Bamboo Fly Rods


It started approximate 10 years ago when my father gave me my grandfather’s bamboo rod. It needed a lot of restoration work and I wanted to learn how to repair the rod. I soon became fascinated with the construction and the history of bamboo rod. The rod turned out to be a Montague Rod made in the 1920’s at a bamboo rod factory in Pennsylvania. As my research continued, the Montague Rod factory made 2000 rods a year and supplied many stores. Prices ranged from $1.29- $4.00. A lot of money back then.


So once I repaired the rod and learned the process of making a cane rod, I invested the time and energy into making all of the custom tools required in the process. There were numerous books and rod makers that supplied information and instructions for making the rods.


Having always been a fisherman, taught by my dad, where bass fishing was king in the south, I thought this would be fun to try a new type of fishing. Having fly fished for bream and bass with an fiberglass Eagle Claw fly rod and remembered that the strike was always exciting. This passion for fishing and the introduction of trout in the Georgia waters has change me to a fly fisherman and the pursuit of trout and other species of fish.


As I continued to make rods and come to realize that in the past our fathers caught all types of fish on cane rods because that was all that was available in stores. It is still amazing to me the simple construction, the flexible and durable quality of the bamboo material. Why not see if it is still possible to create rods for these different fishing experiences. I have now dedicated myself to try to catch as many types of fish as possible using my created bamboo rods. From saltwater to the northern fresh water monsters, I have had some exciting moments and now have a better understanding the thrills that were had in the past years. A bamboo rod that is as tough as they get, they may not be the lightest rods versus their graphite brothers, but to me, the most enjoyable to fish. From small 3wt. rods like willow branches, 5wt rods that land flies so delicately on the water and a 9 wt. - 12’-6” two piece spey rod, I will describe some of the adventures and the memories.


Over the next few months, I will provide some stories of my bamboo adventures and what you could experience as well. I will provide some information on the construction of the bamboo rods, the flies that I have used to fool the fish and the places and friends that I have traveled the county to pursue these fish.
-Jeff Purdy


Jeff Purdy handcrafts high quality bamboo fly fishing rods. He has many years of experience fishing, tying flies and of course, building these beautiful rods. All rods are hand-made to Jeff's exacting specifications and are adorned with beautiful custom finishes, top quality hardware and the special custom touches only a craftsman can deliver. Check out this video to learn more about Jeff and his passion for rod building.