Bamboo Fly Rod - Refurbished South Bend, 9', Three Piece (with two tips), Bass - 6+ Weight
Here is a somewhat economical way to get into fishing bamboo. This is a refinished/refurbished (I know there is some controversy over these word definitions in rod building circles – you take your pick) South Bend 359-9', 3-piece (two tips) bamboo fly rod. I completed the refinish myself as the rod was pretty much un-fishable.
I used many of the original guides and added more for modern placement and feel. I decided to keep the original red stripper guide.
I stripped the varnish and replaced it with Tru-Oil (I have always like the look and easy application and the ability repair/re-apply Tru-Oil over varnish). I used modern-day thread and thread epoxy but tried to keep the spirit of the rod as it came to me with reddish color thread, but with gold highlights. I was able to keep the South Bend Decal and the "359-9'" .
I contemplated replacing the reel seat, but in the end kept it as it is still functional and original. The rod has the original Comficient (yes this is how it is spelled) grip. The grip has an indented thumb rest which is unique to these old rods. All I did was clean the grip.
While not perfect, the rod is nicely straight. I believe all the pieces are full length. The ferrules fit snugly and have a nice pop with separated.
The rod case and sock are included. I built the case and sewed the sock myself. Nothing fancy, but the rod fits snugly in the case.
Overall, the rod turned out beautifully.
I think South Bend rods are nice casting rods and often overlooked. This rod has a nice, easy casting style and casts nice with a 6-weight line. I believe South Bend identified this rod as a bass/panfish rod and will cast poppers nicely. You could probably use it for good-sized streamers and indicator/nymph fishing.
Thanks for looking. Tim
Here is a somewhat economical way to get into fishing bamboo. This is a refinished/refurbished (I know there is some controversy over these word definitions in rod building circles – you take your pick) South Bend 359-9', 3-piece (two tips) bamboo fly rod. I completed the refinish myself as the rod was pretty much un-fishable.
I used many of the original guides and added more for modern placement and feel. I decided to keep the original red stripper guide.
I stripped the varnish and replaced it with Tru-Oil (I have always like the look and easy application and the ability repair/re-apply Tru-Oil over varnish). I used modern-day thread and thread epoxy but tried to keep the spirit of the rod as it came to me with reddish color thread, but with gold highlights. I was able to keep the South Bend Decal and the "359-9'" .
I contemplated replacing the reel seat, but in the end kept it as it is still functional and original. The rod has the original Comficient (yes this is how it is spelled) grip. The grip has an indented thumb rest which is unique to these old rods. All I did was clean the grip.
While not perfect, the rod is nicely straight. I believe all the pieces are full length. The ferrules fit snugly and have a nice pop with separated.
The rod case and sock are included. I built the case and sewed the sock myself. Nothing fancy, but the rod fits snugly in the case.
Overall, the rod turned out beautifully.
I think South Bend rods are nice casting rods and often overlooked. This rod has a nice, easy casting style and casts nice with a 6-weight line. I believe South Bend identified this rod as a bass/panfish rod and will cast poppers nicely. You could probably use it for good-sized streamers and indicator/nymph fishing.
Thanks for looking. Tim
Here is a somewhat economical way to get into fishing bamboo. This is a refinished/refurbished (I know there is some controversy over these word definitions in rod building circles – you take your pick) South Bend 359-9', 3-piece (two tips) bamboo fly rod. I completed the refinish myself as the rod was pretty much un-fishable.
I used many of the original guides and added more for modern placement and feel. I decided to keep the original red stripper guide.
I stripped the varnish and replaced it with Tru-Oil (I have always like the look and easy application and the ability repair/re-apply Tru-Oil over varnish). I used modern-day thread and thread epoxy but tried to keep the spirit of the rod as it came to me with reddish color thread, but with gold highlights. I was able to keep the South Bend Decal and the "359-9'" .
I contemplated replacing the reel seat, but in the end kept it as it is still functional and original. The rod has the original Comficient (yes this is how it is spelled) grip. The grip has an indented thumb rest which is unique to these old rods. All I did was clean the grip.
While not perfect, the rod is nicely straight. I believe all the pieces are full length. The ferrules fit snugly and have a nice pop with separated.
The rod case and sock are included. I built the case and sewed the sock myself. Nothing fancy, but the rod fits snugly in the case.
Overall, the rod turned out beautifully.
I think South Bend rods are nice casting rods and often overlooked. This rod has a nice, easy casting style and casts nice with a 6-weight line. I believe South Bend identified this rod as a bass/panfish rod and will cast poppers nicely. You could probably use it for good-sized streamers and indicator/nymph fishing.
Thanks for looking. Tim