Meet James Jones - Bamboo Flyrod Maker

James Jones, a former architect turned bamboo fly rod maker based in Southern Tasmania. ​ He has been crafting and restoring split-bamboo fly rods, a skill he developed after being introduced to fly-fishing 30 years ago. ​ James will showcase his rods the upcoming SAFIRE - Festival
James also highlights the traditional yet evolving art of making bamboo fly rods. ​ Once overshadowed by modern materials like fiberglass and graphite, bamboo rods have seen a resurgence, benefiting from over 150 years of expertise and modern technology. ​ The process involves planing precise bamboo strips, or "splines," into tapered, hexagonal rod sections - which determine the rod's casting performance. ​ This meticulous craft blends tradition with modern advancements for superior results. ​
For more, visit James's Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/bambooflyrodmaker/.