Fishing Bamboo: An Angler's Passion For The Traditional Fly Rod

by John Gierach

Once an angler masters a graphite rod, his interests often move on to the original fly rod, pliant bamboo. Until the mid-twentieth century, nearly all fly rods were bamboo. By the 1970s, fiberglass and graphite changed the world of fly-fishing. But more and more anglers are seeing bamboo rods in retail outlets, and want to give them a try. With this book, John Gierach, one of the nation's top fly-fishing writers, provides a philosophical guide to the angler who seeks this new “old” method. Gierach discusses how bamboo rods are built, how they differ from graphite rods, and how using one will change a fly fisher's approach to the sport. Fishing bamboo might be the pinnacle of fly-casting skill, and this book will help take you there.

128 pages, Paperback

First published January 1, 1997

About the author

John Gierach was an American author and freelance writer who lived in Larimer County, Colorado.

Reviews

[Paul · Rating 4 out of 5]

I have liked every book he has written.

[Chris Warren · Rating 5 out of 5]

A little niche perhaps but everything he does is pretty close to perfect.

[Paul Kulyk · Rating 4 out of 5]

Now I need to buy new tools and find a good bamboo source... Thanks John.

[Jason Hastings · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is my fourth Gierach book and as a gear-junkie, I loved it. This probably isn't where you should start reading John Gierach as this isn't one of his typical books of fishing tales, but is a perfect place to start if you're interested in Bamboo rods and the history of fishing in America.

Very informative but concise enough to give you a passing understanding of bamboo rods; their history and cult of personality with collectors and regular old fishermen from around the globe. Naturally, Gierach has his opinions and weaknesses (for Rocky Mountain-made Granger and Mike Clark rods) but doesn't come across as snobby or overly opinionated without begging forgiveness.

Overall, an excellent primer for deeper reading on the topic.

[Matthew T · Rating 2 out of 5]

Gierach is the Lewis Grizzard of fly fishing literature. As funny as they come...molds broken...etc. However, he stepped away from his "knee slapping" reads, to a basic book on how expensive, elitist and boring bamboo rod angler's must be.

I get it, Gierach loves fishing with "cane" rods and fishes with the best rods out there. From the terminally dead makers to the very alive. The very best builders that are alive are his buddies. The ones dead for over 50 years he can not claim.

I did learn from this book who makes or made an expensive rod, but I would have like to have seen a tiny bit more on the how.

Sorry for the not so good review, but one out of a dozen or so books is not bad.

[Joseph · Rating 3 out of 5]

A decent enough read though, not great. Due to the overall brevity feels more like a series of magazine articles than a cohesive book. It never quite goes philosophical nor quite technical but would give the bamboo neophyte either just enough to be dangerous or to be an instant addict. Gierach is unquestionably a great writer but, as he'll admit, he's a professional writer as opposed to a professional fisherman. I found his section on silk fly lines a bit odd; after spending 100 pages telling us that what is new is not always better he briefly skims over silk as an anachronistic hold out.

Overall, worth a read but don't fall over yourself to do so right now.

[Victor Kernus · Rating 3 out of 5]

Interesting book. A good starting point to educate oneself about Bamboo fly rods

[Mike · Rating 4 out of 5]

You have to love both bamboo and Geirach to enjoy this book.

[Bob Peru · Rating 4 out of 5]

specialzed and arcane. if ya like this sorta thing, you'll love it. if not. not.

[Jeff Voth · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great book!! A cross of facts and information, how-to, and wit and humor. A storyteller's blend of history, passion, and instruction. Another classic from John Gierach.