November 2008

I don't know Andy personally, yet, but we got to know each other when he contacted me through this website. I hope to be meeting him soon, perhaps already at one of our gathering.

Andy told me that he started making bamboo fly rods a few years back, for friends. Three months ago, he decided to give it a go as a business and so here he is, beautiful rods, rod components and beautiful accessories, the latter from a local british craftman, too.

What I notice and liked from Andy, is the fact that as new bamboo rodmaker he has new idea. And so one idea is also to "...to modernise bamboo rods not only for fly fishing but also for course fishing, because i think bamboo is an amazing material...". Do you see it? Once you start making bamboo rods, then the only limit is your imagination.

Andy also tells me that "the most popular rod I make is a 6' 6"   4 weight for small rivers and streams, but I also make longer rods and heavier weights, and the action is usualy medium to fast."

And he adds: "Most people I meet at the shows have been surprised at the feel and lightness of modern bamboo rods, and most would like to own one, alas they are not cheap". Yes, they are not cheap, but so are many quality products which last a lifetime, I would comment. Besides, we cannot overlook the value for collectors. There are for instance hand-made knives or glass paperweights (and even teddy bears! no kidding) which are much more expensive than a bamboo fly rod.

And to describe why bamboo rods are so special I would quote what he says: "There is so much information and thousands of tapers out there that even if you think you made a complete new taper I am sure it has been used before somewhere in time, as you know you can make two identical rods and they will feel different due to character of bamboo, every now and then you get a truly great rod that feels perfect in everyway even if it is the same taper as previous rods you made..."

So much insight! And so true!

And how did you start, Andy? " I have developed my skills by trial and error with some very good advice from Barry Grantham who also made my planing forms and binder, and also from the Chapman brothers who between them have over 80yrs of experience they still make tradditonal style english rods."

Finally, Andy notices that bamboo is making a comeback: " I think people like the idea that it is handmade to their requirement and made to fit themselves ie: handle lengh, diameter of handle, colour of silk etc.."

Thank you Andy, hope to meet you soon!

Andres Chesman Website:

http://www.andrewvictor.com/

From makers of bamboo fly rods Andrew Chessman to the main cane makers list