Vintage & Classic Rods & Reels by Orvis and Other Great Makers
Vintage & Classic Fly Rods, Reels & Other Tackle
Vintage and Classic Fly Fishing Rods
We offer vintage and classic fly fishing rods by great makers. Beautiful, quality rods that do not cost a fortune. You can fish with them just like your father or grandfather did, 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 150 years; they just work.
Why are bamboo rods still so popular? Partly due to nostalgia for sure. Many people purchase vintage and classic 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.
Unlike all other rod types, bamboo was once a living organism. It begins life as a stalk of grass, growing rapidly until it is harvested, dried, split, and glued into a fine fishing instrument. Graphite rods can be produced faster and in greater quantities for lower cost, but doesn't something go missing in the process?
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 and Classic Fly Reels and Other Tackle
In addition to vintage and classic fly rods, many enthusiasts collect fly reels and other tackle, and many anglers still use vintage and classic reels as their everyday reels. The fact that so many are still fishable today is testimony to their quality. We offer vintage and classic reels from great makers. These reels look great on a vintage or classic fly fishing rod and will offer many more years of reliable service.
Our vintage and classic fly fishing tackle also includes fly boxes and wallets, fly tying kits, and landing nets. These classic offerings can complement your vintage and classic 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 & Restoration
Many people own vintage and classic fly fishing rods that need restoration. Don't let your father's treasured bamboo rod deteriorate in the garage. 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 and classic 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 and classic rods and reels allows him to work with the historical objects that he loves while still having time to enjoy the sport himself!