[axle27]

I might be coming into an older South Bend bamboo rod soon.

Can anyone recommend somebody who repairs/restores bamboo rods that won't make my thin wallet scream?

Much less the wife....

[Hardyreels]

What type repair do you need? If it is a restoration project, how handy are you? I learned restoration in the eighties and it is not as bad as it may seem. If you're not looking at new cork & reel seat, if you're just going to refinish it you may enjoy the project. It's going to be a long winter.

There are books out there on restoring cane rods and hey, if I can do it you probably can too. I almost forgot, share the love, give rep points if the info helps at all. Good Luck.

[randyflycaster]

You can probably get help here:

The Classic Fly Rod Forum - Message Board - Yuku

Randy

[Auntie Em]

axle,
None of it is terribly "demanding", IF you're willing to take your time, and learn as you go. Check out all the web sites. Get a good book. Ask lots of questions. And practice, practice, practice BEFORE you put on the finish! Not much expense involved, and your wife will appreciate your involvement in the project, rather than paying someone else to do it. Great winter project, but do expect further travel to the dark side, once you've tried it!
Auntie Em

[axle27]

Thanx for the replies. The problem I really have is time. With four kids, my time is at a premium these days.

I don't have the rod yet, but it will probably end up with me as I'm the only person (besides my wife's brother) who knows it even exists. My wife's late grandfather was a fishing fool. He's got everything you can imagine. I found it years ago when they were attempting to go through his stuff (never finished). I've expressed interest, but since I'm not family, I didn't press the issue. It would seem that all of the siblings have to agree before I can get it. I believe it has two tip sections, one of which is broken.

My wife's brother is not interested because his grandfather gave him a Wright McGill Granger fly rod that he still uses to this day. It's a wonderful rod as I've seen it in person. I'd love to cast it, but he lives in SC and I see him only twice a year.

[Auntie Em]

One nice thing to know ... lots of time, on a straight line, is NOT needed. Everything can be done in short segments. There is nothing that says you can't take all winter, or two winters, to finish. (not to think that it will ... ) The finished product, when ever it gets finished, will be a source of pride, and a continuance of family history.

[Hardyreels]

Originally Posted by Auntie Em

One nice thing to know ... lots of time, on a straight line, is NOT needed. Everything can be done in short segments. There is nothing that says you can't take all winter, or two winters, to finish. (not to think that it will ... ) The finished product, when ever it gets finished, will be a source of pride, and a continuance of family history.

She's right you know, I took forever to do my first one. I still have it and am very proud of it. It was easy, I took my time and it came out great. I like Auntie Em's thinking.

[Auntie Em]

Well, thank you! Hope I can be of service in the future.

[Rip Tide]

Like others have said, doing the work yourself is satisfying and cheaper.
Even a major repair like a delamination is fairly easy to deal with.
If you really would rather not though, I suggest you talk to someone at your favorite fly shop.
They can recommend someone local to help you out.
There's plenty of people around that do this sort of thing

[vaflyguy]

As you know by now axel I live just down the road from you. I have built and keep building rods. But I'd be afraid to do boo. The guy who owned the Thorton River Fly shop in Sperryville, he did boo rods, try finding him.