Best Bamboo Fly Rods - Review & Buying Guide

Fly Fishing is very famous and a unique type of fishing, not unlike ice fishing. It can be enjoyed by anyone, no matter whether you are a beginner or an expert angler, though it does take some getting used to. When it comes to fly fishing, you must have a sturdy and firm fishing rod.

You must have high-quality fishing gear on a trip. There is no better thing than an eco-friendly, natural, and precise bamboo fly fishing rod. It is difficult to find a good-quality bamboo fly rod because they are being replaced with non-organic rods.

The strength and flexibility of a bamboo fly fish rod are unmatchable as compared to fiberglass and graphite rods. Bamboo fly fish rods are also known as split cane rods.

Environmental Friendly

Environmental friendliness has become a major global issue for the past decade. These bamboo fly rods are the best to prefer over graphite, fiberglass, or other non-organic rods. We all know that Bamboo is a natural fiber, anglers both amateur and professional, are now using the organic bamboo rods over others.

They are always describing the usefulness and goodness of all-natural rods. Bamboo fly fish rods allow you to feel the motion during casting. They have the most elegant presentation and are the most versatile rods available.

Weight

Bamboo rods are on the heavier side as a fly rod, which makes it perfect when you are searching for precision. For instance, a bamboo rod is very effective when you plan to catch fish with dry flies, nymphs on moderate-sized streams and lakes.

However, if you plan to fish all day, these bamboo rods become challenging to handle because of their weight. So, you might want to switch to a lighter rod.

The bamboo rods have the finest and most seamless appearances. It allows the angler to cast in slow-motion and in the most accurate way possible, which is not possible with a graphite rod. The feel of the bamboo rod is sensitive and smooth. It forces you to focus on your bait presentation and line casting.

Length

The most delicate bamboo fly fish rod come in different lengths. The length of these rods ranges from 6 to 12-feet. You will also come across the bamboo fly rod tapers. These are used to measure the length,
line weight, and flex of a bamboo fly fish rod.

The longer the rod, the more difficult they are to control. Make sure that the rods are not out of your handling capacity. The longer rods have more flex rate as compared to a short one. If you are a beginner, then you must buy a rod with a short length. It gives you more control over the rod. The premium quality bamboo fly rods are manufactured, focusing on everyone’s requirements and fishing situations.

Action

The action of a bamboo fly fish rod refers to the “bendiness” of a rod’s tip or end. It is determining how much time a rod will take returning to its original position. A bamboo fly rod is likely to have a moderate action that means 1/3 of the rod bends when a fish pulls the line.

It is not fast but moves with a controlled speed and enhances the rod’s stability. To check the rod’s action slightly press the rod’s tip onto the ground and check its action. The rod is supposed to bend a little when you apply the pressure and can observe its flexibility.

The fast action rod bends only on the top of the rod. A slow action rod means it can bend to the end.

Viability

It is most essential to focus on when buying a bamboo fly rod because most of it depends on your fishing conditions and locations. There are plenty of designs available, different lengths, rods styles, and actions. You should buy the one that suits your style and fulfills your requirements best.

Bamboo rods are efficient while fishing because they are lengthy, durable, and reliable. Some people would prefer a graphite or fiberglass rod for fishing; bamboo is still a great choice even if it is heavy. The extra weight of it has certain uses like providing an exceptional amount of balance and productive fishing.

Robustness / Durability

The natural bamboo is already a sturdy material, and it takes a lot of strength to break it. When the bamboo is finally processed and given the structure of a fishing rod, it becomes firmer and more robust.

It is very challenging to break it because of all the varnish coatings to make it damage proof. The bamboo rods are flexible enough that you can easily pull the fish out of the water, and you will not have to face broken gear. The strength in the bamboo rod comes with an addition of quality tackle. It will make sure that you catch the big fish species without breaking your rod.

The Best Bamboo Fly Rods – Our Top Picks

The Best All Around Bamboo Fly Rod

No products found.

Pros

Best casting experience

Easy to use
Perfect loop
Reliable

Premium quality
Durable
Available in different sizes

Finest cork grip
Two tip sections

Cons

Slightly on the heavier side

It takes more time to load than a graphite rod

Headwaters Bamboo designs the most classic and traditional bamboo fly fish rods. The exceptional design of this bamboo fly fish rod is evident from the finished product. You can take it with you on fish trips in any kind of water, river, lakes, and oceans.

You can use the rod in saltwater and not worry about it being ruined and damaged. The rod comes in a nicely packed form, inside a solid, sleek, and elegant tube. This solid tube cover protects your rod during transport and fish tour.

It provides ultimate protection against breakage, and when you are done fishing, you can just pack it back in the tube. The bamboo rod also comes with two tip sections that make sure you have efficient and productive fishing experience.

Moreover, the fishing precision of the Headwater Bamboo fly fish rod is what you can call, perfection. The existence of a straight spine and a furled leader helps boost the performance of the rod.

It has numerous useful features like the double locking nuts, agate stripping guide, and firm chrome snake guides, which are covered with corrosion-resistant material and prevent shocks. The grip of the rod is also substantial and anti-slip.

Amazon

The Best Affordable Bamboo Fly Rod

New Split Bamboo Fly Rod

Pros

Sturdy
Affordable

Two split sections
Exceptional medium action
Can bear the lure weight ranging 1/16 and 3/8 ounce

Fantastic customer satisfaction rate
Straight and aligned guides
The line can hold up to 2-6 pounds

Cons

It is on the heavier side because of bamboo

The New Split Bamboo Fly Fish Rod is manufactured by Zhu. It has an elegant and sleek finish to it. The design structure of this bamboo fly fish rod is the one you cannot get over. It is considered a premium yet very affordable bamboo fly fish rod in the field.

Anglers from around the world are seen using these bamboo fly fish rods when they want to switch towards a more eco-friendly side. The best thing about the New Split Bamboo rod is that it is safe for the environment, humans, and marine life.

It is made of organic composting material and gets dissolved without harming the environment. The rods that are made from Bamboo are heavy, but they have unimaginable strength. If you are planning to go on a rough fish trip, then the bamboo fly fish rod is the best rod to have with you on the trip.

The New Split Bamboo rod is shorter in length than the original Zhu Bamboo Rod. It has good looking silver ferrules that fit perfectly together. It has a lock mechanism that makes a slight pop lock sound when locked together.

Moreover, the product has reportedly never disappointed a consumer and has been a great deal in water. You can easily catch both saltwater and freshwater fish. It is built on the exact specifications and high standards to meet the needs of the consumer.

Amazon

The Best Quality Bamboo Fly Rod

Zhu New Bamboo Fly Rod

Pros

Sturdy
Durable

Two section tips
Split bamboo rod
Six-side design structure

Water-resistant
Easy to assemble
Lock mechanism

Accurate cast handling
Easy to maintain

Cons

None we could find

The Zhu New Bamboo Fly Fish Rod has a six-sided design structure. Unlike other rods, it has extra sturdy build and durability. The bamboo fly rod is covered with three layers of premium-quality varnish to make it water-resistant and prone to damage.

It is the Tonkin Cane, which has a dark finish product with highlights by silver ferrules. The elegant silk black tipping mask and red wingdings that gives the rod an attractive look like a bamboo fly rod.

Moreover, the rod is easy to use and assemble. You can take it on your fish trips in a lake, river, or ocean. The ferrules of the rod fit together by a lock mechanism, and they make a pop sound when locked together.

Another plus point of this rod is that it has no visible glue patches that can make it look ugly. It has a whole, seamless appearance as a rod. The cork grip has a unique western-style and is built to provide extra strengthening grip. The rod can bear long, and heavy lines cast and catch large fish.

Zhu New Bamboo rod is hollow from inside and comes in a PVC tube with a cleaning cloth for easy maintenance.

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Best Bamboo Fly Rods – Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

What is a bamboo fly rod?

A bamboo fly fish rod looks like a traditional fishing rod. The only difference is it is made out of bamboo. Bamboo is a naturally occurring fiber that has unmatchable strength and durability. These rods are more presentable and attractive as compared to other rods available.

What is the difference between a regular and bamboo fly rod?

There is no considerable difference between these rods. A regular fly fish rod is made of different materials, and bamboo rods are entirely made of bamboo. The most traditional rods that anglers are using most of the time are graphite rods.

Graphite is a sturdy and lightweight material. It has exceptional features. The rods that are made of other metals are more affordable.

Moreover, the bamboo rods are more substantial as compared to graphite or fiberglass fly fish rods. However, the extra weight of the bamboo rod allows you to last longer and catch more prominent fish species. Bamboo rods are everything that you need on a fish trip. It will not be a disappointment for you.

What else do I need for a successful fly fishing trip?

Obviously, you cannot go without a reel, line and a fly, which you can even tie yourself! Additionally, you should think about taking gloves, waders if you plan on going into the water and potentially a vest or sling pack, for easy access to your gear. Check out our fly fishing for beginners guide, to get started!

Why do you prefer a bamboo fly fish rod?

The main reason is that it is eco-friendly and safe to use. The robustness of the rod makes it prone to breakage and damage.

Happy Fly Fishing

Whether you are fly fishing for trout in Redding, or crappie – If you are buying the best bamboo fly fish rod, then you must invest in a sensible, affordable rod option. Bamboo rods have the major upside of being sturdy, but even if you break it, you will not lose a ton of money, unlike with other graphite, fiberglass, or metal rods.

The Bamboo rods reviewed above come in two sections and extra tips. Once you buy a Bamboo Fly Fish Rod, there is no coming back. You will probably collect more after buying for the first time, as they make for a seriously great experience.