 |
Fellow bamboo rodmaker, Callum Ross, from the NSW Southern Highlands, recently showed me his lovely Leather and Canvas Lanyard, from Joe Goertzen in Missoula, Montana. It looked so good I've ordered some in to offer here in Australia. More details and pricing is on the "Other Products" page.
I have added a "Customer Photos" section to the "Gallery" Page. If you have a photo you would like added, Contact Me. I'll also include a link to your business or website there too.
The Canberra Anglers Association is holding it's Annual "Learn to Flycast" days on 12/19/26 September on the lawns of Old Parliament House. It's an ideal chance for beginners to get started and meet some other keen anglers. More details are available here. It would also be a good introduction to attending the 2010 Fly Fishing Conclave.
Long time, highly respected Classic Bamboo dealer, and ex President of Thomas and Thomas, Len Codella, has penned an article on collecting fishing tackle as an investment. It was very humbling to see my name mentioned among the makers whose rods should be sought out. You can read the article on the Len Codella's Sporting Collectables website here.
Len has also previously reviewed my rods - you can read the review here.
Peter Hayes Melbourne Fly Fishing Conclave is coming up on 2-3 October at Cammeray Waters. The venue is an idyllic setting for the numerous classes and sessions being held, as well as offering great food, accomodation, and several lakes for fishing. The Conclave is a wonderful opportunity for anglers of all levels to improve their skills and meet other passionate anglers. I've been to every Conclave so far and I always have a fantastic time as well as learning from the other instructors and attendees. I will be there again in Melbourne with a range of rods to cast, from Classic American Tapers to rods developed for Australian conditions. I'll also well be giving a class on casting with bamboo. More details and booking information is available on Peter Hayes website or by clicking here.
Yes, it's happened again. Another Chinese rod Company has stolen rod pictures from my site and is using them to advertise their rods (see 19 March post below). I have asked them via email to remove the pictures from their site. I only mention it here to avoid any confusion for anyone seeing the pictures - I have nothing to do with these Chinese rods or blanks!
My "Bamboo" Column in Flyfisher magazine is now available to read online here under my "Why Bamboo" page.
Greg French needs no introduction to Austrlian fly Anglers. Through his comprehensive "Tasmanian Trout Waters", countless articles, and books like "Frog Call" and "Artificial", he has shared his knowledge and passion for trout, the outdoors, and life. His new book "Menagerie of False Truths" is an even broader excursion into life, family and relationships. It isn't a fishing book as such, though fly fishing, being such a big part of Greg's life, is central to the book in some ways. It is a compelling read that I recommend to anglers and non anglers alike. Menagerie has received rave reviews in the broader press including the Weekend Age and elsewhere. You can find it in bookstores or online form the publisher (Exisle) here.
You can also listen to Greg being interviewed by Richard Fidler on ABC radio here.
Nick Reygaert will be travelling around again soon with his Fly Fishing Film Tour. Continuing the successful "Source" theme, the main feature this year will be "The Source - New Zealand". Taransky Bamboo is sponsoring the tour again this year, and there will be door prizes including DeWitt Fly Boxes, Spudz Lens Cloths, Hayes Conclave DVDs and more. For more information and bookings, chek out the Gin-Clear Website.
When time permits my website will be going through an upgrade (content, presentation and migrating away from a frames site architecture). In the meantime I'm making some other updates. You'll see a "Home" button on the top right corner of most pages - mainly to get to the home page if a search engine has directed your browser to a sub-page rather than the full Taransky Bamboo website. Contact me if you have any problems, comments or suggestions regarding the Taransky Bamboo website.
I've added some FAQs and more rod information to the "Why Bamboo?" Page.
We are proud to help promote Trevor Hawkins art. Some new paintings have been just been added to the Online Gallery. You can get to it via our "Other Products" page or directly from here.
I've added some more tapers to the Rod Range Page:
7'6" #4 Leonard 39DH
7'6" #4 Paul Young "Perfectionist"
7'6" #6 Paul Young "Martha Marie"
7'9" #5 Paul Young "Para 14"
I have demo models of these tapers available for casting (below is a full list of demo rods available for a test cast)
5'6" 2 piece #000-1 weight Leonard Baby Catskill
6'6" 1 piece Quad based on Paul Young Smidgen
6'6" 3 piece Bush Creek #3/4/5
6'6" 3 piece Monaro 45 #4/5/6
7' 2 piece #3
7' 2 piece Garrison 201 #4
7' 2 piece Digger Degere #4/5
7' 2 piece Payne 97 #4
7' 2 piece Payne 98 #4/5
7' 2 piece Dickerson 7012 #4
7' 2 piece Gillum 7042 #4
7'3" 3 piece Monaro 56 #5/6
7'6" 2 piece #4 Leonard 39DH (NEW)
7'6" 2 piece #4 Paul Young "Perfectionist"(NEW)
7'6" 2 piece #5 Payne 101
7'6 2 piece" #6 Paul Young "Martha Marie"(NEW)
7'9" 2 piece #5 Paul Young "Para 14"(NEW)
7'8" 2 piece bamboo ferruled #7/8 (on my gallery as the "78 Special")
8' 2 piece Paul Young Para 15 (with ultralight tip for #5, Dry and Wet tips for #6)
8' 2 piece Paul Young Boat Rod #6/7
The Spring 2010 Issue of Fly Rod and Reel magazine has arrived here. Included in this issue is: Big Trout on new Streamer Patterns, Patterns from Middle Earth (NZ), Sight Casting Tips, Spey Nation, Family Fishing Special, Gierach on Artic Char and more. Cost is $10 plus postage. Check out the "Other Products" page for other and DVDs, magazines and accessories to ship together and save postage.
I have posted some new rod pictures on the "Gallery" page (under Rods). I've recently purchased a new Camera and Macro Lens so I will be displaying some more closeups of rods and components from now on.
Flyfisher #8 arrived today. I've only had a brief flick through but it looks like a fantastic issue. Along with all the feature articles and columns by Australia's leading fly anglers, my Bamboo column is on different stlyes of bamboo rod tapers, as well as some of the famous American makers of the Classic Bamboo era. Coming out twice a year, Flyfisher is edited by long time Australian fly fishing identities Philip Weigall and Trevor Hawkins, and published by AFN. You can find it in your local Newsagent or Tackle Store, but I really recommend subscribing to make sure you don't miss out. Check out the AFN website to subscribe (and pickup back issues of any editions that haven't already sold out):
As a heads up, my column in Issue #9 will be on "Casting with Cane".
I've just returned form Peter Hayes Flyfishing Conclave in Cressy. As usual, it was a fantastic time, with the opportunity to learn from poeple like Peter Hayes, Peter Morse, Muzz Wilson, Bintoro, Matthew Howell, Greg Jackson, Shaun Ash and a host of other leading anglers. This year Peter also had Paul Arden, one of the world's best casters, from the UK (and host of the fishing/casting website, Sexyloops) there as well. Two days with any one of these people (let alone all of them) can vastly improve your knowledge, skills, succes and enjoyment of flyfishing. Compared to the cost of any fly rod and reel combo, the cost of a Conclave is CHEAP! Do yourself a favour and get to one. More details on future Conclaves are available from Peter's Website:
www.peterhayesflyfishing.com
Someone emailed recently to let me know that a Chinese rodmaking company had use pictures of MY rods on their site to advertise THEIR rods/blanks. This is flattering in a backhanded kind of way, given that they could have chosen to steal photos of anyones rods! It also says what they think of their own work! I wouldn't mention it here at all, but I wouldn't want anyone seeing the pictures on both sites mistakenly thinking that I have any thing to do with these Chinese blanks or rods. I have sent them a polite email requesting that they stop using these pictures, but to date they are still there. UPDATE - 30 Mar - The pictures have been removed and replaced with their own. Maybe there is a chance for world peace...
I recenty got hold of a Japanese Tenkara rod from Japan Flyfisher field editor Tomonori Higashi. No, it's not bamboo, but I was curious to try this ancient Japanese fly fishing method. Tenkara is the unltimate in simplicity, involving a long (11 - 14 foot) telescopic graphite rod, no reel, and a fixed line attached directly to the rod tip. I've fished with it in small Snowy Mountain streams, and it will be at Peter Hayes Conclave at Cressy in April.
Leading guide, Paul Bourne, of Snowy Monaro Flyfishing has posted his January 2010 Fly Fishing Report. Check out Paul's website for more information.
We are proud to off the DVD of the acclaimed film "The Lost World of Mr Hardy" for sale. Check out our "Other Products" page for more information.
SPECIAL OFFER - Order both "Trout Grass" and "The Lost World of Mr Hardy" for $75 and receive a FREE SPUDZ Lenz Cloth and FREE POSTAGE - that's a saving of $20!!!!
I've added Paul Bourne's Custom Flies to the "Other Products" page. Flies are the ideal present for the fly fisher who has everything! Here are some Christmas offers for Paul's Flies:
Snowy Monaro Dry Fly Selection in Dewitt Box (other boxes available - contact us for pricing):
32 dry flies (4 each of Red Tag, Black Spinner, Royal Wulff, Adams, Parachue Dun, Elk Hair Caddis, Red Spinner and PB Hopper)
- in 8 Compartment Clear Dewitt Box $125 (save $14 off combined fly/box price)
- in 8 Compartment Felt Lined Clear Dewitt Box $130 (save $14 off combined fly/box price)
18 dry flies (3 each of Red Tag, Royal Wulff, Adams, Elk Hair Caddis, Red Spinner and PB Hopper)
- in 6 Compartment Clear Dewitt Box $80 (save $10 off combined fly/box price)
- in 8 Compartment Felt Lined Clear Dewitt Box $85 (save $10 off combined fly/box price)
I have posted some new rod pictures on the "Gallery" page (under Rods) including a rod for long time guide and mate Paul Bourne, of Snowy Monaro Flyfishing. I've also put some recent "Field Testing" pics on the Gallery from early season 09/10 trips with Paul and others.
I have a Green River bamboo rod available for immediate sale. This rod was traded in for an order of one of my rods. Green River Rods are hand made by renowned American rodmaker Robert Gorman, who has featured in Ed Engle's book "Splitting Cane", as well as "The Drake" magazine and other publications.
The rod for sale is a 7' 2/2 #4 Mettowee series. This is an impregnated finish rod, with green/black wraps, delicate 5" grip, upsliding Bellinger Reelseat with burl spacer, CSE truncated ferrules, along with bag and tube. The rod has been very lightly fished a couple of times and is in virtually as-new condition. The action is similar in style to a Payne 98, with a light tip/dry fly action and a large swelled butt. Click HERE for a picture.
The tube (brushed aluinium with brass cap) has some minor cosmetic scuff/scratch marks. New, the Mettowee series are $1450 US (and at the time of purchase had an 18 month wait). This rod is available for $1250 Au (including courier delivery within Australia).
We offer a range of products ideal for Christmas gifts or other occasions. If you aren't a flyfisher but your partner is, ask us for gift ideas. There are lots of ideas on our "Other Products" page. To make things easy here are a few Xmas packages (you can always buy one for yourself and save money - you deserve it)!:
$50 Gift Package: ($57 value) including free postage within Australia!
Lost World of Mr Hardy DVD +
Brown Trout Spudz Lens/Sunglass Cleaner
$100 Gift Package: ($117 value) including free postage within Australia!
Lost World of Mr Hardy DVD +
DeWitt 6 Compartment Clear Fly Box +
3 x 50m Spools of Stroft GTM Tippet material (4X, 5.5X, 7X)
$200 Gift Package: ($234 value) including free postage within Australia!
Lost World of Mr Hardy DVD +
Hustle and Fish DVD +
DeWitt 6 Compartment Clear Fly Box +
DeWitt 8 Compartment Clear Fly Box +
5 x 50m Spools Stroft GTM Tippet material (3X, 4X, 5X, 6X, 7X) +
1 x Brook Trout Spudz Lens/Sunglass Cleaner +
1 x Brown Trout Spudz Lens/Sunglass Cleaner
or, ask us about Gift Vouchers - available for any amount of your choice...
We are proud to off the DVD of the acclaimed film "The Lost World of Mr Hardy" for sale. Check out our "Other Products" page for more information.
With the strong Australian Dollar we have reduced our Peerless Reel and Filson Vest/Pack pricing! I've also added info on guiding/gift certificates for Paul Bourne's "Snowy Monaro Flyfising Service". For these and other great Christmas ideas, check out our "Other Products" page.
We are proud to be able to offer and promote noted Artist Trevor Hawkins artwork. Click Here or check out our "Other Products" page for more information.
I went out for some "field tesing" with good friend and leading guide, Paul Bourne, of Snowy Monaro Flyfishing yesterday. Late snow and recent rains mean it's going to be a bumper Season in the mountains. Check out Paul's website for his latest (October 09) fishing report.
We've added a new "Brown Trout over Weed" SPUDZ to go with the custom Brook Trout Pattern (Exclusive to Peter Hayes Flyfishing and Taransky Bamboo)! These compact lens cloths are ideal for any vest or camera bag (or both, plus 1 in the car)! There is a special offer for multiple SPUDZ ($12 for 1, $20 for 2, or $100 for a dozen - they make great gifts).
Check out the "Other Products" page for more info.
I've added an economical Line Winder to the "Other Products" page (under Silk Fly Lines). A line winder makes care and maintenance of silk lines much simpler. It's also very useful for helping store modern plastic lines.
I have posted some new rod pictures on the "Gallery" page (under Rods) and a new Banksia Nut handled net (under Misc)
I have listed a full collection (all 57 issues to date) of Flylife magazine on Ebay (Australia). Starting bid (no reserve) is $0.99. Because of the weight (nearly 40kg), postage is $80 within Australia, though free local pickup is offered from Queanbeyan. Quite a few of the issues are out of print and very hard to find. Pass the word on to anyone that is interested...
www.ebay.com.au - item # 180407716599
Long time friend and leading Snowy/Monaro guide Paul Bourne has posted his Season's Prospects report on his website (under "Fishing Report"):
www.snowymonaroflyfishing.com.au
Anyone wanting to get the best out of their trip or learn fly fishing should contact Paul - he will show you a great time.
The current issue of Fly Rod and Reel has arrived from the USA. This has been hard to find in Newsagents for a while so I've been ordering in a number of copies. Drop me a line if you want one - the price is $12 including postage. In this Issue:
- Gierach Hunts Colorado Trout
- Throwing Rodent Flies for Big Alaska Rainbows
- Epic Saltwater Action Hits Montauk in Autumn (Stripers, Blues and False Albacore)
- Trout Artwork
and more...
Current lead time for my rods is two years. My agent in the USA (and ex President of Thomas & Thomas and long time leading classic rod dealer), Len Codella, has a collectors grade rod of mine available for immediate sale. The rod is the 6' 2 piece/2tip "Tea Stick" #4, with full bamboo handle and hexagonal wooden case. This rod was made as a "one of a kind". Pictures are available on my "Gallery" page and full details on Len's website (under "Bamboo Inventory"):
http://www.codella.com/binventory.htm
Contact Len and take advantage while the Australian Dollar is strong...
I've just returned form Peter Hayes Flyfishing Coclave in Sydney. It was a fantastic time, with the opportunity to learn from poeple like Peter Hayes, Peter Morse, Muzz Wilson, Philip Weigall, Mick Hall, Bintoro, Matthew Howell, Simon Zarifeh, Greg Jackson and a host of other leading anglers. Two days with any one of these people (let alone all of them) can vastly improve your knowledge, skills, succes and enjoyment of flyfishing. For anyone who wasn't able to get to Sydney - the Melbourne Conclave is only a few weeks away - right in time to sharpen up and make the most of the 2009/10 trout season. Don't miss out! More details are at More details are available from Peter's Website:
www.peterhayesflyfishing.com
or in this PDF:
Melbourne
Hayesie had a lot to report from his recent trip to the USA for the FFF Conclave. He also had a bunch of great casting aids and flyfishing tools. Ask him about the Dave Whitlock splicing kit. It includes all the tools and instructions to make the Superglue leader connection join, flyline-shooting line splice (and about 20 other connections). Peter's website is always worth keeping an eye on for new ideas and products add it to your bookmarks/favourites!
www.peterhayesflyfishing.com
After reading Philip Weigall's articles and books over many years, it was great to meet him at the Conclave. His new book "Fishing Season"is a great read and should be in every Australian angler's library! More info is available on Philip's website:
http://philipweigall.com.au and the book can be found in tackle stores, or direct through the publisher, Exisle.
While at the Conclave I also had the chance to see Mick Hall's fabulous Mayfly photography - check out his site at
http://www.kossiedun.com.au
I'm adding these and other Conclave Instructor Links to my "Links" page... Check them out for a wealth of information.
I am selling a Canon EF-S 10-22mm f/3.5-4.5 USM lens, as I am upgrading to a full frame sensor and won't be able to a use it any more. It was purchased new from www.camerasdirect.com.au about 18 months ago. I'm going to list it on Ebay but am willing to part with it for $650. RRP is $1238 and I have seen them go 2nd hand on Ebay for $800+. It is a great wide angle lense for the 350/400/450/500d or 30/40/50d range of Canon DSLR cameras.
Ready for the New Season, we have a number of new products on offer.
SPUDZ Lens/glasses cleaner - Custom Brook Trout Pattern (Exclusive to Peter Hayes Flyfishing and Taransky Bamboo)!
These compact lens cloths are ideal for any vest or camera bag (or both, plus 1 in the car)!
Richard Wheatley Fly Boxes
The "Rolls Royce" of fly boxes. Available in selected models...
DeWitt Felt Lined Boxes
The same classic clear compartment box is now available with felt lining in the base
CC Filson Waist Pack
For the minimalist angler, this Waist Pack/Bum Bag is light and tough.
Check out the "Other Products" page for more info.
Peter Hayes, Australia's most acclaimed Flycasting Instructor, is holding a Flyfishing Conclave in Sydney and Melbourne this year. He has assembled the best tutors from around the country (and me) to instruct in all aspects of flyfishing. Don't miss out on this opportunity to improve your skills, experience some of the best loops you will ever see, and have a lot of fun too. More details are available from Peter's Website:
or in these PDFs:
With the improvement of the Australian Dollar compared to the US Dollar, I have reduced the Peerless Reel and Filson Vest pricing. Check out the "Other Products" and "Prices" page for more info.
I have two Classic Pezon Michelle rods for sale. These were owned previously by Sir Kenneth Steele, who fished with David Scholes and is featured in the book "The Enchanting Break O'Day". Here is a chance to own a piece of Australian Fly Fishing history. Both rods are in good, fishable condition, having had some minor restoration work performed as noted below.
Rod 1 - 8' 6" 2/1 Parabolic Supreme Competition (from lawn casting works nicely with a #7) in original bag, with no tube. $450 Au including shipping within Australia (aluminum tub can be provided for additional $60). ***SOLD*** (Rod 2 - below - still available as of 6 Feb 2010)
This is a powerful rod, with metal locking reelseat. Wraps are green. The tip has been rewrapped in a slightly differenct shade of green and revarnished with a lighter varnish than the butt section. The bamboo is sound and ferrules well fitting (with original ferrule plug). 2003 "Antique and Collectable FISHING RODS Identification and Value Guide" by D.B. Homel lists value at Good as $350 USD.
Pictures:
pezon-supreme-competition-1.jpg
pezon-supreme-competition-2.jpg
pezon-supreme-competition-3.jpg
pezon-supreme-competition-4.jpg
Rod 2 - 8' 6" 2/1 Parabolic Speciale Normale (from lawn casting works nicely with a #6) in original bag, with collectable (Turvilles) clear tube. I am keeping this one myself, but will part with it for $550 Au including shipping within Australia.
This is a smooth, powerful rod, with cork cap and ring reelseat. Wraps are deep red. Ferrule and some guide wraps have been redone. The bamboo is sound and ferrules well fitting (with original ferrule plug).
Pictures:
pezon-speciale-normale-1.jpg
pezon-speciale-normale-2.jpg
pezon-speciale-normale-3.jpg
pezon-speciale-normale-4.jpg
I've added some new collectors grade rod pictures (under Rods) to the Gallery.
This January we made another trip to New Zealand, combining a visit to Miri's family with some "field testing". Again, with Quarantine in our minds, we wet waded with "disposable" wading boots (Dunlop Volleys). We also travelled light with tackle, and fished mainly with the short rods I fish here in Australia. Both the Monaro 45 6'6" 3 piece (fished with a Terenzio #5) and Bush Creek 6'6" 3 piece with a Terenzio #4 were ideal sight fishing with dries to the Taranaki browns. The Filson Strap Vest that's become a personal favourite was also perfect with the right amount of storage and comfort for the conditions. Some pics of the trip are found on the Gallery page (under "Field Testing").
With the waiting list at around 2 years and cost of materials going up, I've updated pricing for my rods. Please check out the prices page for details.
I'm just back from Peter Hayes Aunnual Conclave on Brumbies Creek. This was the second full year and again it was a fantastic time. It was a chance to catch up with people like Haysie, Matthew Howell, Muzz Wilson, Peter Morse, Mike Stevens, Simon Zarifah and others, as well as meet a bunch of new fly anglers. I managed to squeeze in some fishing too, including being taken out (and outfished) by Don Urquhart on his boat, and spending an afternoon fishing with Peter's 9 year old son Lachlan. I hope I can fish as well as Lachie when I grow up! Peter is an amazing communicator and teacher. Anyone wanting to become a better caster and fisher, and enjoy their fishing more should try and get to one of Peter's Classes and/or next year's Conclave. Peter's site is at www.flyfishtasmania.com.au - keep an out out there for course dates.
Nick Reygaert is on the road again with the 4rd Annual Fly Fishing Film Festival. The Tour has become an annual hit and there are a number of exceptional flms again this year. Check out the Films being shown and dates at the Gin Clear website.
Though it's impossible to keep every taper in stock for people wanting to have a test cast, I try to have a good range of rods around to demonstrate different rod actions. Below is what is currently available. More tapers can be found on the "Rod Range" page.
5'6" 2 piece #000-1 weight Leonard Baby Catskill
6'6" 1 piece Quad based on Paul Young Smidgen
6'6" 3 piece Bush Creek #3/4/5
6'6" 3 piece Monaro 45 #4/5/6
7' 2 piece #3
7' 2 piece Garrison 201 #4
7' 2 piece Digger Degere #4/5
7' 2 piece Payne 97 #4
7' 2 piece Payne 98 #4/5
7' 2 piece Dickerson 7012 #4
7' 2 piece Gillum 7042 #4
7'3" 3 piece Monaro 56 #5/6
7'8" 2 piece bamboo ferruled #7/8 (on my gallery as the "78 Special")
8' 2 piece Paul Young Para 15 (with ultralight tip for #5, Dry and Wet tips for #6)
8' 2 piece Paul Young Boat Rod #6/7
For 2009 we are proud to offer several new products (check out the "Other Products" Page for more details.
Dewitt Boxes
We are pleased to offer classic, compartment style Dewitt boxes, the choice of many anglers since 1942.
Paul Bourne custom tied flies
We are proud to offer custom flies, hand tied by Paul Bourne, leading Snowy Monaro fly fishing guide (www.snowymonaroflyfishing.com.au). These are available in specific patterns, or a collection, presented in a Dewitt or Lowe fly box. Contact us for more details.
Keep an eye out here for some more high quality new products throughout 2009...
For 2009 we are proud to offer several new products (check out the "Other Products" Page for more details.
CC Filson clothing and accessories
We are proud to offer high quality products from this renowned American outfitter,
starting with the CC Filson Strap Vest. Other products will be added over time,
or contact us for your specific CC Filson requirements.
Rodmaking components
We've added a current price list for Bamboo, and other rodmaking materials/components
to help budding and existing rodmakers.
STROFT GTM Tippet Material
German STROFT GTM monofilament is considered by many to be the best tippet material
available.
Keep an eye out here for some more high quality new products throughout 2009...
Well, thanks to everyone that wrote, emailed, went to the rally, made phone calls, and particularly Steve Samuels from the Council of Freshwater Anglers (CFA) & Monaro Acclimaitisation Society (MAS), the Gaden Trout Hatchery looks like being saved. The entire hatchery budget will be provided directly from NSW Recreational Angling License Fees, which will give the hatchery a long term future. Gaden is located on the Thredbo River, so fish reared there are produced from wild fish running from Lake Jindabyne. The trout are ususally stocked at fry or fingerling stage, so the hatchery is effectivley producing wild, disease free fish stocks, not inbred multi-generation hatchery fish.
Next time you're around Jindabyne, visit the hatchery and see what a wonderful resource that it is. There are tours available, picnic grounds, and the section of the Thredbo adjacent holds many big fish. The river there is closed to fishing there of course! It makes you wonder how good all the rivers would be if it was catch and release everywhere!
Final details are still being resolved - keep an eye on the CFA website for
ongoing information:
http://www.freshwateranglers.com.au/
This is great news for the Snowy Monaro region. How the government could have even thought about closing the hatchery defies understanding, but it has at least been an opportunity for anglers to promote the importance of trout fishing and how much it means to us. I encourage everyone to join an angling group or body such as the MAS or other CFA affiliated club, and other groups such as the Australian Trout Foundation (ATF), as well as being prepared to write and lobby to protect and preserve our wonderful sport and sportfish.
The NSW Government has announced their intention to close the GADEN Trout Hatchery at Jindabyne. The hatchery produces 2 million trout a year for much of NSW. Most of the trout produced are from wild fish running from Lake Jindabyne. The trout fishery in the region generates over $70 Million per year for the region. The hatchery costs less than $1 Million to run. Help save YOUR fishery by doing AT LEAST ONE (preferably all) of these three things:
1. Voice your opposition to the closure, by sending an email to the NSW Premier, Minister for Primary Industry, and Local Monaro member, Steve Whan, and Opposition Leader, Barry O'Farrell:
| The Hon Nathan Rees (ALP) Premier of NSW Email: thepremier@www.nsw.gov.au |
The Hon Ian Macdonald (ALP) |
| The Hon Steve Whan (ALP) Member for Monaro Email: Monaro@parliament.nsw.gov.au |
Mr Barry O'Farrell (Liberals) Leader of the Opposition Email LOP@parliament.nsw.gov.au |
Here are the emails together to Copy and Paste into your email:
thepremier@www.nsw.gov.au;Monaro@parliament.nsw.gov.au;macdonald.office@macdonald.minister.nsw.gov.au;LOP@parliament.nsw.gov.au
A more comprehensive list of addressees and background information is available in this PDF
2. Download the attached PETITION (PDF Format - right click and "Save As)", get people to sign it, and return it to the FAX or Postal address on the petition. Pass the message on to every trout angler that you know!
3. Come to the Rally, at Gaden Hatchery, Jindabyne, this SUNDAY 16 November at 11AM.
DO IT RIGHT NOW!
A 7 foot four weight is a great starting point when looking at your first bamboo rod, and is a good choice for most small streams in Australia, so I've added a couple more taper options (the Payne 97 and Garrison 201). Check out more details on the Rod Range page.
I've updated pricing for my rods. Please check out the prices page for details.
There has been quite a lot of interest lately from people wanting to try bamboo rodmaking for themselves. I have recently imported enough bamboo through Andy Royer at the Bamboo Broker to offer some for sale to Australian Rodmakers. The price (for 50-60mm culms) is $60 per culm, or $450 for a bundle of 10 (plus shipping). I also have a good stock of ferrules, reelseats and other rodmaking components. These will be available on the web soon - in the meantime, contact me for pricing.
I've added some new collectors grade rod pictures (under Rods) to the Gallery. One is a saltwater prototype with bamboo ferrules, the other a rod for Master Casting Instructor Peter Hayes.
With the improvement of the Australian Dollar compared to the US Dollar, I have reduced the Peerless Reel pricing!!!. Check out the "Other Products" and "Prices" page for more info. Take an extra $100 off when ordering a Peerless Reel and Terenzio or Phoenix Silk Line with a Rod!!!
Talented local award winning artist (and mad trout fisherman) Haydn Jenkins, has a painting exhibition coming up. All are welcome at the opening (see you there)! Details are:
Trout Streams, Yowies, Mania
An Exhibition By Haydn Jenkins
Venue: National Parks Snowy Region Visitors Centre (Theatrette/Gallery), CNR Kosciuszko Rd and Thredbo Tce Jindabyne
Opening Day: Saturday 17 May 3-5pm. Exhinbition dates 17 May - 18 June, 0830 am - 5 pm, 7 days
Click here for Flyer1 or Flyer2
Nick Reygaert is on the road again with the 3rd Annual Fly Fishing Film Festival (encompassing New Zealand, South Africa, and Australia). The Canberra show was this week and was a lot of fun. Check out the remaining dates at the Gin Clear website.
I'm just back from Peter Hayes Conclave on Brumbies Creek (see below). It was an amazing time. I learnt a lot and met up with some fantastic people. I managed to pass my FFF CCI Casting Instructor certification too! There is a full writeup of the Conclave coming up in the New Zealand Trout Fisher (issue 111), and Tasmanian Fishing and Boating News. Keep an eye out for next year's as spaces will fill fast.
I've added some new collectors grade rod pictures (under Rods) to the Gallery. I've also made some landing nets, featuring burl handles and bamboo hoops (on the Gallery under "Misc").
Peter Hayes is holding the inaugural Australian Fly Fishing Conclave at his lodge on Brumbies Creek from 19-21 April. There will be many acccomplished fly fishers conducting classes there, including (Peter Hayes of course), Muzz Wilson and Peter Morse. I will be doing 2 x 1 day workshops on introducing people to Cane Rods and Rodmaking. Places at the Conclave are limited and are close to selling out, but you may be able to secure one of the few remainng places by contacting Peter Hayes on 03 6397 5073 or via email at hayes@flyfishtasmania.com.au. This will be an annual event - if you miss out this year, keep an eye out for next year's! More details on the classes are in this PDF.
Adam Shirley, from 666AM Canberra Radio, and ABC TV, presented a story on my rods for Stateline on Friday 15 Feb. A transcript of the interview is here
Richard Snashall's video on Fly Fishing in the Snowy Mountains, produced for the ABC, has been added to YouTube. Check it out here. He has some other interesting videos there too!
Miri and I have just returned from a visit toNew Zealand's North Island. Miri grew up in the Taranaki region, so we get back there from time to time. Though not a mecca for international, or even Kiwi anglers, the region has a large number of rivers and streams which contain trout (mainly wild browns), averaging 2 1/2 to 4lb, with larger fish also turning up. A few rivers and lakes are managed as rainbow fisheries as well.
The region is dominated by the lone peak of Mt Taranaki. At over 2500m, it is 300m heigher than Mt Kosciuszko, but only some 30km from the coast. In Winter it is possible to snow ski on the Mountain and surf in the ocean on the same day. Maori legend says that Mt Taranaki used to live with the other Moutains, Tongariro, Ruapehu and Ngauruhoe, in the middle of the North Island. After Taranaki fell in love with Pihanga, the wife of Tongariro, a battle ensued, after which Taranaki was exiled to the West Coast (hence the name - Taranaki translates to "Gliding Peak"). Legend has it that one day, Taranki will return. All I can say is that I don't want to be in the way if it happens! As all the streams run down from it, spectacular views of the mountain up the stream you are fishing are everpresent.
The ringplain surrounding the mountain contains around 40 major trout streams, plus countless smaller streams and tributaries. Dairy farms cover much of the ringplain, so the rivers flow through a mix of pastoral land and native scrub patches. The dairying does contribute to algal growth in the middle/lower reaches of some streams, which in general are bouldery freestones, but more and more, rivers are being fenced off to allow native vegetation regrowth.
Both dry fly and ny'mphing are successful, though Miri and I fished almost exclusively with a dry on our trip, only changing to a nymph for fish that we couldn't move to a dry. Most of the fishing on was sight based, with fish holding in pocket water and runs, or cruising in pools. On the whole the fish weren't super selective, though with low water conditions, smaller, sparser flies around #14 worked better than big bushy wulffs and humpys. More important was a drag free presention, and as usual, the first cast was usually your best chance.
Miri and I shared a rod (a three piece 7'3" #5/6 "Monaro56"), with a Terenzio Artificial Silk #5, which was an ideal combination for the medium sized rivers and streams in the region.
Didymo is yet to be found in the North Island, but to play it safe, we each bought a new pair of Dunlop Volley sneakers (poor mans aquastealth?) to wade with on our trip, and cleaned and treated them each day. We left them in NZ at the end of the trip to simplify the return through quarantine in Australia. Some of the algae covered rock were a bit like wading on ice, but once you were used to it, it wasn't too much of a problem.
I have an article in the latest New Zealand Troutfisher magazine, asking Kiwi's whether it's worth them bringing a rod when they visit Australia!
Andrew Lowe, Melbourne based furniture maker, is producing beautiful fly boxes made from Australian timbers. Check out the "Other Products" page for more information.
I have an article on close range presentations in issue 50 of Flylife magazine . Diagrams for the knotless superglue connection mentioned can be found off my "Why Bamboo" page, or straight from here.
A poem of mine, "The Trout from Snowy River" (a fishing tribute to Banjo Patterson's "Man from Snowy River"), has been published in the Fall issue of "The Drake" magazine from America.
I have put some pictures of recent field testing pictures on the "Gallery" page. Season 2007/2008 is looking to be one of the best in many years. The whole region is benefitting from good rain.
We are offering a new range of full cowhide rod tubes and reel cases from Benowe. Check out out our "Other Products" page for more info.
One of my rods is featured on the cover of the August/September issue of "The New Zealand Troutfisher". Inside there is a feature article by Nick Reygaert on a days fishing we did together up in the mountains. Nick runs the Fly Fishing Film Festival in Australia and New Zealand each year.
I have put some pictures of recent rods on the "Gallery" page.
We are proud to announce the release of a classic, simple Australian fly reel, by Terry Hayden. This reel came about through my discussions with Australia's leading reelmaker Terry Hayden. I wanted an Australian reel that I could use and sell with my rods. Out of this came "The Snowy River" Reel. Look at the "Other Products" and "Gallery" pages for more information.
"The Artists Shed" is holding "Artisans of Queanbeyan", an exhibition the work of ten local crafstpeople, from the 6th to the 29th of July. Craftwork will include glasswork, iron sculpture, furniture, woodturning, textiles (and bamboo rods of course)! Official opening is at 6:30 pm on Thursday the 5th of July.
The Artists Shed is a combined working artists studio and gallery/exhibition space, located at 14 Foster Street In Queanbeyan (Phone: 02 6297 0336). The gallery holds diverse exhibitions throughout the year, as well as offering commissioned works from the artists in residence, and art lessons in a variety of media. Their website is at:
Due to the improvement in the Australian Dollar/US Dollar exchange rate, we are pleased to announce a price reduction for Peerless Traditional Trout Reels. The price is now $695 Aus. More details on Peerless Reels are on the "Other Products" page.
There are some new rod pictures and field testing shots on the gallery.
We are proud to offer artificial braided lines from Terenzio Zandri in Italy. These lines cast and feel like natural silk, but have less need for maintenance. Check out our "Other Products" page for more information.
Miri and I have just come back from a few days with Peter Hayes at his place on Brumbys Creek. Peter invited over twenty of the highest skilled casters and fly fishers from around the country for an end of season get together. There was lots of casting, fly tying with Muzz Wilson, casting, drinking, casting, eating, casting, talking, casting and even a little fishing. Did I mention the casting? Seriously, it was amazing to see the diverse casting styles among the folk there. One thing all these fantastic casters had in common was smooth, tight loops, and long lines.
It was also great to see a selection of my cane rods getting a real workout from these guys. Though many of my rods are primarily designed for close quarters presentations and feel, these guys had no troubles throwing a long, arrow loops, even with the six and a half foot four weights. Interestingly, the rods at either end of the scale (the fast 6'6" Monaro 45, and the smooth, deep loading Driggs based 7' #4/5), had a fairly even share of popularity.
Peter is a wonderful caster and the premier casting teacher in Australia. I learnt a lot from him over the course of the few days we were there. A few hours with Peter will make every hour on the stream or lake more productive and enjoyable. Each winter, when the trout season in Tasmania is closed, Peter travels the country with his casting school. Check out his website or contact him for details of this year's courses. Peter's lodge on Brumbys Creek also offers access to a wide range of stream and stillwater fishing during the fishing season. We even had a large brown trout dodging all the lines on the casting pool!
It was also really nice to catch up with old friends, as well as making some new ones. It was really nice to meet Mike Stevens, from Stevens Publishing. Mike publishes Tasmanian Fishing and Boating News, as well as many fine new and reprinted fishing books.
Keep an eye out for some articles in the various flyfishnig publications that will be coming out of the casting weekend on Brumbys.
A new Australian book on flycasting by Peter Wilson has been out on the market for a couple of months now. The book is a wonderful perspective on casting, with an Australian context. There is historical information on bamboo rodmaking (including some lovely pages featuring Launceston rodmaker Peter McKean and also yours truly). Peter has been involved with fly fishing and fly casting since before he can remember, and has reperesented Australia in World and Commonwealth casting championships. There is also an interesting chapter on guiding and being guided.
The folks at Flylife magazine have added the reviews of my rods and the Peerless reels to their website:
TARANSKY BAMBOO RODSMiri and I have just returned from two and a half weeks in the South Island of New Zealand. The trip was based around me being one of the judges of the "fly-shorts" short film competition. "Fly-shorts" is part of the "RISE" 2nd Annual Fly Fishing Film Festival (currently touring NZ and Australia) organised by Nick Reygaert.
Check out the gallery page for some pictures.
Judging and Films
The judging went well and left some time for the equally important fishing of my own! Check out the winning entries on the gin-clear website:
I've had a sneak peek at a couple of the main film features, which are:
Trout Bum Diaries - New Zealand
Running Down the Man (Flyfishing for Roosterfish)
A Foam Odyssey (Stu Tripney's revolutionary approach to fly design)
Again, more details are on the gin-clear site. These films are fantasic. Get along to a screening near you. The DVDs for sale will have some additional fantastic footage.
Fiordland
A sweetener for making the trip for the judging was an adventure into Fiordland with Nick Reygaert and Brad Harris (from Flylife). Brad is a fantastic photographer - check out his own site at BH Photo. We were lucky enough to have reasonable weather (over 6 metres of rain falls here each year, and it's not uncommon to get stuck in there for days, or weeks if things go really bad). The scenery was great, as was the fishing, and it was really good to spend some time with Nick and Brad. Keep an eye out in Flylife for some fantastic pictures and articles from the trip. I donated the mandatory few mls of blood to the thirsty sandflies...
Southland and Otago
Miri and I spent the rest of our time in NZ fishing various waters in Southand and Otago. The weather took a bit of revenge after the mild start to the trip, but we still saw plenty of fish and had a really good time. If your time is limited, I cannot recommend enough the value of hiring a good guide with local knowledge. There is no substitute for knowing the local waters and conditions.
Stu Tripney - Bionic Flies and guiding on the Mataura
While stocking up on flies and tackle in Athol, on the Mataura, we met Stu Tripney (who's film "A Foam Odyssey" is in the Film Festival) at his "World Famous" fly shop. After a very kind invitation we ended up spending a couple of days with him, and had a lot of laughs and interesting discussions about fishing. It's really interesting - Stu's flies are at the leading edge of fly design with foam and other synthetics, while I work with natural materials to make bamboo rods, but we share a lot in common when it comes to the passion for flyfishing. Stu is a leading guide in the area, and if you want to catch fish, and learn a lot, look him up for guiding as well as his "Bionic Flies":
http://www.stusflyshop.com (Stu's and wife Mel's Flyshop)
http://www.bionicflies.com (Stu's radical foam flies)
http://www.borntofish.co.nz (Stu's guiding info)
NZ fish and bamboo rods
The South Island NZ was a good opportunity to do some serious field testing of bamboo rods on larger fish in bigger waters. I fish in Fiordland, and the small to medium sized streams, with my 6'6" "Monaro 45" (with a DT#4 or #5 dependingon the conditions), while on larger rivers, particularly when resorting to nymphing, I used an 8'0" Paul Young "Boat Rod" taper (with a DT#6). Miri fished with a 7'3" "Monaro 56".
Bamboo handled the large NZ fish really well. It is important however (and I think this goes for graphite as well), to avoid high sticking the fish. Keeping the rod at a moderate (45 degrees, or even lower), protects the rod, and also uses the most powerful part of the rod (the butt), to fight the fish. Look at any video of people playing tarpon and other saltwater fish, and you can see how this really works.
Didymo
While didymo (rock snot), is still affecting many South Island rivers, thankfully, it doesn't seem to be having the major impact feared on the aquatic insects or fish condition. It is crucial, however, to clean and wash all of your equipment (boots, waders, rods, lines, flies etc etc) with approved solutions after fishing ANY waters in the South Island. DON'T assume just because a river hasn't been listed as affected that you don't have to wash your gear. We bought a plastic tub with a lid from a hardware store when we first arrived, and used a commercial, concentrated solution called "Snot Off" to clean our gear each day. It's not difficult and just becomes part of the routine. A rag soaked in correctly diluted "Snot Off" wiped over the bamboo rods is fine on the finish of the rod. Just make sure that you dry your rod off before storing it in the tube.
Also, it was very pleasing to see that Customs/Quarantine in Australia re treated our gear on arrival back in Australia. They were nice enough to let me go into the treatment room and help out doing the treatment (I was sweating a little over handing over $5000 worth of bamboo rods).
Sandflies, DEET, and rod varnish
While in Fiordland, I used a commercial sandlfy repellant, containing a large amount of DEET (NN-diethyl-m-toluamide). When purchasing it in a tackle shop, the guy said to tackle up first, and then apply the repellant to the backs of your hand, and spread it from there, as it MELTS PLASTIC (such as reel handles etc). Well I did my best to do that, though I did wonder how bad it is for HUMANS if it melts plastic. Anyway, I managed to transfer some onto the butt section of my rod, when carrying it, just above the grip, and it did blister the varnish and peel it a little. It also melted all the plastic buttons on my casio waterproof watch to the point that it it has affected its operation! So be warned!! Iterestingly, the bites I got through the DEET treated area itched for two weeks, while bites I received on untreated areas didn't itch at all. Maybe a coincidence, maybe not...
ABC radio and digital TV will be airing the Summer series of "Alpine Stories" from Monday 19 Feb, following on from the highly successful Winter Series. Richard Snashall, of Spinning Reel Audio Visual has written, filmed, and produced the wide ranging pieces on teh Australian alpine region. One of the segments includes Paul Bourne, Miri Robinson and me flyfishing. Keep an ear out on ABC radio (666 AM) in the Canberra region, or follow the links from Richard's website to view the pieces on the web.
While I am kept very busy making new rods, I do repair and restoration work from time to time. I was really excited to help our recently with a Kosmic circa 1891-2. Some pictures of the project can be seen on the gallery.
There are some new rod pictures and field testing shots on the gallery.
I've updated pricing for my rods. Please check out the prices page for details.
I will be in Melbourne this weekend. Anyone that wants to have a cast of some rods, and chat about bamboo, come on by.
The rods I hope to have with me are:
6' #2/3 - 1 piece - Full Action - Small Stream
6'6" #4/5/6 Monaro45 - 3 piece - Fast Action - Stream/River/Lake Dry Fly
6'6" #3/4/5 - 3 piece - Medium Action - Small Stream
6'3" #4/5 "Midge" Medium Fast - Small Stream
7'3" #4/5 "Driggs River" Medium Action - Stream/River
8' #5/6 "Paul Young Para 15" - 2 piece - Parabolic Action Dry/Wet
fly (2 different tips) - River/Lake
8' #6/7 "Paul Young Boat Rod" - 2 piece - Medium Fast Action - River/Lake
** Please note that I currently have a 15-18 month waiting list for rod orders. **
I'll also have some Peerless Reels and Phoenix Silk Lines to have a look at and cast.
Peter Hayes has just been in town for a series of his acclaimed casting schools. He and his team from Fly Fish Tasmania are also the leading guides in Tasmania. I caught up with Peter outside of class to talk bamboo and cast a bunch of rods. I highly recommend any bamboo rod owners to take one of Peter's casting courses - he can help you get the most out of your bamboo rod (and any other rod, for that matter). Anyone that thinks bamboo is "yesterday's material" should ask Peter, or watch him cast a full flyline or four inch loops with a six and a half foot bamboo rod!
I also had the chance to have dinner with Peter and long time friend Paul Bourne, from Snowy Monaro Fly Fishing. It was great to talk bamboo and fishing with these leading guides who fish and appreciate bamboo, and have a wealth of fishing and guiding knowledge and experience between them.
I've added a sweet six and a half footer to the lineup - very versatile, and smooth casting. Check out more details on the Rod Range page.
I've added a couple of eight footers to the range of tapers offered - both Paul Young based tapers - the Para 15 #5/6 and the Boat Rod #6/7. Eight feet is really the upper limit of where I believe bamboo is at it's best. These two rods are very different in action, but superb in their own way. Check out more details on the Rod Range page.
Recently I had a opportunity to see The Troubum Diaries (volume 1. Patagonia) at the Flyfishing Film Festival, brought around Australia by Nick Reygaert. It's a wonderful, progressive piece of work - awesome footage, fish, music, and humour. The only thing it lacked was a bamboo rod (ha ha). You can get hold of a copy of the DVD via Nick's production company, Oceania Productions.
Paul Bourne, from Snowy Monaro Fly Fishing, the premier guide in the Snowy Monaro region now ofers the option of guided fishing with bamboo. Many people know Paul from from as far back as his days guiding from Sautelle Lodge at Green Lake. Paul has 25 years of fly fishing experience in the region, and 12 years (since 1994) as a dedicated full time guide.
Paul is the hardest core fisherman I know, and uses his days off from guiding doing guess what? FISHING! It has been the supremest compliment to me that Paul has chosen to use my rods for his own personal fishing. He now has expanded his guiding rod range to include bamboo. This enables customers to experience the ultimate guided trout fshing experience - with bamboo!
Contact Paul for more information:
email: pbourne@snowy.net.au
web: http://www.snowymonaroflyfishing.com.au
phone: (02) 6452 7650
mobile: 0415 779 316
Postal:
PO Box 112
Cooma NSW 2630
Australia
Well, I'm biting the bullet and doing some work on the website. I try to spend as much time as possible away from the computer, making rods and fishing, but the time has come for a bit of an upgrade. Not that I make any apologies if I don't have the best website in the world - my goal is to make the best rods, so I focus my time on that! Please do email me if you find any of the links or pages not loading correctly though...
We are very proud to be able to offer Peerless Fly Reels to the Australian market. These are among the finest, classic fly reels in the world. Check out our Other Products page for more details.
We have updated our pricing - check out the Prices page for more details.
Some sample tapers for the Arundinaria Series (1 piece rods) have been added to the Rod Range page.
Details and pricing for Phoenix Silk Lines are now on the Other Products and Prices pages.
I've have some wonderful brown mallee seats made up in cap and ring, by CSE, and uplocking threaded, by Bellinger. Looking at an offcut of a piece of brown mallee, I was struck by the colouration and how it reminded me of a Brook Trout, so I carved up a little figure (don't worry, I won't quit my day job). There's a picture on the gallery page (below the shot of the reelseats). That timber it SO HARD. In the end I had to use metalworking tools (hacksaw, files and a dremel) to work it. Little wonder it is such a fantasic reel seat material.
I am proud to announce that I am now offering Phoenix Silk Lines, in addition to J. P. Thebault Silk Lines. Call for more information.
Some more beautiful engraving work from Dick Chapman is featured on the gallery.
The Victorian Fly Fisher's Association held it's Annual Cane Day last weekend. There was a wonderful turnout of both rods and people. Miri took som snaps which you can see on the gallery.
Haydn Jenkins was kind enough to wite a very favourable review of my rods in the latest edition of Flylife magazine, the premier Australian fly fishing publication!
I've just started competing in the Brunn Shield and ACT Fly Fisher's casting competitions with bamboo, just for a bit of fun. I've just been using my 6'6" Monaro 3 piece 4/5 weight fishing rod. I managed a 29.68 metre (33 yard) cast in the single handed distance - not bad for a little rod!
The ACT Fly Fishers Inc (my local club) is hosting the 2005 Australian Fly Casting Championships in Canberra from 22-25 April. Check out more details at the official website. The club has held the event previously (2002) with great success. If you're in the area, come by and have a look. There will be raffles, food, and you'll have the chance to see Australia's best casters in action. I'll be around the place helping out if you want to look me up too.
I've built some one piece rods in a range of tapers (a photo is on the gallery), and still have a few in stock. Contact me for more details.
Peter Hayes, Australian Fly Casting Champion, and representative of the Australian team in the World Flyfishing Championships, is featured with a bamboo rod and 2 kilo brown on the front cover of the Dec 04 - Jan 05 issue. The rod was made my friend and fellow rodmaker, Peter McKean, from Launceston. Inside, Peter Hayes extols the virtues of "short" (7 foot) rods, and bamboo. It's great to see one of our country's best fly fishermen putting in a good word for bamboo rods. Tasmanian Fishing and Boating News is put out by Stevens Publishing.
I've added some nice new pictures from Haydn Jenkins to the Gallery.
We use Snake Brand agate stripping guides, as well as their lightweight snake guides. We have recently been included under their rodmaker profiles page, available from their home page.
Thanks Mike!
Join the Australian Trout Foundation when you order an N. A. Taransky Bamboo Rod and receive a $20 discount on your rod. That's TWICE the ATF joining fee!
Quite a few people have asked for more information regarding the leader connection and DT line splice I mention under "Tackle Tips". I've added diagrams of how these are put together (apologies for the artwork - you should see my handwriting)! I should mention that these ideas are not my own, but I have settled on them for my own use. There are links to the diagrams under the "Why Bamboo?" page, where I've also added some notes on Rod Care.
More tapers added under the "Rod Range" page. There are heaps more still available on request, or contact me to assist you in designing your own rod!
I have acquired a set of swelled butt planing forms from Jeff Wager in the USA, for constructing abrupt Thomas & Thomas or Heddon style swells.
Early in 2005 I will be producing a number of one piece rods, in a selection of tapers. Some of these are already taken, but a couple may be available for immediate purchase. Keep an eye out here for an announcement.
We are proud to offer beautiful handcrafted leather rod tubes, reel cases, fly wallets and other accessories made by Benowe Australia. Check our "Other Products" page for more info.
Due to demand, we are offering Silk Flylines from J P Thebault in France. Check our "Other Products" page for more info.
We have sourced some beautiful Australian Hardwood Burl timber for cap and ring reelseats (Brown Mallee Burl and Red Mallee Burl). Check our "Gallery" page for photos.
Welcome! After building rods through word of mouth references for several years, we have put together this website to make N. A. Taransky Bamboo Rods more widely available.
