Restoring an Old Cane Fly Rod...

[Keith Owen]

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?

[Keith Owen]

Anyone have any advice?

[Keith Owen]

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

[David, aka, "McScruff"]

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.

[Greg McWilliams]

Keith, I don't have any advise but would like to see before and after pictures. Sound like a great project!!!!!!

[Keith Owen]

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

[Greg McWilliams]

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...

[Keith Owen]

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

[Steve Crowder]

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