With all the fantastic advances in fishing tackle technology in recent
years, is it really worth buying a fishing rod from a bygone era? This
is the question that many anglers have asked themselves, particularly
fly fishers. Is there value in seeking out and purchasing an antique
or vintage rod?
The short answer is that it depends on the type of fishing you do.
There is no doubt that cf (carbon fiber) has revolutionized the
fishing rod industry, and is much, much better than fiberglass. So
buying an old fiberglass rod would be a waste of money. Also, many old
rods that have been used extensively have invariably sustained damage
of one kind or another, and such damage may have compromised the
strength and integrity of the rod. So basically a damaged rod is
useless for fishing.
However, when it comes to bamboo rods, and in particular split cane
fishing rods, the answer is not so clear. There are many anglers that
say that even with the latest progress in modern fishing rod
manufacture, a state-of-the-art carbon fiber rod cannot match the
action, flexibility and durability of a split cane fishing rod. In
particular, where accurate and long casting of light weights is
paramount, cane rods seem to have the edge. Also, there is the
aesthetic value of a bamboo rod, which lends it to be seen as more of
a work of art than a tool for fishing.
Suitability for Fishing
So it seems that if you are into fly fishing or spinning, especially
in estuaries, rivers, lakes, ponds and streams, or even from coastal
shorelines, a quality vintage split cane fishing rod could be a
worthwhile investment. Of course, the same rule applies: a damaged rod
is no good for fishing. Therefore you must check the bamboo sections
carefully. Be on the lookout for water stains, discoloration, dents,
splits, cracks or anything else that seems suspicious. If the bamboo
is sound, and the price is right, the rod could well be worth
purchasing. Most of the other fittings on a cane fishing rod can be
restored to their original condition for a modest sum, so do not panic
if the whippings are frayed or the ferrules are a little loose.
One of the most renowned brands of bamboo rods is Milwards of England.
Vintage Milwards split cane fishing rods are sort after due to their
exquisite craftsmanship, superb action and quality fittings. The
fittings were bronze, brass, silver, agate and silk, while the bamboo
was usually Tonkin cane. Milwards manufactured both fly fishing and
spinning rods that were often specially designed for certain fishing
niches. For example, the FloatMaster was perfect for casting float
rigs, while the SpinVersa was magnificent at casting extremely
lightweight baits and lures. Milwards split cane fishing rods are
highly valued but occasionally come on the market. Your best chance of
locating one is to check periodically online auction sites like eBay
or the online inventory of vintage rod dealers.
Collecting Vintage Rods
Most of what is written above concerns the use of a vintage fishing
rod for fishing. But how about collecting? Well, from current trends
we can see that antique and vintage rods are increasing in value year
by year. However, for collectors, the vintage rod must be in pristine
condition, which makes collectible rods quite scarce and hard to come
by. Not only does the fishing rod itself need to be in very good
condition, all the extras it was originally sold with need to come
with it too. For example, Milwards split cane fishing rods usually
came with an extra tip section, and also came with a custom cloth bag.
They also had various transfers or engravings on them. So for a rod of
this kind to be considered a collector's item, it would need to
include all of these additional things. But if you were to come across
a vintage rod in original condition and kit, it would be well
worthwhile buying, as it would no doubt increase in value over time.
In conclusion, while fiberglass rods have been surpassed by carbon
fiber rods, bamboo rods are still very effective pieces of fishing
gear that are unbeatable in their particular fishing niche. They also
have considerable value as collector's items and as pieces of art. A
good vintage split cane fishing rod is definitely worth buying!
Mike Sleddon is a self-confessed fishing nut who has only just
recently discovered the delights of fly fishing, and in particular,
saltwater fly fishing. This has inadvertently led to another addiction
- collecting antique and vintage split cane fishing rods! Of course,
his wife is not too impressed with his new money-sapping hobby! His
website http://www.milwardssplitcanefishingrods.com/ has lots of great
information about.....well, Milwards Split Cane Fishing Rods! He also
has another website with lots of general fishing tackle information,
product reviews and the like: http://www.fishingtacklegear.net/ (a
work in progress!) He hopes you enjoy his articles and leave some
comments! :)
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