Is it realistic to expect that a vintage fishing can perform as well as or even better than current state-of-the-art rods? This is the question that many anglers have asked themselves, particularly fly fishers. Is it really worth all the effort of trying to find and buy a rod that is decades old?
The short answer is that it depends on the type of fishing you do. The modern fishing tackle world has been transformed by the introduction of carbon fiber (cf) rods that outperform fiberglass rods in all respects. Therefore, don’t throw your money away on a vintage fiberglass fishing pole. Also, many old rods that have been used extensively have invariably sustained damage of one kind or another, and such damage may have compromised the strength and integrity of the rod. So basically a damaged rod is useless for fishing.
Although old fiberglass rods are out of the question, what about bamboo or cane fishing rods? The view that a well-built vintage bamboo fishing rod is better than even the best of the current crop of cf rods is widely held by anglers, especially those who like fly fishing and spinning. In particular, where accurate and long casting of light weights is paramount, cane rods seem to have the edge. Additionally, instead of being just another item of tackle, a cane fishing rod is a beautifully crafted piece of equipment that can also double as home decor.
Can Vintage Rods Still Be Used For Fishing?
So it seems that if you are into fly fishing or spinning, especially in estuaries, rivers, lakes, ponds and streams, or even from coastal shorelines, a quality vintage split cane fishing rod could be a worthwhile investment. The golden rule that a suspect rod is not suitable for catching fish is still valid though. So be quite paranoid about searching out any defects in the bamboo of a vintage cane rod. Discoloration, water marks, scratches, crushes, holes and other significant damage are things to keep an eye out for. The vintage rod could be a bargain buy if the cane is in good condition and the owner persuaded to sell at a reasonable price. Remember that the cane (and cork) is the most important part of an antique rod, and that all of the other fittings can be replaced at a reasonable cost if they are not in good condition. Catching the fish species it was designed for will present no difficulties if the rod you have bought has been restored to its original state, or if bought in very good condition.
Milwards is a name synomomous with quality bamboo fishing rods. Milwards fishing rods are prized by angles and collectors alike for their action, fittings and manufacture. Even the basic Milwards rods featured the best equipment such as agate rings for tip rings and guides, Tonkin cane and Spanish reed, and both whole and compound construction. Milwards manufactured both fly fishing and spinning rods that were often specially designed for certain fishing niches. The Milwards FeatherLite Rod was a classic example; a great all-rounder that won several prestigious fishing competitions. Milwards split cane fishing rods are highly valued but occasionally come on the market. If you are lucky, putting the word out on Internet fishing forums, your local fishing club or even trying a classified in the local newspaper could lead to a sale.
In conclusion, while fiberglass rods have been surpassed by carbon fiber rods, bamboo rods are still very effective pieces of fishing gear that are unbeatable in their particular fishing niche. Cane rods can also look great just adorning the wall of your living room, study or den. A good vintage split cane fishing rod is definitely worth buying!
