Antique Bamboo Fishing Rods

Collecting

Collecting antique bamboo fishing rods has become very popular over the years and there are plenty of collectors and dealers to choose from if you are on the lookout for something to add to your collection. It is the fisher people’s love for vintage tackle antiques that has encouraged a rise in the value of an old rod made from this material. They can have such character to make them prized possessions to either; put to good use, purchase as an investment, or to display in your home.

Fly Tackle

The split bamboo fly rod has generated an interest from collectors for many years with the handmade ones showing some of the finest craft work in the history of fly rod making. The split rod has the appearance of a rich coloured hardwood and is most often six sided.

Fisher People :-)

There is something appealing about fly catching with older and vintage tackle that doesn't seem to be present in other types of this sport... well, not as noticeably so! Don't give me a row about that ;-) People will buy old fly tackle to actually fish with it and not just to hang on the wall and admire from a distance... even if they do have to pay a high price for the rod! The urge to be using equipment from a bygone era, such as a hand crafted split rod, is for some reason attractive in the contemporary sport.

Value and Condition

The condition of antique bamboo fishing rods plays a big part in assessment of its value in the same way that it does for any other collectable item. A pristine condition rod that has had no restoration work carried out on it will always be more valuable that the same rod that is in a poor condition or has been refurbished. Rare items hold their value and will continue to do so. You may see the price of some of these items now as being over the top but it is a good idea to give consideration to its likely value in the future and you will find that a truly rare split rod in excellent condition will be a good buy. If you are considering restoration, see below...

Names

Heddon, Granger, Horrocks-Ibbotson, Bellinger, Dickerson, Devine, Young, Phillipson, Payne, Thomas, Leonard and Hardy, Abbey, South Bend, Imbrie, and Abercrombie and Fitch.

Restoration

This is a new section that I will be using to provide a list of links to recommended antique bamboo fishing rods restoration experts. So, if you have an old rod lying around and are considering getting it restored, contact these experts!

C&G - Restored 1930's Horrocks-Ibbotson
Round Profile bamboo fly rod

C&G Fly Rods

C&G Fly Rods has experience restoring split-cane bamboo fly rods. They can take your old, tired fly rod and make it look like new again. Select image on right to go to their web site for more information and contact details.

Books

Here are some recommended books on bamboo fly rod building.

Antique & Collectible Fishing Rods: Identification & Value Guide by D. B. Homel
Classic rods and rodmakersby Martin J Keane
Bamboo Rod Restoration Handbook by Michael Sinclair

The following link to the book reviews and store has listings specific to rods made of bamboo. There is also a search box that you can use to search for any of the books I have named above or any other keyword related to making rods and fishing in general. By selecting the image of each book you will be able to read the editorial reviews, customer reviews, and new and used prices.

USA - Book Reviews & Store
UK - Book Reviews & Store

Antique Bamboo Fishing Rods for Sale

I have searched to find where the widest variety of antique bamboo fishing rods, at the most competitive prices, and eBay seems to be the best online resource. I have provided access to live listings below... they are updated in real time so you can be sure the detail is up to date. You can freely browse the listings without committing to buy... just select the item you are interested in and the link will take you to the description etc. ... enjoy!

You can type a different search term in the box at the top of the listings displayed below if you are looking for specific types of rods such as Heddon Fly Rod, Granger, or Bellinger.

Bamboo Fly Rods for Sale

This link will take you to a page that provides access to recommended rod makers, suppliers, and listings of

Rods for sale.

More...

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