Vintage Fly Rods and Reels by Famous Makers
Vintage Fly Rods, Reels and Other Tackle
Vintage Fly Fishing Rods
We offer vintage fly fishing rods by great makers. These are beautiful, quality rods that do not cost a fortune. You can fish with them just like your father or grandfather did, add them to your collection, or use them as period furnishings.
New fly anglers are usually not aware of one fact; the graphite rods that their friends use behave differently than bamboo rods, which have slower actions and are more responsive. There is a good reason why Orvis has been making bamboo rods continuously for over 130 years; they just work.
Why are bamboo rods still so popular? Partly due to nostalgia for sure. Many people purchase vintage bamboo rods because they remember them from their youth. Maybe due to their uniqueness. Partly due to aesthetics. Similar to a fine wood desk that has taken on a patina after years of use, an heirloom bamboo rod has character. And partly due to the way bamboo fishes. Bamboo rods are slower and more responsive. They make you relax and enjoy the experience.
Bamboo started life as a living organism, growing rapidly until it is harvested, dried, split, and glued into a fine fishing instrument.
Some people believe that the bamboo in a rod is still alive, that it carries with it the soul of its maker, just like a finely crafted Samurai sword.
Others believe that a bamboo rod communicates with them. No other rod type gives feedback to the angler quite like bamboo.
Vintage Fly Reels and Other Tackle
Many enthusiasts collect fly reels and other tackle, and many anglers use vintage reels as everyday reels. The fact that so many are still fishable today is testimony to their quality. We offer vintage reels from great makers that look great on a vintage fly fishing rod and will offer many more years of reliable service.
Our vintage fly fishing tackle also includes fly boxes and wallets, fly tying kits, landing nets, and others. These classic offerings can complement your vintage rods and be the perfect addition to your fly fishing collection or furnishings in your home, office or restaurant. They are great conversation starters!
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Fly Rod Appraisal and Restoration
Many people own vintage fly fishing rods that need restoration. Whether it needs a complete restoration or just a few replacement windings or guides, let us bring your rod back to its original beauty and functionality. Send us your rod for an analysis of its condition and cost for restoration.
We also appraise vintage fly fishing rods and reels to determine their history, age and approximate value. This is useful if you are considering restoring or selling them but can also be quite interesting if you just want know more about them. Find out if you have a $50 wall hanger or a $5000 treasure!
Our History
Colorado Vintage Fly Fishing was started by Craig Haney in 2017 after a career in architecture specializing in historic restoration. Working in the field of architecture gave him an appreciation for well-designed objects, and fishing with his father and grandfather as a boy exposed him to the art of fly angling. Restoring vintage rods and reels allows him to work with the historical objects that he loves while still having time to enjoy the sport himself!