I love to fool around with tapers for bamboo rods. I have done a lot of variations on 8 foot 3 and 4 weights based on an F.E. Thomas rod I restored about 15 years ago. This rod is the final variation, actually a minor variation on the original in which I mostly just revised the tip to a more convex ...

Hi Norm - I think it would work, but if you start doing this in long lengths you would have the problem of keeping the long strands under control and separate. If I were going to use this method, I would probably not use the doubled butt section, I would continue to make shorter lengths out of progr...

Hi Charlie - This is a different method. The sections are each composed of 3 strands. This is actually a tenkara line, not really a leader, therefore, it wants to be heavier and stiffer than a typical trout leader. The big difference in technique is that in this method the strands are twisted togeth...

A couple further points here. These lines are usually constructed of fluorocarbon because it is stiffer and more dense than mono, and cuts the wind better. If you prefer a softer line, mono is fine. You can easily extend the length of the line if you need more casting length by making an extra butt ...

A little while ago, I sent Ray a tenkara line to try out, figuring it would work well with the larger flies he is casting. I also sent him a PDF file with instructions on how to make such a line. Ray is now going to host the tutorial online, and will post the link here. The method of furling is a bi...

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v666/tsmithwick/midge_zpszl0h8neg.jpg Apologies for the truly bad photo. Something like this is what I use. It's a size 20 hook, one pheasant tail fiber selected for color, and furnace like hackle. I have long been convinced that on tiny flies, the fish primarily f...

1. Pheasant tail with copper rib and peacock thorax
2. Leisenring black gnat with crow quill body
3. Some form of Hare's Ear

Hi Ray - Here's a thought from far left field. (I hang out there a bit, in case you haven't noticed.) Weight the back of the fly to make sure it does drop vertically in the water. Then add some sort of a small "parachute" to the head that will slow the rate of decent a bit, and maybe get i...

Ray - I think there can be several reasons for a ferrule to get stuck, and leaving the rod jointed, especially when you are using it heavily only invites the problem. The first problem is what Jeff just said. If you expose the rod to a regimen of changing temperatures and atmospheric conditions, the...

To what John said, I would like to add a couple points, plus an additional technique for a really stuck rod. When putting a bamboo rod together, your hands should be close together to avoid bending the sections. When pulling the rod apart, it is better to keep your hands separated. The easy and safe...