"William Claspy" wrote in message
...
On 3/6/06 12:39 PM, in article
alid, "Lazarus Cooke"
wrote:

One thing, though, to anyone starting out. I wouldn't advise using cane
any longer than 8'.

I can't quote it verbatim, but as I recall, Gierach in his book "Fishing
Bamboo" states nearly the opposite, that rods under 8' in length are
"specialty rods" and that he prefers those 8' and over. I don't believe
he
was stating this as advice to newcomers to bamboo per se, but I thought
I'd
bring it up since it is in such contrast to your statement.

Are you suggesting that a bamboo rod over 8' in length is more difficult
for
a novice to cast?

Bill


Bill, not sure if I should be the one answer this,but from what I've read,
and spoke with a few local experts on bamboo rods. When you get up in length
you also get up in the actual weight of the rod.
I was surprised to pick up a 7 1/2 4wt vs. a 8 1/2 6wt, there's a great
amount of weight difference. There is also a huge difference between the 7
1/2 4wt bamboo rod vs. a 9' 5wt carbon fiber rod.
Most of the experts I've talked with on cane rods told me the same, stay
under 8'. And most agreed 7.5- 7.9 4wt -5wt do cast the best.
It's on my mind and I'm very close to dishing out the bucks for a new
Winston 7 1/2 4wt 3pc with two tips since they're not being made anymore.
Welcome and open to suggestions.
-tom