Bamboo rods are very resilient instruments, capable of withstanding years of use and even some abuse. After all rods are being fished today that were made 100 years ago.
At some time in their service, it is a good chance that a fly rod will need repair. It may be minor such as a loose guide or more substantial such a broken tip. The good news is that bamboo rods can almost always be repaired or refurbished for a relatively small amount of money. There are three basic approaches to servicing a fly rod.
- Restoration – Restoration is undertaken on classic vintage rods and may mean doing as little as possible to the rod. All work is done with original parts where possible with the goal to make the work look like it never happened and keeping the rod’s originality. A written record of the work done accompanies the rod back to the owner.
- Refinishing/refurbishment – Refinishing a rod focuses on bringing the rod back to a state where it is fishable. The work may try to keep as much of the originality as possible or may include modifications that improve on the performance or appearance. This may include new style grips, reel seat or additional guides for example.
- Repairs – Rod repairs are just that. Ferrules may be reset, guides rewrapped, sections straightened, finish refreshed, grips or reel seat made new again.
Some common problems and terms
- Delamination – The glue holding the sections together has failed and is allowing the sections to open and flex.
- Ferrule slop – the male and female ferule fit is sloppy allowing the male to turn in the female.
- Ferrule reset – The ferrule glue has failed allowing the ferrule to be loose. You can usually feel this when casting to rod. The repair involves removing the ferrule, cleaning, regluing and rewrapping.
- Section Sets – Sets are when the rod section is no longer straight but is curved when you sight down the section.
- Finish failure – The finish on the bamboo is thin or alligatored thus not protecting the rod from the elements and making it prone to delamination and wrap failures.
- Guide rust – The finish on the guide has broken down allowing the underlying metal to oxidize and rust.
- Hook digs – A hook dig is caused by being whacked by a bead-head or other weighted fly during the cast causing a bruise, chip or worse in the finish of the rod. These traumas to the bamboo eventually lead to the failure of the bamboo.
- Invisible wrap – a silk wrap made over a weak spot that turns translucent when varnished.
- Scarf joint– A repair made by gluing a tapered replacement piece to an existing section to make the broken section full length again.
How do you to pick a rod repairer or restorer?
This can feel like a daunting task. Many questions arise. Is the rod worth restoring? How do I find the list of folks that do this work? How do I know if they are qualified? Is it going to cost a fortune? How long will it take? These as well as other concerns can cause you to put that rod back in its tube and into closet. Maybe next year you say. The process can be surprisingly straight forward if you go about it methodically.
- A google search will bring up a list of individuals and companies that will be a good start to finding that restoration service.
- A craftsman should be willing to give you a free inspection and estimate. Many times, a decent identification and rough cost estimate can be given with well-lit pictures. Don’t be afraid to get a second opinion.
- Ask for references. How long have they been doing this work? Who are their other customers? Ask for examples of their work. A craftsman should be able to provide a rough price list for services. Many makers are working from a waiting list so ask how long the work will take.
- Once you have selected the artisan you want to work with you will need to send your rod to them for a final inspection and cost. Ask for a written evaluation and estimate so that you both are on the same page as to the work to be done and the cost.
Working through this process will help you determine if you want the rod restored, refinished or simple repairs done. The maker can help guide you through the decision. So, it is time to finally get that bamboo rod fixed and out on the water for you to enjoy.
Remember good bamboo rod practices and yearly maintenance can go a long way to stave off that future repair need. See my tips on rod care here.
To view Weymouth Rod Works repair and restoration services click here.