Bluegill - Big Bluegill

Do you love big bluegill?

I picked up an old split cane fly rod the other day. I know that it's not any of the valuable name brands, but through a little internet research I found out that it is respectable. It will never be worth much but it has a decent action and would be fun to Bluegill fish with.

 

I plan on stripping the old varnish. It seems to have been stored in a pretty hot place (attic, CONEX, or the like) and the finish has sagged and blemished. It will need new check winding and some new guides. If I can get it apart without damaging it, I will replace the cork as well. I am also going to cold blue the ferrules and reel seat.

 

I have built rods before, fiberglass and graphite, but never messed with cane. Anyone have any tips for restoring my first split Tonkin cane Bluegill rod?

Views: 208

Reply to This

Replies to This Discussion

Anyone have any advice?
Guess I won't cold blue the reel seat, it's alum. I hope the color of the cane comes out a little more blonde than it is right now. The finish is really dark. I think it has more to do with the bad varnish than the color of the blank though.

The rod blank has thread wraps about every eight inches. As I remove the finish, I will do my best to keep these intact. I could replace them, but I don't want the whole thing to come a part.

Gonna go back with red wraps with dark blue accents. That ought to look good with a medium blonde cane. Shold look pretty cool.

I will try and post pictures of my progress.

Keith
Im most interested in how you strip the finish. I have two old canies that I could re-purpose this way, no names that I can learn nothing about. Im following this one.
Keith, I don't have any advise but would like to see before and after pictures. Sound like a great project!!!!!!
Sure thing Greg!

I'm a little worried about screwing it up. It's not like it is a valuable antique or anything though. At least with a fiberglass or a graphite rod I could strip everything off and start over. I suppose I can still do that.

I figure it is a 6 or 7 weight based on heft and diameter. Won't be sure until I try casting it. I will post some pictures and up dates as I work on it.

Keith
http://globalflyfisher.com/staff/boyd/
Keith don't know if this will help you or not. Take a peek if it helps keep it if not delete it...

Well folks... I haven't done a thing on this project since I started it last year. I plan on getting back to it soon. I have collected a lot of information (some from places you guys have suggested) and plan on fishing this rod this year for Sunfish.

I will keep everyone updated.

 

Best Fishes,

Keith

We want PICTURES!!! Great project, good luck.

RSS

Latest Activity

John Sheehan commented on John Sheehan's photo
Thumbnail

Spoon Bass

"Thanks Jeff!"
6 hours ago
John Sheehan commented on John Sheehan's photo
Thumbnail

Rattle Trap Bass

"Yes, the front one at least! What do you suppose happened there ,Jeff?"
6 hours ago
Jeffrey D. Abney commented on John Sheehan's photo
Thumbnail

Rattle Trap Bass

"Another good bass…..his dorsal fin is almost gone completely….."
6 hours ago
Jeffrey D. Abney commented on John Sheehan's photo
Thumbnail

25"+Spoon Pick

"Big chain, very nice!"
6 hours ago
Jeffrey D. Abney commented on John Sheehan's photo
Thumbnail

Spoon Bass

"Nice bass John!"
6 hours ago
Jeffrey D. Abney commented on John Sheehan's photo
6 hours ago
John Sheehan added a discussion to the group Lure History
Thumbnail

Discontinued Lures

Some of my favorites I can't find anymore: Acme Fash King Flutter Spoon, Eppinger Flutter Chuck,…See More
yesterday
John Sheehan posted photos
yesterday
John Sheehan commented on John Sheehan's photo
Thumbnail

25"+Spoon Pick

"25+inch Pickerel was best of the 13 Fish caught today a day after the Worm Moon. Two Bass and the…"
yesterday
John Sheehan commented on dick tabbert's photo
Thumbnail

IMG_0186

"1/16th oz., good!"
yesterday
dick tabbert commented on dick tabbert's photo
Thumbnail

IMG_0186

"These are my last build. I added more colors."
yesterday
dick tabbert commented on dick tabbert's photo
Thumbnail

IMG_0186

"No Jon I went with the 1/16 oz jig heads so I could have a larger hook for crappies. It's a #4…"
yesterday
John Sheehan commented on dick tabbert's photo
Thumbnail

IMG_0186

"Colors are great !"
Monday
John Sheehan commented on dick tabbert's photo
Thumbnail

IMG_0186

"Thats a good Crappie size! Are they 32nd Oz Jigs?"
Monday
dick tabbert commented on dick tabbert's photo
Thumbnail

IMG_0186

"They are right at 2" long."
Monday
John Sheehan commented on dick tabbert's photo
Thumbnail

IMG_0186

"I Can see Crappie and Bass chomping on them, Dick!"
Sunday
dick tabbert commented on dick tabbert's photo
Thumbnail

IMG_0186

"I made these up for crappie in mind. They might be a little big for gills unless it a bigger gill."
Sunday
John Sheehan commented on dick tabbert's photo
Thumbnail

IMG_0186

"What Species you got in mind for these great Minnow ties , Dick?"
Sunday
dick tabbert posted photos
Sunday
John Sheehan commented on Sam k.'s group Trout Bums
""Trout Season opens April 6th 2024 in New Jersey. Waters are runnin' high for…"
Sunday

© 2024   Created by Bluegill.   Powered by

Badges  |  Report an Issue  |  Terms of Service