Anyone know anything about cane fishing rods/vintage fishing tackle?

[Man of Tanith]

As title really.
I've inherited grandads fishing kit and its all beautiful old stuff from when he was a lad himself so 60yrs old.
What I would like to do is be able to go back to some of the spots we fished when i was a young un and use the rod and tackle that i learnt with.
However........ I dont want to destroy it all in the using. Is there anything i should look for as warning signs?(other than mahoosive cracks which there aren't any visible)

I'm havin issues with uploading photo's but once i sort the issue out i will share some here

 

[Robbi]

Morning MOT,

Is the rod a "cane" rod ( looks like Bamboo) or a "split Cane" rod, ( hexagonal in profile ) ?

Does it have a name transfer on it near the handle ?

As a first step to test the integrity of the rod, put it all together and holding it by the handle, give it an up and down waggle, if you can feel a "knock" in the rod when you waggle it ( you'll know what I mean if you feel it ) that would indicate a number of possible issues, all reasonably easy to rectify.

Next, check all the whippings and the eyes for rust, all whippings should be intact and the eyes rust free.

Check the varnish, there should be no cracks or bits missing, don't worry if there are as the application of a diluted coat of waterproof boat varnish will do the job

Is the rod straight ? most old cane rods have a natural downward droop, not really a big issue but can be sorted out quite easily yourself.

If the cork handle is OK then happy days, if not and depending on how bad it is, there are various cork restoration liquids available. If you just want to clean the cork, Meths applied very gently with a pot scourer works a treat. ( lots of meths, very gentle rubbing )

Be warned.....vintage fishing tackle is more addictive than Bushy kit !!

Get some photos up and lets have a look

 

[Man of Tanith]

Ill get some pics sorted later Robbi.

Cant recall if its hexagonal or not
Label nope missing
Handle has been wrapped with electrical tape at some point in the past by grandad so dunno if tis a cork handle beneath and im kinda loath to remove it

As for vintage well everythin i prefer has a vintage feel so itll fit right in

 

[Stevie777]

If you have a split cane rod you will have great fun with it. I love the action on mine. Heavier than the rods of today but they do cast well with a heavy line. There is a thread on here about a split cane refurb. have a look.

 

[Robbi]

http://www.traditionalfisherman.com/index.php

Best advice you can get will be found here....

 

[Mesquite]

Pics posted for MoT

 

[Man of Tanith]

Ta Steve

And thanks for the link Robbi

 

[nic a char]

Use as light a fly line as you can cast with - more rods are broken casting than with playing fish.

 

[nic a char]

Oh and a light floating fly line is puts less strain on your rod than sinking lines of course.

 

[Janne]

I would classify your rod as a sentimental, valuable inheritance and would not fish with it.
I would have it restored and put up on the wall!
But if you want to fish with it, I would at least have it revarnished. Would not want any water penetrating to the bamboo core!

 

[Tomteifi]

Hi

Just read your post on the fishing rod. I had a similar experience several years ago when my father in law left me his 1960's salmon worming rod. After much googling I found an online co. in USA called Mudhole that stock absolutely everything you could need for any type of rod and making/repairs etc. They also have superb instructional videos to assist in most tasks. I did a total refurb on the rod and it now looks and performs like new. Don't have a photo at the moment as I've given it to one of my sons who uses it regularly and loves it. If you do decide to go that way-look out for a product called Flexcoat-fantastic stuff-its a 2 part flexible epoxy that's unbeatable for several uses including rod coating, whippings, repairs, etc. As an aside, I coated a walking stick with it 4 years ago and its the same now as it was then-it will not crack-it would be perfect for a finish on your cane rod.

good luck

Tom.