I have a few sticks of old bamboo rod sections. For the heck of it I am going to build an independent handle and get about a 7' bamboo fly rod with unknown casting characteristics. I intend to use the upper part of butt section for the grip/reel seat skeleton. Need opinions on whether this is folly or fun and any insights or observations that can insure fun not folly. Best regards, Chris

Chris A little more info pls. I don't understand what you're trying to accomplish. Are you saying two pieces (three) pieces of mis-matched cane to make a bamboo rod? People do that all the time. Or are you "mixing and matching" graphite/fiberglas and cane (bamboo)? If the latter I can tell you that wooden lower sections (greenheart, ash, live oak and other woods) were joined with cane (bamboo) tip sections both split and unsplit . about 100 years ago. Or are you talking about using a heavy saltwater trolling/casting rod cut up into sections to make lower grips/handles/reel seat inserts?

Three sections of matched Tonkin cane from a pile of Montague sections
Targeting wild Rainbow (California) and Brookies (Massachusetts) on small creeks and brooks

Butt - Ferrule end cut down to about 9-10" to accommodate a reel seat and cork grip, new female ferrule
Mid - Unaltered length, new ferrules, new guides
Tip - Unaltered length, new male ferrule, new guides, new tip top

I have to admit your suggestion of the wooden lower and bamboo tip sounds really cool.

If you have three matched sections ....... why not rebuild as original? There are plenty of mis-matched sections around. Several people take the mid section / tip section of 9' bamboo rods and rebuild them as 'tipple rods' - 5.5 - 6' small stream brookie rods. Or if you're intent on this because you have the pieces on hand do the same. Don't even use the lower section build on the mid and tip section. Result should be an ultra light short rod. Keep the lower section; find a reasonable mid section and make yourself a spining rod (or casting rod)

I don't remember the guys name, but a builder in Arkansas use to build a reelseat/grasp "component" on a hardwood dowel, mount a female ferrule inside the cork so that it was flush with the front of the grasp, and then build different cane rod tapers to interchange with the reelseat/grasp combo. A really neat idea and totally original.

Now I remember, his name is Leo Eck, you might be able to find him on a cane rod board or Harry Boyd could help you find him.

Chris,
This is not folly at all. Go for it. I've built three bamboo rods this way and the results have been very pleasing. I position the butt ferrule in the new handle so that it acts like a winding check. I prefer building them this way to building a traditional banty rod because you can use the full length of the mid and tip sections instead of using the first 9" or so of the old mid section for the grip and reel seat. Have fun.

Chris, yes you're on the right track, I've built dozens of them. As jim said I can use the whole mid and tip. Most of the rods throw a 3 or 4 wt. line and are between 61/2 and 7 ft in a finished length. You can make any type of handle you desire. If the butt ferrule on the original is good you can use it and go right to building your handle and use it as a winding check. If the ferrule is bad replace it with a new one and proceed.

Chris,
"Homer-ism" Duh oh! Now I get it. Jim is right doing it his way you get to keep the full length of the mid and tip. Sorry for the confusion.

Thanks a million. Last question: Should I turn down the butt section to receive the cork rings or bore a dowel to receive the ferrule? Best, Chris

Chris,
Your choce. I build my grip on a 3/8" mandrel and turn down the butt section to receive it.