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Process and Philosophy
Restoring Classic and Antique Bamboo Fly Rods There are certain considerations I look at when approaching a new restoration project:
Current condition:The first thing I do is perform a thorough inspection of the rod. At this time, I clean the piece and check for splits, cracks, loose ferrules, etc. in order to determine whether the rod can be made fishable. To the extent possible, museum-grade rods should be cleaned and preserved; leaving the original materials unchanged. Some may need to be restored to safe, usable condition employing original materials and techniques. Rods with sentimental value can be restored & for use or preserved so they remain for generations to come. Rods in fishable condition also fall into two categories depending on their intended use. If an owner wishes to fish with traditional silk lines, I will research the rod's design and manufacture and use those standards in my restoration. On the other hand, if the owner wants to update the rod to be fished with modern lines, I would advise him or her of the available options, which might include new Super Z ferrules and larger eyes, as well as custom-fit cork grips and finishing with spar varnish. Materials:
New Rods In addition to restoring bamboo rods I also build new rods using my own cane blanks. This allows for the opportunity to customize and personalize rods. In addition, I also build from graphite and custom glass. Testing and Recording My home river is a Lake Michigan tributary hosting a fine spring and fall Chinook salmon and steelhead run, with smallmouth and walleye pike moving up in summer to feast on crayfish and mayflies. Here is where I test all rods, both new and restored, before they are sent on to my customers. On the water, rod action and performance speak louder than finish or color because a rod is a tool and means to the ultimate end: THE FISH! In addition, I keep a detailed log of my work on each rod for future record, repair, or duplication. Digital photos are taken of each rod before and after and kept on permanent file. My passion is the super parabolic casting style of Pezon et Michel rods (especially in longer models) and the larger, heavier rods of all makers, as I love to throw line on bigger water. For as long as I can remember, I have loved to fish, to work on rods and tackle, and to talk with fellow anglers. If you would like to know more about the services I offer or just to talk fishing, please contact me. |
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Redwing Fly Rods |
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My years of antique furniture restoration laid the foundation for my understanding of the best materials to use in bamboo rod restoration. For reelseats, I can offer any style or wood type on the market. I wrap only with the best silks from England or Kinkame of Japan. Nylon is available on glass or graphite rods. I hand-select the highest grade Portuguese corks. On bamboo,
I prefer to use spar varnish as it is the most durable and is not softened by heat like Polyurethane or other plastics. Lacquer is unsuitable because it can be softened by alcohol and bug repellant and many other common chemicals. The spar finish is best under harsh, wet weather. The only drawback is that it needs some months to fully cure, but once it is fully hardened, it is simply the best. And in a gloss finish your rod will look like a beautiful jewel! 