Rod Identification

Your masterful restoration of great grandfather Bop's fly rod has enabled 5 generations of our family to reconnect through a shared love of a favorite pastime.                                   J. Henry, Bend, OR                                                                                                                        

Montague "Dreadnought" boat rod, circa 1930-40, in Very Good "as found" condition

    If you find yourself in possession of a bamboo fishing rod and /or reel that you know nothing about, it is very likely we can help you.
   We have a large variety of original makers' catalogs, published rod books & other research materials; we also have a large collection of vintage bamboo rods, & an extensive collection of reels. 
   And we are in touch with a large circle of other knowledgeable researchers & collectors whom we can call on for more information.  
   *** We can help you identify & evaluate your family heirloom, or flea market prize!  ***       

   THIS SERVICE IS FREE   Now that you are this far, call or e-mail, & we will provide you with information on your vintage bamboo rod.
 
  Help Us Help You 
1.  Pictures.  One of the first things that will help us identify your rod is good pictures.  Take pictures of as many key rod features as you can.  Ferrules, guides, tip tops, reel seats and grips are all key features.  Get good close-up shots of any decals or partial decals.  Also include all hand-written or stamped names, lengths, weights, numbers, letters, etc. on the rod shaft and reel seat.   Information such as an approximate year  or even the store where the friend or family member purchased the rod or reel may also hold leads.  A rod bag
and or tube, as well as any label or tag, can be very helpful too.
2.  Details.  Details often mean everything in identifying a rod or reel.   Our eyes automatically search for little things that most people don't realize are clues for identification.  Include in your pictures as many details of the rod or reel as possible.
3.  Value.   While our primary business is identifying, restoring & repairing vintage bamboo rods, we can also give guidance about possible value of your bamboo rod. 
    To start with, value is very subjective.  As the saying goes, "one man's junk is another man's treasure."  Family heirlooms, ie bamboo rods that have been owned by a grandfather or favorite uncle often have meaning far beyond a dollar value.  It is these rods that we most enjoy working on at Bamboo Rod Works, bringing them back to their former beautiful & usable condition.
    Regarding market value, the bottom line of "What is it worth?"  is what someone is willing to pay for it.  Four primary factors affect the market value of a bamboo rod: 
        First, the rod's condition 
        Second, maker, model & length of the bamboo rod 
        Third, the venue where the rod is offered for sale  
        Fourth, the current market for bamboo rods, which moves up & down over time
    With these 4 factors in mind, we will be happy to suggest a range of values for your vintage rod (or reel).  Also, in this day of on-line auctions (primarily eBay), as well as on-line rod dealers, finding a similar rod or reel to yours & taking the time to see not only what price it is offered for,  but what it actually sells for,  is often the most accurate guide to current value.

   *** Contact us - We'd love to talk to you. ***