Mass vintage bamboo rods

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George
Member
Posts: 21
Joined: 08/17/22 11:46

Mass vintage bamboo rods

#1

Post by George »

Folks,

I started fly fishing at end of July 2022 (yup). First time ever fly fishing I caught six fish on my (new) vintage rods. These are not expensive. An I&B Governor and an Allcocks of England Whippet.

The Whippet (the UK rod) is more stiff than the Governor. As a first-time fly fisher, I struggled with it. While the Governor was much looser and let the line out better (confirmed by an experienced fly fisher).

I fished in the great Ottawa River. The Governor was easier to fish and caught the six.

After reading about H&I rods, as well as Allcocks rods, I wonder whether they both have a bad rap as (vintage) mass producers.

If we discussed our expectations, couldn't a vintage rod for a beginner be a Governor or a Whippet? Afterall, six fish is not bad for first time fly fisher!

I would like to see 10-year olds fishing with bamboo! It is nice!!!! {FYI, I did not just compare myself to a 10-year old)

You folks are experienced. This could be a great discussion!

George

Kave
Guide
Posts: 295
Joined: 10/21/19 15:15

Re: Mass vintage bamboo rods

#2

Post by Kave »

George,
Good on you! I haven’t cast either of the rods you mentioned, but it seems like they’re quite fishable.
There should be a warning label affixed to these things, such as, “Buyer beware - bamboo addictive”.

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bamboo rodley
Bamboo Fanatic
Posts: 1606
Joined: 04/05/10 18:00

Re: Mass vintage bamboo rods

#3

Post by bamboo rodley »

In general I think that Alcock rods would have more value than HI rods. The Governor is toward the top of the HI lineup. Not familiar with the Whippet.

tonymccall
Sport
Posts: 42
Joined: 07/20/22 09:52

Re: Mass vintage bamboo rods

#4

Post by tonymccall »

I have an H-I governor that I plan on making a good fishing rod from as soon as I get the time to actually work on it! I love the color of the cane, almost dark chocolate, and think it will make a nice looking rod once it is redone. It's gonna be my first attempt at totally replacing everything, including cork and reel seat.

George
Member
Posts: 21
Joined: 08/17/22 11:46

Re: Mass vintage bamboo rods

#5

Post by George »

That's an exciting project! This is sort of what I am curious about. It seems there is a lot of people who have a low view on H&I in general and of the Governor in particular that I've seen. Yet (as a complete novice to fly fishing) I find it to work well on a big river.

Who is to judge?! The fish, I suppose!

Good on ya for taking on that project - would love to see some photos!!

George
Member
Posts: 21
Joined: 08/17/22 11:46

Re: Mass vintage bamboo rods

#6

Post by George »

@Kave, yes, bamboo is addictive!

I really do not plan on fishing anything else at this point except bamboo. I wouldn't want to ruin my wonderful first experiences with fly fishing!

So, I even bought a vintage Hardy Perfect to put on them!

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