The Pros and Cons of Buying a Vintage Fishing Rod
There is a lot of emphasis today on “retro” merchandise and doing things “old school.” As a result, some anglers are wondering if they should buy an antique or vintage fishing rod. The answer is it depends on the type of fishing you do.
Advances in Technology
Advances in technology have touched many industries. In the world of fishing, these advances have provided improved materials for fishing rods. The introduction of carbon fiber (CF) composites revolutionized the fishing rod industry, producing lighter weight rods that are much more durable and have increased flexibility.
Prior to CF, the rods were made from fiberglass, which was an improvement over the previous materials. So, should you buy an old fiberglass rod? No. CF is so much better than fiberglass that purchasing an old fiberglass rod would be a waste of money. Plus, many of the old rods that are available are well-used and have sustained damage that would compromise the rod’s strength.
Buying Old School
If fiberglass rods aren’t worth the investment, what is? The answer is bamboo; the material fishing rods were made from way back when. Depending on the type of fishing you do, a bamboo rod, especially a split cane fishing rod could be a worthy buy.
According to many experienced anglers is a high-tech carbon fiber rod simply can not compete with an old split cane rod. The bamboo rod has more action, more flexibility and greater durability. These advantages are particularly noticeable when accurate and long casting is a priority.
Can I Fish with a Vintage Bamboo Rod?
It depends. Do you enjoy fly fishing in estuaries, rivers and streams? Is spinning in lakes, ponds and along the coastal shoreline your idea of the perfect fishing adventure? If so, you might do well with a good quality vintage bamboo rod.
Don’t buy, though, without doing a little checking. Examine all the sections of the bamboo rod. Pay attention to dents, splits, discoloration, water stains and anything else that just seems “off”. Don’t be concerned if some of the fittings aren’t in perfect condition. Loose ferrules and frayed whippings can be restored with only a modicum of money. A good, solid vintage rod at a good price could be a great addition to your fishing tackle.
Can I Collect Vintage Rods?
You certainly can. According to current trends, antique and vintage fishing rods are becoming more and more valuable. Collecting, however, has some strict prerequisites. First, the collectible rod must be in pristine condition. For collectibles, loose ferrules are a definite minus, so you’ll need to examine every part of the rod.
Second, many vintage rods were sold with extras and/or accessories. These extras must be with the rod to make it worth collecting. For example, some split cane rods had distinctive transfers or engravings. Others, like the Milwards split cane fishing rods, came with a custom cloth bag and an additional tip section. Vintage rods with these extras are definitely worth the investment.
