Rod Range

 

Monaro Series Rods

Monaro Series Rods represent the finest handcrafting techniques and highest quality components in bamboo rodmaking. Each Monaro Series rod is constructed out of strips split from a single culm of bamboo. Rods come with two tip sections, which are mirror matched. The second tip is differentiated with an additional fine tipping wrap. The nodes are staggered in a traditional 3x3 pattern.

The bamboo is flamed to a dark golden honey colour, with contrasting light nodes, and finished with a traditional gloss varnish. Each rod is individually signed and serial numbered. The rod can also be optionally signed with the owner's name. A narrow signature wrap is located 12" (13" on larger rods) above the butt as a quick guide for catch and release.

Hardware consists of nickel silver ferrules from Classic Sporting Enterprises and reel seat components with hand finished hardwood reel seat spacers. Ferrules are overbound with silk matching the cane colour, and protected by a split cane and cork ferrule plug. The grip is a tapered cigar, with a slight recess to accomodate the heel of the hand (though other shapes can be fitted on request. Rods up to 7'6" are fitted with a downlocking cap and ring reel seat from CSE. Rods above 7'6" have a threaded uplocking reel seat. The stripping guide is a choice of Agate or Titanium Carbide. Snake guides are from Snake Brand (available in black, chrome, or bronze) are wrapped with fine Japanese silk. Standard silk colour is Goldenrod, which complements the flamed cane. Other colours are available on request - some examples are shown here. Rods are supplied in a Garrison style cotton rod bag (made by my mum!), and aluminium rod tube.

Snowy Series Rods and Blanks

The Snowy Series is offered as an economical introduction to owning a bamboo rod. Rods are as for the Monaro Series, except:
- Rods are supplied with one tip section (no spare)
- Strips may originate from different culms of bamboo
- Reelseat hardware is Anodized Aluminium
- The rod finish is hand rubbed oil rather than full varnish
- Stripping guide is Titanium Carbide (Agate available for $50 extra)
- Snake guides (black or chrome) are from Pacific Bay

Snowy series rods are also available as ferruled blanks, for those wanting to complete their own rod. All the components required to finished the rod can also be purchased separately. Snowy blanks are supplied without a bag or tube.

Arundinaria Series - 1 piece rods*

These one piece rods consist of six strips of uninterrupted cane, with no ferrules to add weight or flat spots into the action of the rod. A selection of tapers is offered, in lengths between 5' and 6'3". Contact us for more info on options. The rods are constructed to the same standard as the Snowy Series. Arundinaria Series rods are supplied in a PVC tube, and as for the Snowy Series, can be purchased as blanks.

* The name Arundinaria comes from Arundinaria amabilis, the scientific name for Tonkin Cane, which bamboo rods are made from. Arundinaria amabilis translates to "The Lovely Bamboo".

Monaro and Snowy series Tapers

A large range of tapers is offered. A variety is suggested here as a guide, but rod lengths between 5'3" and 9'6", and line weights from 1 to 8 are available. Contact us to discuss options based on your fishing style and local or preferred waters.

6'8" #3
This is a classic F.E. Thomas taper, with very fine tips and a swelled butt. A lovely rod for small streams and small fish. Dry fly action for presentation casting up to 30-40 feet.

8'0" #3
A silky 3 weight with fine tips for those wanting a longer rod. The generously swelled butt moves most of the rod action into the top half, meaning that the rod retains a progressive feel uncommon in a rod of this length. Dry fly action for presentation casting up to 40-50 feet.

6'3" #4/5 "Midge"
A medium-fast action dry fly rod. A very versatile stream rod for presentations to 50 feet. Brilliant in tight, bushy streams, and a very portable pack rod in a 3 piece.

6'6" #3/4/5 (New)
With a light tip, progressive mid, and smooth butt section, this rod loads sweetly in close, but is also deceptive in it's ability to throw a long line. I have been doing a lot of fishing with one of these (in three piece configuration) over the last season. Designed for small streams and dry fly presentation to 40 feet, it can cast a full fly line when asked of it.

6'6" #4/5/6 "Monaro 45" (also available in 6'9")
A very fast dry fly action 4/5 weight, which can also handle a DT 6 weight. Suited to sight casting for cruising fish to distances of 60 feet and beyond. Don't let the size fool you. This rod is built for big Monaro trout, and has loads of power in the butt, both for long distance presentations and playing fish.

7'0" #4/5 "Fast Action"
A crisp dry fly action, with fine tips and a very mild swell in the butt. A very nice rod for streams, or small stillwaters, with presentations up to 40-50 feet.

7'0" #4/5 Payne 98
A classic taper from one of the masters of American rodmaking. A smooth dry fly action, with fine tips and a gentle swell in the butt. Presentation casting up to 40-50 feet.

7'3" #4/5 (also available in 7'0")
This is a medium taper, modified from the Paul Young "Driggs River Special". A very sweet rod, able to cast a short line with accuracy and delicacy, while still having the power to cover fish at distances of 40-50 feet. A nice taper for dry fly fishing, but with a supple action also suited for nymphing or fishing small wets.

7'3" #5/6 "Monaro 56" (New)
This is a fast action, powerful rod, capable of casting a #5 or #6 in medium to large streams and in wind, for presentation up to and beyond 80 feet. It has a powerful swell in the butt, and can pick up a long line from the water, but still maintains feel for shorter presentations.

7'6" #5 Payne "101"
A classic Payne taper, with a tip which will deliver long, fine tippets accurately, and a swelled butt, giving the rod a smooth powerful presentation at distances over 50-60 feet when required. Suited to dry and wet fly.

7'7" #5/6
A versitle taper for medium and larger waters, which will handle a 5 or 6 line. A very powerful rod, but smooth at the same time. Presentations to 80 feet and beyond.

8' #6 Gillum
A powerful rod, for fishing larger rivers, or lakes. This rod has a swelled butt which gives it authority for making presentations at distances up to a 80 feet or more.

8' #5/6 "Para 15" (New)
This is a very smooth casting rod from the American master Paul Young. At the opposite extreme to modern graphite, these rods have a reserve power deep in the butt. The full action rewards a relaxed, slower, casting stroke, but is still capable of tight loops and high line speed. The rod is supplied as standard with a light (dry) and heavy (wet) tip to cover a variety of fishing situations. Presentations to 80 feet and beyond.

8' #6/7 "Paul Young Boat Rod" (New)
A fast action, powerful rod, which will cast a full DT7 line, still with the bamboo qualities to allow short, accurate presentations. This is an ideal rod for larger rivers or lakes, with the backbone for pushing large flies into the wind. Presentations to 90 feet and beyond.