[chrisk]

I purchased a bamboo rod from a local well-experienced builder. He let me cast 5 rods in his yard, each with different tapers and a couple of lengths. To my surprise I ended up with a shorty.

6.5ft 4wt 2pc with a Payne 96 taper and two tips.

I had it out on the water for two 3hr sessions so far and I am in love. Today I am putting a new Cortland Sylk line on it and will hit the water tomorrow in the GSMNP for my first full day of fishing with this rod.

I was amazed at how well this short rod turned over a long leader in my unskilled hands and just how unresponsive bamboo is to excited brute force. I can't wait to seriously get acquainted with this rod tomorrow.

[sprringer]

who was your builder?

[FlyDoctor]

Congrats and welcome to the dark side of caniacs. That taper is nice and the 7' Payne 98 is another good one. I use the Sylk lines on my cane rods and like them. They are nice and supple and slide nicely through the guides as long as you keep them clean. You might also try a furled leader as this adds to the presentation. I made some up using real silk wrapping thread and they are even nicer. Really turn over a dry nicely. Have fun with it--Larry

[chrisk]

I don't think I can give his name or phone number in public because he is not a sponsor on the board. He lives in Whittier.

Thanks for the reminder on the furled leaders. I had a few kicking around from the spring that I have not used in a couple months.

[madtom]

Sure we can talk about Bamboo rod makers. It's just like throwing out names like Sage and Scott, they are manufacturing a good. I guess I wouldn't promote a dealer that sells multiple maker's rods, but mentioning a maker by name is about the only way to chat about bamboo. Take care.

Madtom

[FlyDoctor]

Chris--since to my knowledge none of our sponsors sell bamboo rods I'm going to say its OK to go ahead and tell us about the maker--Larry