Bamboo Fly Rod Repair and Restoration

Repair and Restoration Services

One of the rewarding aspects of my profession is repairing and restoring fine bamboo rods. If you have an interest (or a need) be sure to contact me with any questions you may have and to set up an appointment. There is a $25 minimum price for any repairs.
As of October, 2023, I am accepting restoration and repair projects on a limited basis so that I can concentrate my time on crafting new rods. Please contact me if you are interested in my services.

Please note: Due to the backlog of orders for new rods, we are not accepting repair or restoration work at this time. Effective July 2024.

Repair

$75/hr
$25 minimum

We provide a full range of repairs, including re-wrapping guides, scarfing sections to replace broken pieces, revarnishing, repairing cork handles, and many more repairs. We have been repairing & restoring bamboo fly rods since the very beginning of our company in 1993. So with all this experience behind us, we can perform the highest levels of workmanship on your treasured bamboo rods.

Sometimes, the owner needs a rod repaired in order fish it. Others just want their rod fixed so that it looks nice for display. Our goal when repairing a rod is to make the repair blend in with the original to the extent that you can’t tell the difference. So, if this is the level of service you desire, please contact us to discuss.

Restoration

$75/hr

Our philosophy since 1993 has been to keep rods as original as possible. Often someone presents a rod to us and requests a total refinish. In most cases, a little polishing of the varnish and some repairs to the wraps is all that’s necessary. We make every effort to preserve a rod’s originality and character.

However, there are times when a rod needs total restoration, and we will be happy to restore it using vintage silk and duplicating the original appearance of your rod. This often requires making the varnish appear as the original rod’s. If you desire this level of professional service, please contact Fred to discuss your needs.

One of many Testimonials

"Hi Fred, The Halstead rod fishes again. It handles line great. It was casting great. For curiosity I pulled out my fly line to the backing and made a easy cast. 80 feet of line floated out through the guides. I fish a much shorter line than that but it was treat to see and feel a rod that handn't seen line or water in so long perform so well. Thanks again for you great work. Blaine

Examples of Work

Edwards Quadrate

Here is an Edwards Quadrate rod with a damaged handle. I replaced it with new cork and sanded it to the original shape without removing the reel seat.

Goodwin Granger Aristocrat

This is an 8 1/2’ Goodwin Granger Aristocrat.

W & M Granger

This W & M Granger needed a single cork ring replaced.

F. E. Thomas Browntone Special

Next is an 8’ F. E. Thomas Browntone Special that needed to be completely restored.

Thomas, Edwards, & Hawes “The Isaak Walton”

This next rod is a Thomas, Edwards, & Hawes “The Isaak Walton” dating to the 1890’s.

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8' Payne:

Many of you know, Payne rods are my favorites. I've worked on hundreds of them. Here is an example of an 8' 3-piece Model #200 Payne that came to me in bad shape... Note the red wraps, replacement guides, heavy red repair wraps, etc. By restoring it properly (and using the correct silks and guides), it now looks like an original Payne. And it's a fantastic 4-wt. rod !!!

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Broken Tenkara Rod

Recently, a gentleman from Oregon sent this new bamboo Tenkara rod to me that had been damaged when it was shipped to him by the maker. He thought it was fractured beyond repair, but as you can see, I was able to repair it- giving the butt section a reinforcing maroon silk over-wrap and the tip was repaired without the need for a clear over-wrap. The yellow translucent wrap you see on the tip was added by me to match the other wraps that are spaced 5" apart on the entire tip. Now this rod is ready to fish safely !

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"HUB" Rod

Vintage "HUB" Rod, which the owner attributed to Charles Wheeler. I was able to carefully remove the old varnish while preserving the original silk wraps. A few missing flip-ring guides were added with matching silk wraps. This is a visually gorgeous rod and it can be fished with confidence now.