I was just given a bunch of Bamboo from a friend or a friend. Is there a way to determine if this bamboo is a quality suitable for building bamboo rods? I was told that the only suitable bamboo was Tonkin from China. I have no idea where this bamboo was cut, but I now have ALOT of it. These canes are approx. 8-10 ft. tall and approx 3"-4" in diameter, and approx 1/4" thick. There in excellant condition. I was told they came from New York where they were part of a visual display in Macy's.

Dwayne,

If the bamboo is not Tonkin cane, chances are good that it will not make a good bamboo fly rod. I live in Louisiana. Two hundred years ago, my entire county (parish) was one big cane break. There are still hundreds of acres of it growing wild. It looks like Tonkin, but will not make a decent rod. I know, I've tried. As soon as one heats the local cane, it starts oozing a sticky sap that doesn't go away.

A cursory look will not tell you if your cane is usable or not. The things that make Tonkin suitable are at the cellular level. It will take an expert to tell you. Harold Demarest in New Jersey, or Luis Marden, would be my recommendations.

Bamboo is the least expensive part of a bamboo rod. An average culm costs $20-$25. If I get two rods per culm, that's about $11-$12 per rod for bamboo. The cork grip will cost that much. Good ferrules will certainly cost more.

Getting started in making bamboo rods can be frightening because of the initial cash outlay. If you're looking for some tonkin cane, let me know where you are. I can probably point you towards a builder in your area who will sell you a culm or two to begin with at his costs.

Hope this helps,
Harry Boyd

Dear Dwayne: Russ Gooding @ Goldenwitch is another source for QUALITY cane. You dont want to buy a pig in a poke. This is what you are going to start with. Make it the best. A reputable supplier is like an ace in the hole. Demarest in NJ should be able to help you out, there is so much bad information out there. So let them know your plans and they can help you decide.