Bamboo And Split Cane Rods

Author: Shareen Aguilar

Modern technologies have developed a lot of easy and convenient things for us. For anglers who love to catch fish, one of modern technology's contributions is evident with the development of the fly fishing rod.

Originally, fly fishing rods were simply made from bamboo and split cane. But before bamboo was discovered for fly fishing, it was the tropical wood called greenheart which can be found in the province of Guangdong in China that was commonly used as the material for rods in fly fishing. Bamboo-made rods for fishing have retained its popularity despite the growing number of fiberglass and graphite-made rods. The reason behind this could very well fall on the grace and durability of bamboo materials. Bamboo or split cane rods are well known for their fine form, solid mass, strength and of course the grace it offers for fly fishers.

Another reason why bamboo-made rods are still being used today is because the process of selecting, crafting and finishing one rod takes a long time and the quality it gives is unquestionable. For advanced fly fishers, bamboo rods are often chosen over the ones made out of fiberglass or graphite because the time consumed and dedication that a rod maker gives is already a statement of quality and assurance.

But selecting bamboo rods is also expensive. Quality rods can cost much up to US$2,000. Rods made by contemporary builders make a tough competition as well against the expert makers of split cane rods because a finished product can cost nearly as much as the quality rods.

When it comes to casting, bamboo rods give a different effect. For people fascinated by fly fishing for leisure gets to experience a soft or slow style of casting whereas for people who indulge in this hobby competitively, a bamboo rod gives great performance in freshwater fishing situations.