Yes, bamboo fishing rods are good. They are ideal for the most subtle and delicate of presentations, and for anglers who enjoy the rod’s slow and very flexible action.
Consider the Style
Bamboo fishing rods are available in several styles, so you’ll need to choose one that favors your favorite playing techniques or patterns.
For instance, you may want a baitcasting rod for making long casts and landing big fish with ease, or a spinning rod if short hooks and light lures are your bags. A fly rod, of course, is the choice for fly anglers.
If you’re new to fishing then it’s best to stick with simple styles that will not frustrate or discourage you with their many nuances.
When buying a rod try casting it in front of the shop before making your purchase. Note its flexibility and feel how easily it loads when you make long casts.
It should be able to hold a bend and not feel straight and rigid. If the rod doesn’t bend and you try and load it, it could snap or break when you hook a fish.
Consider Your Budget
Bamboo fishing rods vary in price, so set yourself a spending limit before leaving home. Remember that a cheap rod can be just as good and last just as long as a more expensive model, so don’t feel you have to go over the top to get into fishing.
Finally, remember that bamboo fishing rods take time and patience to master, but that once learned they are potent tools for any angler who enjoys playing light lures for big fish.
Which Property of Bamboo Makes It Ideal for Fishing Rods?
Bamboo is ideal for making fishing rods. The properties that make it ideal for fishing rods include;
- They bend easily, but they also spring back to their original resting position. This makes them easy to hold and even enjoyable for kids and beginners.
- Bamboo is flexible and can take different shapes as compared to other materials like; wood or fiberglass. They take the shape of unevenness on the lake floor and follow the movements of a fish.
- Tough and durable, this makes them last years and also withstand pressure from heavyweights.
- High tensile strength it can support heavyweights, while still maintaining its flexibility.-High elastic modulus; even when under heavy load, they do not break.
- They are resistant to acids and ultraviolet light. This is because of the presence of lignin in them. Lignin plays a crucial role in the coloration of bamboo, making bamboo strong and durable.
- They are lightweight as compared to other materials like wood or fiberglass, making them easy to handle. This makes it easier to throw and cast. Bamboo is also strong but very flexible at the same time, which makes it a more preferable material for rod making as compared to others since the flexibility of the bamboo enables it to absorb shock from fish fights.
What Type of Bamboo Is Used to Make Fishing Rods?
Tonkin Canes are the species of bamboo used to make fishing rods because of their high strength-to-weight ratio, ability to be affixed with guides, and excellent elastic recovery.
The Tonkin cane can live in a variety of conditions along rivers and coasts where they are exposed to corrosion from saltwater or acidic soil. Tonkin canes are native to Southeast Asia and grow 10 to 20 feet tall.
Tonkin cane fishing rods are used all around the world for their superior strength, durability, and sensitivity. They work well with a variety of materials such as nylon monofilament lines, braided lines, PVA bags, and fluorocarbons.
Canes can be found in various shapes and sizes for different fishing styles. They are ideal for both fresh water and saltwater angling, which makes them extremely popular with fishermen around the world.
Why Bamboo Fishing Rods Are Preferred by Anglers?
Many anglers prefer bamboo rods to fiberglass, graphite, or other contemporary materials. After all, traditional bamboo rods have a special feel and a special look.
Some anglers believe that each of the modern rods has a separate application, while others believe that the bamboo is more reliable for fishing with natural bait.
Although manufacturers have been adding new designs to their products over time, some anglers still prefer an old-style bamboo rod. Since this material is resistant to external factors, the rods are more reliable when fishing with natural bait.
Bamboo rods are preferred by many anglers who prefer natural baits and unprocessed tackle.
There are several reasons why bamboo fishing rods are preferred by anglers:
- Bamboo has better flexibility than other materials.
- Bamboo can release stress without breaking. The elasticity of bamboo helps to overcome the force of a fish but does not break under its weight.
- Bamboo is less prone to “break” when using natural bait. A traditional rod has enough flexibility that it bends and does not break under the weight of a fish or lure.
- Bamboo does not lose its flexibility in low temperatures, unlike plastic and metal rods.
- Traditional bamboo is considered to be safer for the environment than other modern materials used in the manufacture of fishing rods. It can last many years without losing its properties if it is stored properly.
History of Bamboo Fishing Rods
Before the 1800s, most fishermen used wooden rods. In the year 1874, a craftsman by the name of H.L Leonard began making rods out of split bamboo, which is the part in between the joints. Square rods were the first rods he attempted to make. He later was able to make hexagonal rods for commercial reasons, because it was easier to control.
Since bamboo is very flexible, Leonard designed his rod with lines that are thicker in the middle and thinner at the end. This allowed for more strength in crucial parts of the line (from guides to reel) where there is a lot of pressure.
Leonard’s rods became popular because he made them out of cheap, sustainable material that was very effective. Most importantly, his rods were very light and strong for their time.
The modern bamboo rod building is a combination of Leonard’s ideas and traditional Japanese road-building secrets. Bamboo rods today are made with the same premise: strength and flexibility in the right places using cheap, sustainable material.
The use of bamboo rods has remained popular, even while materials improve. Bamboo has been used to make everything from buildings to golf clubs for hundreds of years because it is easy to work with and cheap.
What Are the Advantages of Bamboo Fishing Rods?
There are many advantages of using bamboo fishing rods. First, bamboo rods are lightweight and easy to carry around. You can put them in a bag or backpack easily and take them anywhere you go. They are extremely light, weighing 1/4 of the weight of fiberglass fishing rods.
Since they weigh little, it is easier to fish while standing on weak ground that cannot support your body weight such as wet mud or soft sand.
Some people may think that bamboo rods are fragile compared to fiberglass fishing rods, but they are more durable. They are resistant to bending and fading.
Furthermore, they have the best sensitivity. It feels just right for catching even stealthy fish since there is thin action on the tip of the rod that makes cast-and-retrieve easier.
In addition to that, bamboo rods are environmentally friendly. Also, bamboo rods have a cool and unique design that not all fishing rods have. They often come with metal rings on the top of the rod, which makes them even more aesthetically appealing.
Overall, bamboo fishing rods are practical and attractive. They are one of the best types of fishing rods at present time.
What Are the Disadvantages of Bamboo Fishing Rods?
The only disadvantage of bamboo fishing rods is the fear of breaking them. Most bamboo rods are designed as such because that is all they can be.
The fact that they break so easily is inconvenient, but it’s the only disadvantage of these fishing rods. The fact that they are susceptible to breaking should not be a turn-off because they are useful and a good alternative for fishermen trying to save money.
Bamboo fishing rods have been around for so long and should continue to remain popular among fishermen. Bamboo remains one of the best materials for making fishing rods.
Do Bamboo Fly Rods Need Maintenance?
This is a question often asked by new fly anglers. Fly rods are made of natural materials that require proper care to prevent damage due to wear or just the buildup of grime.
For instance, bamboo fly rods are composed of naturally strong yet flexible willow while the ferrules are typically brass. These are composed of many intricate parts which should not come into contact with harsh chemicals or cleaners.
During use, dirt particles are drawn into the rod’s guides where they can build up over time. These particles should be removed regularly to prevent buildup and it is important to never rub them dry because doing so will scratch the coating on your rod.
Both saltwater and freshwater rods require care appropriate for the environment you plan on fishing in.
Most anglers use a small amount of dishwashing liquid and water to wash the rod thoroughly. There are instances where people may use alcohol to clean the fishing rod after use.
