Proud new grass owner...

[Gaines'BowBum]

Just took my first plunge into the world of bamboo. I just bought a South Bend 359, 8.5' 3/2. It is in fairly good shape, going to need to be wrapped eventually. But tips are equal in length and are straight for the most part. Here's a few pics...

http://i127.photobucket.com/albums/p140/ajaume/P9050555fix.jpg

http://i127.photobucket.com/albums/p140/ajaume/P9050554.jpg


Should make a good Hooch Tailwater rod. I gave it a cast down at the lake Sunday morning and really like the action. Right now it has a Ross Evolution on it with Rio Grand 5 weight, the reel/line from a MUCH faster rod. I've got an Orvis Battenkill (Made in England) and plan to put some line on there and fish it. I'm thinking about a DT 5 weight to help load it up a little better, any ideas on line?? I've got a Wulf Triangle DT on my 3 weight and really like the line. What do yall know about it in a 5 weight??

Thanks for the help. Hopefully, I haven't gotten in over my head with this whole grass rod thing... I already spend enough on fishing gear. I can't be spending 500.00 and up for a new rod every couple of months, not on my salary....

--Alex

[TheEndlessEnigma]

trangle taper really loads well on a slower action rod really .... muchbetter than a normal wf or rocket taper etc etc .... and it will delicate lay out a line for quite a distance. not sure on a bamboo how it would work but i would think it would work better than wf ... but double taper is probably still a best bet ... i love my double taper

[bonedog]

I have the Cortland Sylk DT line on my 5wt 'boo and have been very pleased. I have no experience with any other lines (or 'boo rods) to compare it to, just inserting my dos pesos.
bd

[Buck Henry]

Alex,

Congrats dude, love your new South Bend. I am a big fan of SB rods and own two myself. Concerning line, I recently posted a question concerning Cortland sylk versus Wulff TT lines and got the following response from Bill Oyster:

The primary difference in the two is their taper design. The Wulff has a longer front taper so it is the better roll caster. It doesn't have any level belly at all, just a very long front taper which blends right into the rear taper. The Sylk has Cortland's more typical WF taper. Also the the Sylk is a skinner line (in the true silk line fashion), so cuts through the wind nicely and shoots well. Of course this means that it doesn't float quite as high in the water, but it's not something you really notice in my opinion. The Wulff also tends to feel heavier to me at most trout distances. Maybe it's not a fact, just a feeling, but it's something I notice. In the end, I prefer the Wulff on slower action rods because of it's taper and design, and the Sylk on faster rods which seem to feel better with a more standard WF design. I have no complaints from either line and think you'd be happy with whichever you choose.


Hope this was helpful. Again, congrats on your new rod and one more thing: go ahead and start looking for that next cane rod.....resistance is futile! :)

[fishnpreacher]

..."I hope I have not gotten in over my head with this whole grass rod thing..."

Forget about getting in over your head. I thought that trout fishing was addictive, until I started tying my own flies and caught my first fish on a fly I tied. Then I thought tying was addictive until I tried Bamboo. I have progressed (regressed?) into the dark underbelly of bamboo and refinishing the lovely reed. Some day I'm going to build my own from a culm, turn a seat, and catch a fish on a totally (as much as possible) handmade rod. And the addiction continues.


I hope I have not gotten in over my head with this whole grass rod thing....;)

[AM]

Too late - once the Chinese grass has you in its clutches you cannot escape. Next you will shoping the antique rod forums for "deals". Then you find yourself lurking in back alley markets shelling out your hard earned cash for that "perfect" old style Hardy or CFO reel to complement your collection. Before long you will abandon your old graphite friends - some may even be sold to fund your habit. Who knows where it will all end, old fishing buddies will say you have lost your mind. Family will just roll their eyes and shake their heads when you take that old stick out of its bag on cold February nights and tenderly wipe the fingerprints from its glossy finish and hold it in your palm just to feel the fish "karma" once again.

Of course it could be worse - you could take up golf - now there is a real addiction.

Al Money - 8' Goodwin Granger Aristocrat and 9' Heddon #20

[watkins]

Two complete sets of clubs,bags, numerous drivers,putters etc.--or trade for cane. TRW

[island_boy]

From Bill O's, have you thought about making one?

I hear it's fun... :-)

Island boy - fall class of '06