Vintage Fly Rods and Classic Fly Rods
Vintage Bamboo Fly Rods
VIntage bamboo fly rods are our passion! Bamboo starts life as a living organism, a member of the grass family, and is one of the fastest-growing plants on Earth. After harvesting, it is dried, split, and crafted into fine bamboo fly rods. These rods can be used for everyday fishing, added to your collection, or used as period furnishings.
New fly anglers are often unaware that modern graphite fly rods and fiberglass fly rods behave differently than bamboo fly rods, which have slower actions and are more responsive. There’s a good reason why Orvis has been making bamboo rods continuously for over 130 years; they just work.
Why do bamboo fly rods remain so popular? Partly due to nostalgia. Many people purchase vintage bamboo rods because they remember them from their youth. Their uniqueness and aesthetics also play a role; similar to a fine wood desk that has developed a patina over years of use, an heirloom bamboo rod exudes character. Moreover, the way bamboo fishes is unique; bamboo rods are slower and more responsive, allowing you to relax and truly enjoy the experience.
Some believe that the bamboo in a rod is still alive, carrying with it the soul of its maker, much like a finely crafted Samurai sword. What a beautiful thought!
VIntage Fiberglass Fly Rods
Fiberglass, developed during WW2 for use in making antennae for military vehicles, was subsequently utilized to produce fiberglass fly rods. These fly rods offer a medium fast action, positioned between bamboo fand graphite fly rods, which many anglers appreciate. Moreover, fiberglass rods require very little maintenance.
Although their presence in the market was diminished by the rise of graphite fly rods, major tackle manufacturers, including Orvis, continue to produce fiberglass models.
Classic Graphite Fly Rods
Graphite was developed for use in aerospace and military applications. Fly rods made from graphite were introduced in 1974, marking a significant evolution in fishing gear. These early graphite fly rods form a 'bridge' between fiberglass fly rods and modern graphite technology. Designed with taper, length, and line weights similar to fiberglass, these new high modulus materials cast and fish like fiberglass and, at times, even like vintage bamboo fly rods, all while being lighter in weight.
Even though graphite rods have been around for over 50 years, early examples can be difficult to obtain, as collectors value them for their unique characteristics and tend to hold onto them.