Is (was?) bamboo ever used to make casting/spinning rods? I was reading the recent question about where to buy bamboo blanks to build on and decided it was better to ask a perhaps goofy question than to not know!
Thanks,

Pesco Ergo Sum

At one time all rod blanks were, not just fly. Various other woods were used also.

Right, in fact, there were more casting and boat rods made from split bamboo than fly rods.

I don't believe I have ever seen a split bamboo spinning rod, as spinning didn't become popular on these shores until after WWII when fiberglass was starting to take over.

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Actually there were quite a few bamboo spinning rods made but the duration of production was quite short. The introduction of the spinning reel and the perfection of the 'new' fiberglass material meant that many of the bamboo spinning rods were simply discarded or set aside as folks were seeking "modern technology". The continued (albeit short) production probably had to do with several influences - the original solid fiberglass rods were still heavy by comparison with the bamboo rods and the solid fiberglass rods leant themselves more to heavier applications - which meant bamboo still had a niche in light and ultralight freshwater applications. The introduciton of hollow glass was the death knell for most bamboo rods - except fly rods which became cherished heirlooms - "My grandfather's rod" or collectables - the spinning rods never seemed to make that transition to collectable status. Likely because they weren't produced by recognized pioneers in rod crafting. I have two bamboo spinning rods from the late 40's / early 50's that I still fish with from time to time. I enjoy them - probably mostly for the looks and not the fish-ability.

From @#$%& (item number): 150308668100

Tony Scott came to me with a similar 'problem' - none of the pre-formed grips seemed to feel "right" in his hand. They all seemed too short and too narrow. Over the last two years we (mostly Tony) have been working on templates extrapolated from "standard" types/sizes of grips (full wells, half wells etc.). Last I heard he was in contact with Backlash Tools (sponsor here). He will also be at the show in High Point and will likely bring either one or two rods (or grips) with him to show to anyone interested.

I think Ron Kusse still makes cane baitcasting rods.