R.F. Young Bamboo Fly Rod Company

06/02/2019

Obviously it's been many fishing seasons since I last posted something. Reasons I won't go into, however retirement is approaching soon and my wife and I will be moving to Denver in the fall of 2019. And finally after a long hiatus I will be setting up a new shop in a real shop space--not my basement anymore--and I will resume work making bamboo rods. In Colorado there will be many more resources to draw upon in the lifetime journey of learning this art form. And perhaps there can be more time on a regular basis to keep this site updated. There will certainly be many, many new rivers for testing and improving tapers.

05/27/2012

12/26/2011

Under development are several new rods. First off a 7'-9", 3pc, 6wt. was tested in Colorado last summer and performed very well in the wind and open waters of South Park. I will be building a 5wt. version soon. Next, about to be wrapped and varnished, is a 7'-3", 3pc, 4wt. which has lawn cast great. This one is fairly quick, with a delicate tip and reserve power. Later this winter a 6'-9" 3pc, 3wt. will be worked up in anticipation of spring mountain brookies. Pictures will be forthcoming as available.

09/04/2011

There have been questions about my landscape photos. All are from favorite fishing spots in Colorado; either Lake Fork of the Arkansas River in Leadville or Four Mile Creek in Fairplay. The altitude of both locations is +10,000ft., so the sun is intense and the air thin. Makes for nice blue skies. Colorado's 2 highest peaks are in the background in one of the shots of the Lake Fork in Leadville.

08/28/2011

It's been two weeks since returning from Colorado and the Cane Conclave. What a trip it was. The Conclave was well attended by both the well known and the unknown. A.K. Best, Ed Engle, Steve Jenkins, Homer Jennings, John Bradford, Mike Clark, and Joe Arguello among, perhaps, the better recognized names. And another 50-75 less recognizable enthusiasts, myself included. Manymany bamboo rods old and new, all good and a few outstanding.

08/05/2011

Sunday, August 7th is the Sixth Annual Colorado Cane Conclave in Lyons, Colorado. I will be attending for the first time. Many rod makers, collectors, and enthusiasts will be there, bringing a whole bevy of bamboo rods, old and new, for everyone to try out. And of course there will be good food, drink, and conversation. Who knows maybe something instructive, too. Upon returning in a couple weeks I will report further.

08/02/2011

07/31/2011

Chris was my first teacher. Class of '99. Shenandoah Rods are outstanding!!

Maker of custom split bamboo fly rods and presenter of rodmaking classes and rental cabin Blue Span Shenandoah with fantastic views for romantic get-a-way.

07/31/2011

I build nodeless bamboo trout rods. Each is a 3-piece rod in line weights from 3 to 6. Lengths from 6ft. to 8'-3". Ferrules and seat hardware come from CSE(known as Bailey Woods to many) in New England.

Currently production is small and slow, starting with a 12ft. culm of arundanaria amabilis from China. Guides are Snake Brand and silks are clear Pearsall's with color tipping.

07/31/2011

A friend, mentor and not a bad guy to hang out with! His rods are superb.