South Bend Bamboo Conversion

[Grizzlyhackle]

I was recently given, yes given, and old South Bend cane pole. It is 8 1/2 feet and it says rod number 359 on the sheath. First of all, does anyone have any info on the rod? Secondly, I was thinking about converting the top two sections into a nice little 6 ft rod for small streams. Do any of know anyone that can do this for me and around how much it would cost or is this just a stupid idea and I should keep it the way it is? Any and all opinions appreciated. Thanks.

[S.Trutta]

Well Grizzly, sounds like you got yourself a nice rod!!! I'm no expert on South Bend rods, but I can tell you that they were of the lower end production rods made. What does this mean?? Well, it means that the rod isn't worth a ton from a monetary standpoint ($150-$200 if its in pretty good shape), but it probably fishes beautifully and is alot more fun to enjoy on some of the larger waters than it would be to sell it. You could more than likely use this rod on some of the larger trout waters and tailraces, as well as a light bass and overall lake/pond rod. I would, however, suggest to keep the rod intact, as oppossed to dismantling it to create a new rod. If the rod is in good shape it will be fun to fish in the larger water, and if you truly want a small banty rod to fish in small water, you can get some nice looking rods off ebay for under $200. Most of the banty rods out there exist because the originals had some section that was broken, or was so badly beat up that they needed to be completely refinished anyway. If your rod is in good shape, it would be a shame to "destroy" it just to create a smaller rod. The money you would spend to get that work done could easily buy you a "new" banty rod off ebay.....and then you'd have 2 rods.

Just my 2 cents
Rich

[Buck Henry]

According to the below 1942 SB rod list, the SB 359 is listed as a Dry Fly taper and price wise was in the middle of their price range ($9.35 in 1942). But don't let that fool you, a model 359 in good condition is a great big water trout rod. This chart does not list the line weight, but being an 8.5 footer, it is most likely it is a 5 / 6 weight rod.

I concur with Rich, keep her as she is and use it to fish the Hooch. I own a 9 foot South Bend 346 Dry Fly taper rod and it is my go to Hooch rod when Iam floating in my tube.

http://i169.photobucket.com/albums/u207/buck_henry/SBlist.jpg

[fishnpreacher]

I asked the same thing on another board several years ago about a model 59 SB that I have. One of the best replies was "They don't make a South Bend 59 any more. You have a piece of history as well as a pretty good fishing tool. Enjoy it as it is." If it was mine I would refinish it if needed and put it to use. It is a good fishing rod, and if for some reason it should break, you won't be out a huge amount of money. If you want a Banty rod for smaller waters, just ask, there are some for sale out there. ;) I might even have one or two myself.