Bamboo Fly Rod

[BA_Colt]

Question. I was given a bamboo fly rod with no markings. Is there any way to tell the weight? I have some Sage graphite rods so I know my way around the river but I do not want to damage a rod with the wrong reel. It is 92". I did compare the size to my graphite rods, however graphite and bamboo are not the same.

Thanks,
BA

 

[Ebbtide]

There are some knowledgeable guys on the fly fishing sub forum at surftalk.com

If you have a range of fly lines, you could try (gently) casting the lightest and work your way up to what feels right.

If it were me, I'd bring it to a shop and ask.
Have an Orvis in the area?

 

[Dan K]

Without knowing the action, it would be tough to tell. Remember, that generally these rods have a slow, soft action. They use a different casting technique than graphite, which is much faster and "loads" the power on the back cast giving you that forward momentum. Bamboo is a finesse rod. Before using it make sure that it is not dried out, or it will snap regardless of line weight. But with the "new" rating system, I would try a 6# DT. I also would forgo using any weight forward line.
Dan

 

[BA_Colt]

Thanks all!!!
There was a really nice outfitter near where I live but it closed down. I will have someone who knows bamboo rods look at before I use it.

 

[flyrodrestorer]

Bamboo is a tough natural material , you will not hurt a rod by putting a reel of any size as long as it fits on the reel seat. The line size is what you are concerned with, if your rod is 92" it is a 7'6" rod, you didn't say if there was a name brand or label or stamping on the reel seat. If I knew that I would be able to tell you what line to use. It is most likely 2 piece rod and uses 5-7wt line. Just make sure the ferrules are not loose, and that you clean the inside of the ferrules well with denatured alcohol and Q tips, then dry well with Q tips and swab a little WD40 in the female well before fitting them together. Never force the ferrules together and never use a bare metal pair of pliers ( line the teeth with leather if you must use them)but a stuck ferrule will come loose with the help of a friend pulling on opposite ends, if pulling straight with steady pressure on both ends does not remove a stuck ferrule.

 

[hung-solo]

Thanks all!!!
There was a really nice outfitter near where I live but it closed down. I will have someone who knows bamboo rods look at before I use it.

southeastflyfishingforum.. tons of info on there. great guys and gals as well. if you can find what you are looking for there you are screwed.