Bamboo Rods and Where it All Started

In this episode, host Christian Bacasa interviews PJ Dufour, a bamboo rod builder and handcrafted net maker. PJ shares his journey in fly fishing, from being a fishing enthusiast to becoming a guide, fly tier, and eventually specializing in bamboo rods. He explains the historical significance of bamboo rods and the different types available. PJ also discusses the importance of finding the right rod for your casting style and the value of confidence flies and equipment. He shares insights into the construction and inspection process of bamboo rods. In this conversation, Paul (PJ) Dufour discusses the process of building bamboo rods. He explains the steps involved, including splitting and planing the bamboo, tempering the sugars, creating the taper, gluing the pieces together, and removing excess glue. PJ also shares his thoughts on using rod holders and emphasizes the importance of slowing down and enjoying the process of rigging and re-rigging your equipment.   Takeaways   Bamboo rods have a rich history in fly fishing and are considered heirloom pieces. Finding the right rod for your casting style is more important than the price or brand. Confidence flies and equipment play a significant role in an angler's success. Bamboo rods are constructed using hexagonal-shaped pieces of bamboo, which can be solid or hollowed out. The inspection process for bamboo rods involves analyzing the power fibers and other characteristics of the bamboo. Building bamboo rods involves multiple steps, including splitting and planing the bamboo, tempering the sugars, creating the taper, gluing the pieces together, and removing excess glue. The process requires attention to detail and a deep understanding of the materials being used. Using rod holders can be convenient for transporting rods, but it's important to be mindful of the potential damage caused by heat and vibration. Taking the time to re-rig and check your equipment before each fishing trip can help ensure a more enjoyable and successful experience on the water. Fly Fishing Insider Blog is taking off and I'm putting out tons of content weekly.  Join the Loyalty Club for updates and all kinds of discounts! www.ffipodcast.com The Fly Fisherman's Channel has become my favorite place lately. I work with them, so the podcast is on there now and without ads. What I like is that it is the most extensive collection of fly fishing-specific content on the web! Subscribe with my link and get 10% off your subscription by using code: FFIP10SPRING23 https://bit.ly/10PtsOffFlyFishermansChannel If you like the Fly Fisherman's Channel, it really helps cover the show's overhead. Anyone you share that link with can help. Thanks!!! A lot of you have been asking what I'm using these days. Specifically, I use products from these companies because they have been shown to last and be worth the money. They tend to last long and have good functionality. I'll try to add them to the podcasts from now on and keep the list up to date. Additionally, I'll be doing more reviews, but taking a look now is worthwhile. Grundéns Waders - https://bit.ly/grundénswaders  Simms Fishing - Packs, Boots, Accessories, Waders - https://bit.ly/simmsfishingmain Patagonia - Clothing, Shells, Packs - https://bit.ly/patagoniamainpage Gerber Gear - Fishing Tools, Nipper, Pliers - https://bit.ly/gerbergearfishing BD - Clothing, Jackets, Headlamps - https://bit.ly/bdmainpage Gryal 24 Oz Bottle - Water Purification - https://bit.ly/gryalwaterpurification