January 2010

Hi Mike. When I read that you started bamboo rod making on your own in the 70s, I was even more intrigued for this interview. I consider those day as the very best moment for bamboo rod making because of the new glues  that were becoming available and because of the “bridge-moment” with the earlier tradition. But perhaps this is just my perception. Of course things must have been difficult to learn on your own. Did you experiment with glues, tempering, hardware for instance? How was your beginning? Could you give us an idea?

Yes, I am self taught and had to experiment quite a bit. Many early years of trial and error.  I threw away 8 or 9 rods before I made one that I was satisfied with.

Then, probably the most pressing question I have is about the bamboo itself. I read that you make your rods from the same bamboo culm. This is not so obvious. I have seen many rodmakers using a milling machine AND then taking random strips to assemble a rod. In your opinion, is there a difference when using strips from the same bamboo culm or just bamboo strips taken at random from a pile?

For the record, I hand plane from rough to final ~ no machines.  I choose a culm based on the rod I need to build; inspecting power fibers and node spacing.  If I were to mix splines from different culms, there is the possibility that there would be one spline either too soft or too stiff in the rod blank.  The density of the power fibers can vary drastically between culms.  Also, it is my theory not to mess with Nature; I build the sections in the same order that the cane grew ~ butt section from the bottom of the culm, mid from the middle, tips from the top ~ so that the rod flexes just as it did while growing.

One can't but notice that you have a very busy schedule and that there are even famous people buying rods from you. When did it all turn that way? Was there any major event or episode which helped you in your rod making business that you can share with us?

 No major event, although I did advertise in industry magazines in the early years.  The success seemed to stem from repeat customers and word of mouth. And then friends casting their friend's South Creek and then wanting one.

Which bamboo rod maker of the past are you closest/dearest to you?

I had no contact with any makers from the past.  But, I am very close to present day maker, John Bradford and consider him a dear friend.

 

What type of action do you prefer?

Slower, softer action.

Any funny mistake during you bamboo rod making process?

Everbody makes mistakes along the way and I can tell you ~ when you're trying to make a living building bamboo fly rods, there's nothing funny about any mistake you make!

Do you make your own hardware or buy it? From which company(ies)?

I buy my hardware from Classic Sporting Enterprises, REC, Snake Brand.  My sources already have all of the equipment required and a track record of quality, so I take advantage of their expertise in their field and do what I do best ~ build custom bamboo rods.  I make my own wood inserts for reel seats and cork grips.

Any suggestion you would like to give to any visitor visiting you or Colorado?

If you enjoy dry fly fishing, July, August, & September are the best months to fish anywhere in the State.

Which is the part of rodmaking that you like the most - the least?

I enjoy doing the final varnish finish.  Glueing is a pain since I glue and bind entirely by hand.

Thank you Mike!

Mike's website:

www.southcreekltd.com

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