First let me say thank you for all the information that I have received from you folks on this site.

I have been making rods on and off for about 20-years. I still consider myself an amatuer, as I just don't have the time necessary to devote to this great hobby. All-in-all, I've probably only made about 5 or 6 rods, but I really enjoy it. Now that I'm getting close to retirement, I hope to be able to spend more time with this hobby.

Now, my problem:

In 1987 I rebuilt an old bamboo rod that my wife found at a garage sale. I don't remember the name of the book I read about rebuilding bamboo rods, but it came out pretty good. I'm not much at fly casting, but, over the years, I've probably used it at least one week every couple of years and I had fun using it. I may have even caught a fish or two.

Last year, on my first cast, the tip section splintered! I have a 2nd tip, but I'm afraid that if I try it, it too, will splinter (because of the age).

Can anyone give me any advise as to what I should do to either test the rod or restore it to a condition where I can again start using it?

The reel seat and cork handle are in excellent shape, and I would hate to have to remove them. But any information that you guys can give me, or any suggestions, would be really appreciated.

Again, thanks for everything.

get mike sinclairs book restoring bamboo flyrods it tells how to repair or e-mail me for futher info. hope this helps. bill

Jack -
Try posting your question here:
[www.thebambooflyrod.com]

The message board there is visited by what I would consider "the best of the best" on bamboo rod repairs.
(Wayne Cattanach, Michael Sinclair, Stuart Kirkfield and others)

If it is a japaneese rod then that explains it. On these bamboo rods you need to pause and let the rod do all the work. I can fish a bamboo rod all day and at the end of day my buddies that fish graphite complain about their shoulders hurting. I have seen a lot of guys that fish graphite and they ought to keep fishing graphite because they just get the bamboo whipping in the air and they sound like a bullwhip. Some guys bamboo is not for them.. If you have a pic of rods reelseat, grip and ferrules maybe I could indentify for you.. Thanks Dave

Thanks guys. I really appreciate the info. At least now I know where to turn. It will take awhile, but I'll let you know how it turns out.

Again, thanks.

If the tip section just came apart at the glue joints and it is not broken the job is an easy one of re-gluing and binding, set it set a day or so and scrape the excess glue off and go from there. Sinclair's book was going on @#$%& for around $100.00 the last I looked.

l screwed up.Climing in to a gorge on Ausable river did not secured my great 5wt.LL bean rod enough.
It came down after me and l spent great amount of time looking at the splintered tip.Idiot.
Now my question to the people who know.95% of the bamboo is there, splintered but not broken.The lenght of the damage is about 2.5 inches.Would You trim the tip and make it shorter, or reglue and invisible wrap the tip.l have done this kind of repair on mid section of older rod which dilaminated and now lcant even find the repaired part.
Any suggestion is greatly appreciated,sincerely
Vladimir