Fundamentals of Building a Bamboo Fly-Rod

Inspired by the teachings of a master rodmaker, here is a step-by-step guide to the craft of building handmade, heirloom-quality, bamboo fly-rods--the most coveted of all rods. Spurred in part by a quest for something authentic in a mostly synthetic world, more and more anglers are abandoning high-tech graphite fly-rods in favor of those hand-crafted from bamboo. In fact, so many anglers have been switching to split-cane that the small but growing number of bamboo rodbuilders are selling their custom rods at prices well into four figures. So it should come as no surprise that fly-anglers, most of whom tie their own flies, are now looking to make their own split-cane fly-rods. Bamboo is cheap, and the tools needed to build finished rods are simple and few. What is needed is patience, a steady hand, and a book that explains the process with clarity and detail. This is that book. Co-author George Maurer is something of a phenomenon, having built some of the finest and most innovative bamboo rods seen in a generation. Bernard Elser, who has studied with Maurer for several years, has a rare gift for explaining this exacting craft in simple, precise steps. Each chapter begins with a list of tools and the time needed to complete the step described. Photographs and illustrations throughout illuminate key points of the process. An appendix lists sources of hard-to-find tools and supplies. Large format will stay open on a workbench.

George Maurer, a professional rodmaker, sells his rods and teaches his art through his company, Sweetwater Rods. His home is in Lenhartsville, Pennsylvania. Bernard Elser, a technical writer by trade, has apprenticed with master rod-builders George Maurer and Art Weiler. He lives in Somerville, New Jersey.