• Bamboo fly rods are ideal for use in small streams and rivers.Fly Fishing image by ne_fall_photos from Fotolia.com
  
  Homemade bamboo fly rods are a valuable asset on several levels. The process of making your own personal rod is rewarding in itself, particularly during that first catch on your homemade rod. Selling hand-crafted bamboo fly rods can also be lucrative. If you are a beginner, you might want to research fly fishing clubs and organizations in your area. Many offer rod building classes that provide a solid foundation in rod design. Building a bamboo fly rod requires many materials; here are a few of the most important tools.
  
  

Planing Forms

• Accurate tapering is essential for successful bamboo rod performance. Bamboo wood must be tapered at a precise rate in order for the rod to work. The tapered bamboo pieces are then glued together to create a blank, which is the base for the fishing rod. In order to taper the bamboo, rod makers use planing forms, which strip away excess cane from the bamboo. Planing forms resemble large blocks of steel with a triangular groove in the middle. The bamboo is run repeatedly across the groove to create an equilateral triangle, which is then combined with other cane strips (usually six) to create a circle or a blank.
  
  

Glue

• Quality glue is essential for making a strong, dependable blank. Boyd Rod Company online recommends using epoxy glue, which has a long drying period to allow for any necessary adjustments. Epoxy glue can also be used to attach the bamboo blank to the ferrule or rod handle. Use a toothbrush or other small brush to ensure precision and cleanliness during application. Once the glue has dried, sand off any excess that may have oozed out of the sides.
  
  

Heating Tools

• Once the blank has been glued, it is time to ensure that it is straight. In order to check for straightness, you need a heating tool. Heating the blank will make it pliable, which will allow you to manipulate it until it is straight. According to Wagner Rods online, some rod makers use a stove or alcohol lamp. You can also use a hot air gun. Do not overheat the blank, as this can cause the glue to disintegrate. The blank should be cool enough to handle without gloves.