Pitbull and other bamboo freaks

[golden beetle]

I don't want to endorse any bamboo rodmaker. But I am going to endorse Larry Donahe below, because my experience with him has been one of TOTAL HONESTY. He is TOP NOTCH as a BUILDER and PERSON.

But Pitbull, you may just want to get your hands on a cane rod at the best possible price.

If that's your goal... go to the Somerset show and CAST as many cane rods as you can.

That's a day's VACATION in my book, worth the 15 dollar price of admission!!!

At the show, the rodmakers will offer SHOW SPECIALS on the rods they made for their DISPLAYS.

You can get a great rod for a ridiculously low price, oftentimes, at Somerset.So keep that in mind as an option.

About 4 or 5 years ago, I bought a Rolf Baginski rod, two tips, for 700 dollars.

Ridiculously low price.

And Pitbull, if your job involves asking customers, "Would you like an apple pie with that?"... you should get a rod on the cheap at Somerset.

But let me suggest that if you go this route, of buying a rod for cheap at the Somerset show, that at some point you try to develop a relationship with a builder and pay him full price for his work.

Larry Donahe is one of the best builders in the world, in my book.

He has built me TWO custom rods.

And each time, I receive ALMOST DAILY updates on the building process. I get pictures of the rod in progress...

Like the pics attached below...

So the experience of having a CUSTOM rod built for you is different from buying a display rod at Somerset, and worth it in my book.

But when you're getting started, Somerset is a good option.

In addition, you should keep in mind the bamboo rodmakers' gathering in the Catskills. It occurs at the Fly Fishing Museum in Livingston Manor, every September.

Problem is, that show seems to be a bit EXCLUSIVE. What do I mean by that? Jackasses like me who WANT TO BUY RODS aren't made to feel terribly welcome...

So perhaps Somerset is your best option now...

But anyway, I've attached below some pics that Larry Donahe sent me of rods in progress.

Pretty cool, huh?!!!

 

[AKSkim]

I must say GB you are one bamboo lovin' dude.

You really like your grass.

Nice article, but doesn't all the bamboo makers you have dealt with given you honest
estimates when you should receive your rod and regular up dates on his progress?

It to me would seem very basic on how to run an operation wouldn't you?

After all, someone who takes money and promises to build you or anyone else
for that matter something should honour his commitment.

That is what I would call CONTENT and fair dealings if you ask me.

But if that isn't the case please post the one(s) that haven't held up their end of the deal.

Get it!

 

[pitbull]

thnk u beetle...this mite be asking much but i would love to actually be part of the building process..how cool would that be? i can sand sumthin..thats about it..but i guess time frame would make or break the deal with guys..i think its the type of thing that should be done very carefully by the builder..i know alot of jerk off taxidermists who pull that shit all the time..i do have 2 bamboo rods as gifts when i was a child..orvis and a t&t but always wanted a custom built rod with some of my input..good stuff

---------- Post added at 08:22 PM ---------- Previous post was at 08:21 PM ----------

By the way...gorgeous rod!!

 

[golden beetle]

thnk u beetle...this mite be asking much but i would love to actually be part of the building process..how cool would that be? i can sand sumthin..thats about it..but i guess time frame would make or break the deal with guys..i think its the type of thing that should be done very carefully by the builder..i know alot of jerk off taxidermists who pull that shit all the time..i do have 2 bamboo rods as gifts when i was a child..orvis and a t&t but always wanted a custom built rod with some of my input..good stuff

---------- Post added at 08:22 PM ---------- Previous post was at 08:21 PM ----------

By the way...gorgeous rod!!

Pitbull, there are great builders across the USA.

Gotta tell you this...

Alan Medved is an absolute GENIUS of a rod builder.

But he doesn't market his rods anywhere.

I ran in to him at the rodmakers' gathering at the Catskill Museum in September.

He had 3 rods on display. All of the rods were 6'6".

They all had a unique feel.

I had a sense that Mr. Medved was showing off a bit. He was saying to the world that he was a great builder.

But, this guy ain't a talker. He let the rods speak for him.

He's a GREAT BUILDER.

I don't own any of his rods.

And I did make an offer on one of the rods I cast at the gathering.

I will tell you how that plays out...

But my favorite builder is Larry Donahe.

You need to go through the process of researching the art on your own. You will settle on a builder or two, that suit your style and interests.

For me, it is Donahe.

Totally honest, and totally passionate about what he does.