I recently acquired a limited amount of early, Pre-Embargo bamboo, that was originally used by Rangeley, Maine, rod maker Ken Crocker. Not much is known about Mr. Crocker but his rods occasionally turn up on the used rod market and are coveted by fly fishers. According to a 1959 newspaper article, Ken was making rods from bamboo that was "25-40 years old"... That is the bamboo I now have and will be able to use to make custom fly rods. Some of the culms have been flamed by Mr. Crocker and others are still blonde. Due to the short length of these culms, (up to 40"), we will be limited to 3-piece rods. Let us know if you desire a special rod made from this Crocker bamboo with an historical Rangeley connection.
Fred Kretchman
An avid fly fisherman for over 50 years, and a craftsman of some of the finest split bamboo rods in the world for over 25 years. Working daily on the coast of Maine. Archives
March 2023
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F. D. Kretchman Rod Co.
46 Crockett Neck Rd. Kittery Point, ME 03905 Open: By Appointment only. |
fred@kretchmanflyrods.com
603-801-5745 |
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