Hello,

In the past few months I have been attracted to a goal I have had for years, to build a rod with a natural blank. While searching up ideas on the subject, I stubbled across a japanese web page about traditional japanese fly rods. There are several types, but the most intruguing to me is the Marutake (try a google search). It is a hollow bamboo fly rod made of several hollow, natural, straightened bamboo sections. That idea pleases me. It has western style guides, and is lighter than soild rods, it is not quite as strong. But I am aiming for a 0 to 1 weight rod,

Has anyone ever tried this?

Tim

Not exactly, but the Volume 4 #1 issue of RodMaker contained an article on making a solid wood rod from Western Red Cedar which was once the preferred material for any type of fishing rod. Instructions were included for the planing operation as well as how to make your own ferrule and reel seat.

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Tim,
All the real load on any rod is in it's outer fibers no matter what it's made of. E.C. Powell figures this out many years ago and if you build your rod on his techniques you'll have a dandy.