Bamboo Fly Rod - Refurbished (South Bend?), 8.5', Three Piece (with two tips)
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) 8.5', 3-piece (two tips) bamboo fly rod. I completed the refinish myself as the rod was pretty much un-fishable.
I believe this is a South Bend fly rod. It came to me without any identification, but it had a plastic, Lite-Lock, reel seat (it was broken and had to be replaced). It also seems to have the South Bend color and the few guides left on it had familiar South Bend wrap color. The thing that throws me off is the 5" cork handle. I know some South Bend rods had half-wells 5" handles, but this one seems to be made of one piece of cork and is straight. Anyway, it cleaned up very nicely.
The reel seat was broken so I replaced it. I contemplated using some of the original guides, but in the end went with all new guides, adding some for an up to date placement and better line control. Interestingly, I used the original tip tops as they have that different shape you do not see today.
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.
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; but, the center piece could fit tighter in my opinion. When I put it through my casting practice; however, I had no problems with separation. Over time it will tighten up.
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. The case is standard plywood, with a walnut handle and red palm end caps.
Overall, the rod turned out beautifully. I am very happy with the way it casts. This may be the "trout" South Bend rod (I believe it is).
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.
REEL IN PICTURES NOT INCLUDED.
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) 8.5', 3-piece (two tips) bamboo fly rod. I completed the refinish myself as the rod was pretty much un-fishable.
I believe this is a South Bend fly rod. It came to me without any identification, but it had a plastic, Lite-Lock, reel seat (it was broken and had to be replaced). It also seems to have the South Bend color and the few guides left on it had familiar South Bend wrap color. The thing that throws me off is the 5" cork handle. I know some South Bend rods had half-wells 5" handles, but this one seems to be made of one piece of cork and is straight. Anyway, it cleaned up very nicely.
The reel seat was broken so I replaced it. I contemplated using some of the original guides, but in the end went with all new guides, adding some for an up to date placement and better line control. Interestingly, I used the original tip tops as they have that different shape you do not see today.
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.
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; but, the center piece could fit tighter in my opinion. When I put it through my casting practice; however, I had no problems with separation. Over time it will tighten up.
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. The case is standard plywood, with a walnut handle and red palm end caps.
Overall, the rod turned out beautifully. I am very happy with the way it casts. This may be the "trout" South Bend rod (I believe it is).
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.
REEL IN PICTURES NOT INCLUDED.
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) 8.5', 3-piece (two tips) bamboo fly rod. I completed the refinish myself as the rod was pretty much un-fishable.
I believe this is a South Bend fly rod. It came to me without any identification, but it had a plastic, Lite-Lock, reel seat (it was broken and had to be replaced). It also seems to have the South Bend color and the few guides left on it had familiar South Bend wrap color. The thing that throws me off is the 5" cork handle. I know some South Bend rods had half-wells 5" handles, but this one seems to be made of one piece of cork and is straight. Anyway, it cleaned up very nicely.
The reel seat was broken so I replaced it. I contemplated using some of the original guides, but in the end went with all new guides, adding some for an up to date placement and better line control. Interestingly, I used the original tip tops as they have that different shape you do not see today.
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.
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; but, the center piece could fit tighter in my opinion. When I put it through my casting practice; however, I had no problems with separation. Over time it will tighten up.
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. The case is standard plywood, with a walnut handle and red palm end caps.
Overall, the rod turned out beautifully. I am very happy with the way it casts. This may be the "trout" South Bend rod (I believe it is).
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.
REEL IN PICTURES NOT INCLUDED.
Thanks for looking. Tim