rod is not outrageously high, it could be a worthwhile buy. Apart from the cane and perhaps cork handle, any other part of the rod can probably be restored to their original condition by an expert for a few hundred dollars. You will find that the vintage rod will be more than up to the task of playing and landing decent sized fish if it is sound condition.

One of the most renowned brands of bamboo rods is Milwards of England. Their unequalled level of build, finish, flexibility and kit made Milwards fishing rods stand apart from others of their generation. The fittings were bronze, brass, silver, agate and silk, while the bamboo was usually Tonkin cane. Milwards manufactured both fly fishing and spinning rods that were often specially designed for certain fishing niches. A good example was the Milwards Specialist Fly Rod, which had a lovely casting action and could handle a wide range of weights Milwards split cane fishing rods are highly valued but occasionally come on the market. Your best chance of locating one is to check periodically online auction sites like eBay or the online inventory of vintage rod dealers.

In conclusion, while fiberglass rods have been surpassed by carbon fiber rods, bamboo rods are still very effective pieces of fishing gear that are unbeatable in their particular fishing niche. Bamboo fishing rods can also increase in value over time and are exquisite pieces of craftsmanship in their own right. It really is a no-brainer to purchase a quality antique bamboo pole if you come across one in the right condition at the right price!