Time travel through
rodmaking
Split cane rods and hand-tied flies were the gold standard in fly fishing for over 150 years. Elegant design, perfect craftsmanship, and high-quality raw materials were part of the recipe for success.
I am trying to show the development of split cane fishing rods from their beginnings, before 1850, to the present day.
1846
Samuel Phillippe
Pennsylvania, USA, 1801–1877
Musical instrument maker and gunsmith. Considered the founder of split cane rod making after building a rod from 4 bamboo splices in 1846 (3-piece, handle made of ash).
The first rod built entirely from 6 bamboo splices followed around 1860.
In the history of rod making, Samuel Phillippe is often cited as the father of split cane rods. However, this doesn't seem to be so clear-cut!
In his 1881 work "Origin of the Split Bamboo Rod", Dr. James A. Henshall, Cincinnati (USA), states unequivocally that in 1847 the violin maker and gunsmith Samuel Phillippe from Easton in Pennsylvania, USA, was the first to glue four bamboo splices together to form a complete rod blank.
However, no actual proof or rod exists to this day. Nevertheless, this theory persists in all books on the history of rod making.
In a more recent book (In Search of Samuel Phillippes Rod, 2013), author Thomas Kerr deals extensively with the background of this rather incomplete story - and Rod does not actually exist.
Here's a link to a discussion in the Classic Fly Rod Forum
1854
Orvis Rod Company
Vermont, USA, 1854 -
Charles F. Orvis founded his company in 1854. Chief rod builder Wes Jordan developed a groundbreaking impregnation process in 1950.
1856
H. Stork Fishing Tackle
Munich, Germany, 1856–(1880)
Stork, a fishing tackle retailer and manufacturer founded in 1856, is one of the most interesting fishing tackle manufacturers in Germany. Its trademark was the famous "Stork" logo.
1860
Pezon & Michel
Amboise, France, 1860–1999
Founded in 1860, the fishing tackle company officially adopted the name of its two owners, Pierre Pezon and Jean Michel (P&M), in 1913. With the active involvement of Charles Ritz (1891–1976), the famous Ritz Superparabolic PPP rod series was developed from the late 1930s onwards, making P&M one of the world's leading rod manufacturers.
for split ends from the post-war years.
With the advent of fiberglass and carbon fiber rods, the decline of Pezon&Michel began.
In 1999, Francois Hue took over the company. He is now working on developing a new distribution network.
Pezon&Michel is one of the oldest and most important fishing rod manufacturers in Europe. In collaboration with Charles Ritz, they have succeeded in continuously improving the quality and performance of their fly rods and adapting them to the needs of the
Anglers vote. Pezon&Michel has become synonymous with quality, innovation and performance in rod building.
1864
Thaddeus Norris
Philadelphia, USA, 1811–1877
Thaddeus Norris earns himself the reputation as the "father of American fly fishing" and
as a pioneer in the evolution of fly fishing and the development of the American
Split bamboo rod. His discussions on the making of fly rods from bamboo
He is likely in contact with Samuel Phillippe, who is credited as the first American manufacturer of rods made from split bamboo. In 1864, he published one of the seminal books in angling literature: "The American Anglers Book".
1865
Charles Frazee Murphy
Newark, NJ, USA, 1825–1887
Learn rod building as a friend of S. Phillippe and build the first known split cane rod.
Two-handed rods, which are being taken to Scotland by Dr. Andrew Clerk for salmon fishing.
The concept of the rod with four splices was also adopted by English and Scottish rod builders. Two years later, Murphy himself switched to producing hexagonal rods. Murphy's rods are among the finest rods built at that time!
1869
Thomas H. Chubb Rod Co.
Vermont, USA, 1869–1990
Captain Thomas H. Chubb's (1836–1910) company grew to become the largest rod factory in America. It was flooded in 1869, rebuilt, and burned down in 1875. Chubb bought out his partner's share and resumed production.
from Roden until another fire in 1891. After that, he sold the business to the Montague Rod Co., which continued the operation.
By 1920, the factory was selling 24,000 rods per year.
1869
Leonard Rod Company
Manchester, USA
Hiram Lewis Leonard (1831–1907) founded his rod-making company in 1869. He was the first to develop a machine for planing splices (1908). This made large production runs with consistent quality possible. From 1870 onwards, Leonard was one of the first companies to manufacture hexagonal rods.
Rods in large quantities.
1872
The House of Hardy
Alnwick, GB
Brothers William and John James Hardy founded their business, which established itself as one of the world's leading reel and rod manufacturers.
Hardy's extensive history and significance deserve a separate subpage (to follow at a later date!)
1875
Fred D. Divine Fishing Rods
Utica New York, USA, 1875–1950
Fred Divine (1856–1900) is listed as a "fishing rod maker" in the Utica City Directory of 1879. Fred's business remained a one-man operation until 1888, when Frank Wolcott joined him. Between 1888 and 1890, Fred's workforce grew to five employees, and he formally established his rod business as "Fred D. Divine and Co." The 1890s saw a boom in business. During this time, split cane rods made from Calcutta reed were introduced. Divine produced 6- and 8-sided rods and patented his unique spiral rod in 1892.
1875
Oskar + Fritz Ziegenspeck Fishing Tackle “German Fishing Tackle Manufactory” (DAM)
Berlin, Germany
Founded in Berlin in 1875 by brothers Oskar and Fritz Ziegenspeck, the business, which initially dealt in hardware, sporting goods, and fishing tackle, soon began its own production of fishing gear and, in 1902, under the name "Deutsche Angelgeräte Manufaktur" (DAM), embarked on its global success story. In 1909, the businessman Otto Kuntze joined the company, whose business connections already extended to England, France, America, Russia, and Japan. Fritz Ziegenspeck retired from the company due to age. As sole owner, Otto Kuntze, together with his son Hellmuth Kuntze, developed DAM into one of the most important fishing tackle manufacturers.
1875
NORIS Fishing Equipment GmbH
Nuremberg, Germany
Founded in 1875, Noris rose to become one of Germany's most respected fishing tackle manufacturers in the years leading up to World War II. From the 1920s onward, the company became particularly well-known for its high-quality fly fishing range. The production of split cane rods was a core part of their business. The exceptional quality of their split can certainly be compared to international standards.
1879
S. Allcock and Co. Ltd.
Redditch, GB
The company was founded around 1800 by the fishhook smith Polycarp Allcock.
A breakthrough was achieved in 1879: Allcock introduced the first six-spliced
Europe's premier split cane rod. The rod maker who achieved this remarkable feat was named Alfred Wilmore.
1880
Jakob Wieland and Heinrich Hildebrand
Munich, Germany, 1843–1956
Around 1850, an independent fishing tackle industry developed in Germany, in which the Munich fishing tackle factory "Heinrich Hildebrand" (founded in 1843), later
“H. Hildebrand’s successor Jakob Wieland” plays a central role. It built the first one in 1880.
(Commercial) split ends in Germany.
1881
FE Thomas Rod Co. and Thomas, Edwards & Haves Rod Co.
Central Valley, New York, USA
It is almost impossible to discuss the fly rods made by Thomas or Edwards without mentioning the other. At the beginning of their careers, both FE “Fred” Thomas and EW “Eustis” Edwards worked for the Leonard Rod Co. in Central Valley, New York, and were trained by Hiram Leonard.
Both left the company and joined forces with another rod maker from Leonard, Loman Hawes, to form the Thomas, Edwards & Hawes Rod Co., located not far away in Highland Mills.
After a few years, the two separated again, and Fred founded the FE Thomas Rod Company in 1900, while Eustis founded the EW Edward Rod Co. a few years later.
The Thomas Rod Company continued to operate until the 1950s, when the embargo against Chinese bamboo and the emerging fiberglass technology posed problems for the production of bamboo rods. In 1958, the company was sold to the legendary rod maker Clarence "Sam" Carlson.
1881
Edward of the Court
New York, USA, 1839–1920
The renowned reel manufacturer builds a series of its own rods, including 7- and 8-speed models.
Spliced rods. However, he also sells rods from other manufacturers under his own name.
1886
Montague Rod Co.
Montague City, Massachusetts, USA, 1882–1955
The Montague Rod Company will become the largest serial manufacturer of spliced rods after acquiring the Chubb Rod Company and merging the two operations in Montague City, Massachusetts.
Their rods were built for the average angler of that era and were affordable. They weren't particularly fancy or elegant, but they were durable, which is why many are still on the market today.
1893
Thomas, Edwards and Payne - Kosmic Rod
Central Valley New York, USA, 1893–1898
The rare and highly sought-after "Kosmic" rods are manufactured by the partnership of FE Thomas, Eustis Edwards, and Ed Payne in New York's Central Valley, founded in 1893.
“Kosmic” rods would not have been possible without the collaboration of the brilliant mechanical engineer Hiram Hawes, who manufactures the planing machine on which the splices are processed.
The partnership was dissolved in 1898. Despite their short production period, the "Kosmic" rods have become legendary.
1905
Horrocks Ibbotson Co.
Utica, New York, USA
Horrocks-Ibbotson has been one of the largest rod-making companies in America for many years.
Its history dates back to 1812, but it only begins in 1863 with the manufacture of fishing rods, when an English immigrant named James Horrocks was hired.
In 1905, the company built a new factory in Utica, New York, and in 1909 it became
Horrocks-Ibbotson Co. registered.
1909
EC Powell
Marysville, USA, 1920–
E.C. Powell (1909–1966) began manufacturing bamboo rods for sale in 1920. His particular contribution to rod making was his innovative taper calculations in rod design (A, B, and C tapers). In 1933, he received a patent for his
Revolutionary hollow rod construction (scalloping). Walton Powell, the son of EC, apprenticed in his father's rod workshop from early childhood until he left in 1947 to found his own company, the Walton Powell Co.
Tony Maslan married EC's daughter Mildred in 1941. However, he didn't enter the rod manufacturing business until 1953. A year later, he bought the rod business from EC Powell, who died in 1966.
1911
Heddon Fishing Tackle
Dowagiac, Michigan, USA, 1911-1956
Founded by James Heddon, the company was an innovative manufacturer of fishing tackle, including lures and bamboo rods. From its beginnings in 1911 until production ceased in 1956, the company produced some of the finest fly rods made from bamboo.
Bamboo at moderate prices.
1914
E.F. Payne Rod Company
Highland Mills, USA, 1898–19..
The EF Payne Rod Co. was founded in 1898 by Ed Payne in Highland Mills, NY.
Around 1904, his 10-year-old son Jim was hired as an apprentice. Just 10 years later, in 1914, Ed Payne passed away, leaving his son Jim a substantial legacy. Jim perfected the art of flame-treating bamboo, giving birth to the dark-colored rod, which became his legacy. In the 1930s, Jim engaged in extensive discussions with Charles Ritz about the advantages of parabolic rod actions. Consequently, starting in 1936, Payne introduced his distinctive Parabolic-
Series launched on the market.
Jim Payne (1894–1968) became famous for the high quality of his craftsmanship. He is considered one of the greatest rod builders and designers.
1917
Goodwin Granger Co.
Denver, Colorado, USA, 1926–
Goodwin C. Granger began building rods around 1917 and founded his company in 1926. After Goodwin's death in 1931, Bill Phillipson continued production. Following World War II, the company was acquired by the Wright & McGill Rod Co., which continued manufacturing Granger rods until the mid-1950s.
1920
Wright & McGill Co.
Denver, USA, 1920–
Wright & McGill has been active in the fishing tackle industry since the 1920s, but never manufactured rods. The Wright & McGill Rod Company was established in 1946 with the acquisition of
Goodwin Granger Co. was founded and hired a large number of former Granger employees as well as many new employees to meet the post-war demand for rods.
1920
South Bend Tackle Co.
South Bend, USA, 1909–
The company, renamed "South Bend Bait Co." by Jacob Kunz in 1909, dedicated itself to the production of spliced rods after the acquisition of the Cross Rod Co. For this purpose
Wesley D. Jordan moves to South Bend. The temporary arrangement lasts almost 15 years, and Wes develops methods and equipment that make rod making very
This should facilitate lower production costs. This will make South Bend competitive with Montague, Union Hardware, Horrocks-Ibbotson, and Wright & McGill. One such piece of equipment is a motorized press for splitting bamboo canes, intended for the mass production of rods. South Bend also manufactures a variety of rods for other companies.
1920
Cross Rod Co. (Wes Jordan)
Maine, USA, 1920–1927
Wesley D. Jordan deserves a place of honor in the history of innovative rod builders. In 1920, he and William Forsyth founded the Cross Rod Co. in Maine, named after Bill Cross, a friend of Forsyth's who bought shares in the new company and also entered the rod manufacturing business. Jordan designed a milling machine to produce rods more quickly.
and more cost-effective to produce. The Cross Rod Co. builds fly rods, tournament rods, and saltwater rods for trolling and surfcasting. Most of the larger rods are double-stranded models for increased power and strength.
In 1923, the Cross Rod Co. was sold to the South Bend Tackle Co. in South Bend, Indiana. As part of the agreement, Jordan moved to South Bend to set up the machinery, organize rod production, and train the employees.
1922
Everett Garrison
Yonkers, USA, 1893–1975
Garrison produced his first bamboo fly rods in 1922. He used scientific methods.
Principles (his stress analysis) to create his revolutionary taper designs.
He designs the tools for manually splitting and planing the bamboo, an adjustable planing shape, and a binding machine for gluing the splices together.
Everett Garrison's methods and designs have been used by generations of fly rod builders ever since. His rods fetch high prices among collectors.
1927
Harold Steele “Pinky” Gillum
Ridgefield, USA, 1896–1966
Together with his wife Winifred, he runs the "Gillum Fly Rod Company" from their own home. He is a pioneer in the method of tempering bamboo in an oven, instead of
to harden it with a direct flame.
He spent five years in Vermont, where he assisted Wes Jordan in training rod builders for the Orvis Company. Gillum was a contemporary of Jim Payne.
and Everett Garrison, and exchanges a lot of information about rod building with both men.
1929
RL Winston Rod Company
San Francisco, USA
Robert Winther and Lew Stoner founded the company and patented their special hollow fluting method in 1933. Tom Morgan bought the company in 1973, and in 1976 it was decided to relocate the business from San Francisco to Twin Bridges, Montana, to be closer to the world-class trout fishing on the Beaverhead, Big Hole, and Jefferson Rivers.
1930
Bonifaz Wieland
Munich, Germany
In the small rod workshop “Bonifaz Wieland” is the first and only officially certified “Split Rod Master” in Germany.
1930
George Halstead
Central Valley New York, USA, 1900–
In 1920, George Halstead began working at the H.L. Leonard Rod Co., where he machined reel seats and ferrules. From 1925 onward, he worked for Jim Payne and developed his famous up- and downlocking reel seat, which gave Payne rods their distinctive look. Halstead's quality in metalworking for ferrules and reel seats became the standard for all rod builders. In 1937, he moved to Danbury, Connecticut, where he established his own business.
Rod manufacturing begins.
1930
Lyle Dickerson
Detroit, USA, 1892–1981
Dickerson is one of the few rod builders of the time who manufactures all his own precision machines and also produces all the components for his rod building himself.
The first Dickerson rods from 1930 were still planed by hand until Lyle developed his unique milling machine.
1930
Benjamin Letcher Lambuth
Washington DC, USA, 1890–1974
In den 1930er Jahren beginnt Letcher Lambuth mit dem Bau innovativer spiralförmiger Bambusfliegenruten, die heute von Sammlern geschätzt werden. Er ist ein Angelgefährte des bekannten kanadischen Schriftstellers und Naturschützers Roderick Haig-Brown. Die Einleitung zu „The Angler‘s Workshop“ (1979), Lambuths veröffentlichten Memoiren über die Anfänge des Fliegenfischens im pazifischen Nordwesten und der Beschreibung der Technik spiralförmiger Bambusruten, schrieb Roderick Haig-Brown.
1931
EW Edwards & Sons Rod Co.
Brewer, Maine, USA
After Eustis Edwards' death in 1931, his sons, W.E. "Bill" and Eugene "Gene," continued rod manufacturing under the Bristol name. Bill founded the W.E. Edwards & Son Rod Co., where he developed his new square rod technology, which became famous as Edwards Squares. Gene also went into business for himself, founding the Eugene Edwards Rod Co., but he continued to make the traditional hexagonal bamboo rods. Both companies ceased operations in the 1950s and were acquired by Clarence "Sam" Carlson. Sam Carlson died in 2002. The Sam Carlson Rod Co. is now owned by his apprentice, Dana Gray.
1933
Nathanial Uslan
Spring Valley, New York, USA, 1896–1979
Nathaniel Uslan began manufacturing high-quality bamboo rods in 1942 and is considered a leading advocate of pentagonal bamboo rods. Shortly after World War II, he founded his business in Spring Valley, New York, and started producing pentagonal fly rods. In the 1950s, the political situation with China led to an embargo on Tonkin cane. Uslan was one of the first major rod companies affected by the bamboo shortage and was forced to close the business.
1941
Paul H. Young Rod Co.
Michigan, USA, 1890-1960
In the early 1920s, Paul Young opened a small shop in Detroit, Michigan, and from 1925 onwards he focused intensively on producing his own line of
Bamboo rods. In 1927, he developed his first compound taper rod. The response to his rods was phenomenal, and he was constantly behind on production. The company grew steadily. It survived the Great Depression and the lean years of World War II. In the prosperous post-war years, Young expanded his business.
Rod range to meet the demands of a new generation of anglers. From 1946, he offered 29 two-piece and 27 three-piece models. After Paul Young's death in April 1960, the company continued under the management of his wife Martha Marie and their son Jack, who had learned from his father Paul for many years.
Mrs. Young retired in 1969 and Jack took over the management of the company.
1946
Phillipson Rod and Tackle Co.
Denver, USA, 1945 - 1964
Philip W. "Bill" Phillipson (1904-1976) was a protégé of Goodwin Granger and became head of the rod business at the Goodwin Granger Co. until its closure shortly before World War II. In 1945, he attempted to buy Granger's business, but this failed, and he founded his own company, the Phillipson Rod and Tackle Co. In 1946, he published his first catalog of bamboo rods. In 1972, he sold his business to the 3M Corporation.
1948
Shakespeare Rod Company
Kalamazoo, USA, 1897–
Founded by William Shakespeare Jr. in Kalamazoo in 1897, the Shakespeare Company became a leading manufacturer and supplier of fishing tackle. In 1946, a researcher named Dr. Howald broke his spliced rod and used a fiberglass tube to repair it. As a result, the Shakespeare Company developed the first commercially available fiberglass rods for the market in 1948.
1949
Inlet, Fritz Schreck
Schlieren, CH
Even as a teenager, Fritz Schreck was intensively involved in the construction of split rods. In 1949, he founded his company in Schlieren for the "manufacture of split rod specialties,
He specializes in fishing rods from the brands "Split-Record" and "Inlet". He builds his Inlet rods for almost all applications and target fish. The intended use is always paramount.
For several years, his rods, bearing the well-known kingfisher logo, were even considered the best in Europe. Where necessary, they are spliced multiple times (up to 36 times!) or hollow-built, even though this is much more complex. Fritz Schreck is a "do-it-yourselfer" who maintains no contact with other rod builders, except for Charles Ritz.
He makes a large part of his tools himself.
1951
Claude M. Kreider
Long Beach, USA, 1888–1964
Claude Kreider builds 5-sided rods and is the author of the book "The Bamboo Rod and how to
“Build it.” In it, he describes the theory of pentagonal rods in detail in 1951.
1951
James W. Schaaf
Concord, CA (USA
Jim Schaaf began building rods in 1950, initially as an amateur. It wasn't until 1980 that he founded his "Schaaf Rod Shop," where he became a full-time rod builder in 1985. In 1986, he was able to acquire all the materials and tools from Lyle Dickerson.
Jim Schaaf is also co-author of the Dickerson book with Dr. Gerald Stein.
1952
Louis Feierabend
Hillburn, USA, 1910–2005
Design und Patent der Super-Z-Hülse im Jahr 1952. Das geniale, neue Design ist sowohl für die neuen Fiberglasruten, als auch für Bambusruten geeignet und bietet zusätzliche Festigkeit, einfachere Montage und Herstellung. Als Everett Garrison von diesem neuen Design hört, besucht er Feierabend und erkennt rasch die Vorteile von Louis‘ Super-Z- Design.
1958
Clarence W. “Sam” Carlson
Greenville, USA, 1914–2002
Mehrere Jahre tätig als Mitarbeiter bei Edwards kann er 1956 dessen Maschinen und Material erwerben. 1958 eröffnet er in Essex seine eigene Rutenbaufirma „The Carlson Rod Co.“. Es entsteht seine legendäre, viereckige Rute, die „Carlson four“.
Nach seinem Tod im Jahr 2002 übernimmt Dana Grey den Betrieb und führt den traditionellen Rutenbau weiter.
1960
Charles Jenkins
Denver, USA, 1960–1990
Charlie Jenkins began building spliced fly rods in 1960 and sold high-quality rods to anglers all over the world in the following decades.
Charlie, based in Denver, Colorado, was later supported by his son Steve, who from 1990 onwards built all rods under the name Jenkins.
1962
Asbjorn Horgard
Trondheim, N, 1934–1985
He began building spliced rods in 1934, but was imprisoned by the Nazis during World War II. While in prison, he designed plans for various rod-making machines and smuggled the drawings out after his release.
He became one of the leading fishing tackle manufacturers in Norway, best known for his salmon rods. Total production exceeded 130,000 bamboo rods. Bamboo rod production ceased in 1985.
1963
Walter Brunner
Steyr, Austria, 1927–2007
“Brunner Austria Fliegenruten” was founded in 1963. Walter Brunner was the most important rod maker in Europe for decades.
Initial production only included a few short and fast models. He designed a milling machine that allowed him to produce a larger quantity of identical rods and, moreover, to perfect the quality of the profile.
The year 1987 brought a further development in its construction method. The bamboo cane was no longer split with a circular saw, but by hand with a knife to preserve the natural direction of the fibers.
1969
Thomas & Thomas Rod Company
Greenfield, USA, 1969–
Thomas Dorsey and his brother-in-law, Thomas Maxwell, founded their company in 1969. The business started in Pennsylvania, in a rented building on the riverbank. After acquiring the extensive machinery of rod manufacturer Sewell N. Dunton & Sons of Massachusetts at auction, they realized it would be easier to relocate the company to Massachusetts, to the Connecticut River. In 2001, the company moved across the river to Greenfield, where it has been located ever since.
1970
Garry Howells Rod Co.
Richmond, CA, USA
In 1948, when Gary was 15 years old, he hand-planed his first rod. He tied flies.
and builds rods to cover a significant portion of his university expenses. Then
He joined the Winston Rod Company in 1957 and became its most important rod maker. After
After thirteen years at Winston, he left the company in 1970 to open his own business near San Francisco. From 1970 to 1997, he manufactured rods under his own name. He was never able to produce enough to meet the demand.
1976
Hoagy Bix Carmichael
New York, USA, 1938–
1976 erscheint sein Buch „A Master‘s Guide to Building a Bamboo Fly Rod“ und wird unter Rutenbauern als „die Bibel“ bekannt. Hoagy Carmichael beschreibt darin Garrison und dessen Rutenbauweise.
In den 1970er Jahren produziert Carmichael ein Video mit Garrison.
Nach Garrisons Tod erwirbt er dessen Rutenbauwerkstatt und baut ca. 100 Ruten.
1980
Per Brandin
Massachusetts, USA, 1953–
He intensively studied rod physics and the hollow construction of ECPowell rods for years and began building rods himself in 1980. He further developed Powell's hollow construction method (scalloping). Thanks to modern, improved adhesives, he can dispense with intermediate windings.
Per Brandin is one of the most renowned rod builders in the USA and a profound expert on the history of rod building. In 2021, he published his book "A Fly Rod With a Soul," in which he extensively explores the life and rods of E.C. Powell.
1982
Wayne Cattanach
Grand Rapids, Michigan, USA, 1952–2019
Wayne Cattanach's aim is to improve the exchange of information among rod builders. He is the first to program the mathematics of Everett Garrison's stress analysis for the computer (in Visual Basic; if you remember this programming language, you've been involved with PCs for a long time) and to incorporate it into his program Hexrod.
Hexrod is offered as a free download on its website. Even today, it is considered one of the best calculation programs for rod building.
Together with Ron Barch, he launched "The Planning Form", a newsletter for bamboo enthusiasts.
"The Makers' Rod" is another unique brainchild of Wayne's. Eighteen different rod builders contribute a single strip of bamboo, which is planed and shaped into a one-of-a-kind rod. This rod is then auctioned off to raise funds for river conservation in Michigan.
Wayne is the driving force behind the founding of the "Rodmaker's Email List" in early 1995.
1988
Ludwig Reim
Nuremberg, Germany, 1911–2022
As a development engineer for a large company, Ludwig Reim spent most of his working life getting to the bottom of things. Subsequently, as a rod builder, he introduced a new, unconventional type of spliced rod: the "Oktavia." The design of this rod was patented in 1988. To prove that his Oktavia produced a significantly higher recovery speed than conventionally spliced rods, he developed a method for measuring the speed of recoil—the 15° Speed Method.
1990
Edward Barder Rod Co.
Newbury Berkshire, UK, 1990–
In the late 1980s, Edward began working at Hardy's at 61 Pall Mall in London. There, he had the rare opportunity to handle and examine rods made by all the American champions, as well as the finest contemporary work from Europe. This contact with top-quality rod builders proved to him just how exquisite and functional split bamboo fishing rods could be. In 1990, with the purchase of Clifford Constable's (manufacturer of Dermot Wilson's "Wallop Brook" rod series) original workshop equipment, the Edward Barder Rod Company was founded.
From 1993 onwards, Edward's friend and fishing colleague Colin Whitehouse brings his skills to the company.
1991
Tom Morgan Rodsmith
Bozeman, USA, 1991–
In 1973, Tom Morgan (1941 - 2017) bought the RL Winston Rod Company from Doug Merrick and moved it from San Francisco to Twin Bridges, Montana in 1976.
In 1991 he sold the Winston company to David Ondaatje and founded his own rod factory in Montana.
With "The Morgan Hand Mill" he has developed one of the most innovative hand tools for modern rod building.
1991
Sweetgrass Rod Co.
Twin Bridges, USA, 1991–
In 1991, Tom Morgan and Glen Brackett sold the Winston Rod Co. to David Ondaatje, who saw the potential to further expand the company.
In the same year, Glen Brackett founded a new company with Jerry Kustich called "Sweetgrass Rods." The name incorporates both bamboo as a type of grass and the spiritual and philosophical component of Brackett's craftsmanship. This is also reflected in the company logo. The company motto, "The Tradition Continues," is a celebration of the history and craft of bamboo rod making, which is closely linked to the heritage of fly fishing.
1995
Tom Moran
Alnwick, UK, 1948–2014
In the mid-1970s, in Scotland, he worked with Mike Jordan. They manufactured rods commercially, using a milling machine bought from Malcolm Grey (of Greys of Alnwick). This business failed after a short time.
Tom meets Alan Bramley from the company Partridge (Reddich) at the Game Fair and joins the rod-making department as a foreman.
He also worked with Homer Jennings (Colorado, USA), who was living in Northamptonshire at the time. Many of the Jennings-Moran rods were made while Tom was working at Partridge. This partnership dissolved around 1984.
Later he took a job with Tom Dorsey at Thomas&Thomas in the USA, but returned to England in December 1995.
Together with the English
Rod maker Callum Gladstone worked for Hardy until his death in 2014.
1998
Bjarne Fries
Randers, DK, 1952–
Representative of the “new” rod-making guild and one of the few professional full-time rod-makers in Europe in recent times.
In 1998 he developed the FIBH sleeve (FIBH = Fries Integrated Bamboo Hexaferrule).
2005
Founding of the “Italian Bamboo Rodmakers Association” IBRA (I)
The almost-dead craft of building spliced rods is experiencing a revival!
Countless amateurs worldwide want to take up the craft of rod making as a hobby again. Following this trend, one of the first organizations in Europe is being founded in Italy, where rod builders can unite and exchange information more easily.
2006
1st Swiss Rod Makers Gathering
Sarnen (OW)
The great interest in exchanging information about rod building prompted a small group of Swiss rod builders (gespliesste.ch) to organize the first Swiss rod builders' meeting. Well over 60 rod builders from all over Europe accepted the invitation.
2007
Rolf Baginski: Gespliesste – edle Ruten aus Bambus
With his book, Rolf Baginski (Bremen, D) fills a large gap in the literature on rod making: for the first time in a German-language book, the history and manufacture of spliced rods is described in detail.
2008
1st European Rod Makers Gathering
Sansepolcro (I)
As a result of the national rod builders' meetings in Italy, Switzerland and Germany, the national organizers decide to organize regular European meetings.
The exchange of experience will take place at an international level. The first meeting will be organized by IBRA in 2008.
THE TIMELINE IS CONTINUOUSLY UPDATED AND ADDED....
(primarily history, and only then modern times!)