Bamboo rods are so special...Each one has a soul. Think about it, they are made from material found in nature and each one crafted by HAND. I own four bamboo rods that I will pass down to each of my four grandsons. I just hope they when fish with them, they, like you Mike, will look at the dirt and sweat on the natural cork grip, think about their ol' grandpa, and remember all the good times we had.

I'm a grandpa and enjoyed your story of your bamboo rod. I have 6 or so bamboo rods and and enjoy fishing with some that are 60 -80 years old. I appreciate the workmanship and ability of those 6 pieces of wood to flex who knows how many times over the years and still hold up. I've also abused some and learned that trying to push too hard into Colorado/Wyoming wind is the most likely thing to break a rod at the ferrules. Bottom line is don't be afraid to fish older rods; just give them a little respect and love. Enjoyed your story and what you are doing with your life.

You had me at hello fishing bamboo, the story behind the rod stole my heart. Thank you.

Beautiful rod. He was so excited to get it for you. I learned everything I know about fly fishing from that man.

Glad to know I’m not the only sentimental one out there…. My dad passed away 3 years ago, and every year on his birthday, I go to his favorite alpine lake in Rio Gramde national forest and fish with his bamboo rod…. Crazy thing is this year 8/4/21, I ran into his old fishing buddy up there doing the same thing, fishing a bamboo my dad gifted him. (BTW he was WAY too old to be that high up and we just about had to carry him out!). Something nostalgic about those bamboo rods for sure…

Without being patronizing, Mike you get it. Great story, well told. I’m lucky enough to fish gear that my step-father used to own. It’s a great tribute to catch a nice fish on a fly he tied 30 years ago or using his bamboo rod and a fly I tied. Living history, keeping the past present.

Nice way to remember your Grandpa and a heirloom to pass on along with the heritage.

Thanks for sharing your interesting family history. I don’t have anything as classic as a bamboo fly rod passed down to me but I still have my father’s and mine Fenwick fiberglass fly rods with fiberglass ferrules (a departure from metal ferrules in those days) purchased in the early 60s when Dad and I started getting more interested in fly fishing when taking our yearly vacations when we lived in Los Angeles. I still have the Pfluger Medalist fly reels from those years ( made in USA then, not like in China now). Dad passed away in 2012 at 97 and I turned 70 last month. Back in the 60’s we had no idea how to fish nymphs so it was all dry flys. Now when I get to go fishing it’s mostly nymphs. I can always remember catching my first trout on a family trip to South Lake Tahoe fishing a small creek close to where it enters the lake. Had a Zebco spin cast rod and reel and with a small Mepps spinner. The trout jumped out of the water. What a surprise it was, a 10” rainbow which I released. Haven’t fished a lot since junior high school but now that my wife and I full time travel in our motorhome I hope to catch up. This year so far fished some Georgia and North Carolina streams and just finished spending the whole summer in Colorado fishing various streams from the North Platte in the north to the Dolores in the southwest part of the state. Enjoy your videos a lot.

Great story Mike, and so eloquently told. Bringing those two treasures together is pretty damn special. Enjoyed!

Glad you could share. I just rebuilt my fathers bamboo rod estimated to be at least 80 years old. I can relate to your feelings.

Your story resonates deeply within my heart. Like you, my Grandfather played a pivotal role in my life teaching me the art and discipline of fly fishing. I inherited his bamboo fly rods(Powels) and his hardy reels and since I lived in Hawaii they remained in storage for many years. My wife was a knitter,weaver and spinner and she wanted to go to a weaving conference in Jackson ,Wyoming so she asked me if I wanted to go and my response was why would I want to go to Wyoming and she asked me if I still had my Grandfather’s fly rods because Jackson Hole was also known for it’s fly fishing! Needless to say: we moved to Jackson and I rekindled my love for fly fishing. I had the opportunity to teach my nephew how to fly fish and when we had to move to Florida for my wife’s health(Parkinson’s) I gifted my nephew with my Grandfather’s Bamboo fly and reels. Hopefully, the tradition which has given my family so much joy will continue!

The story is more special than the rod... kudos buddy it's good to hold sentimental history!

My grandfather taught me everything I know about hunting, trapping, and fishing. He was an avid outdoorsman and houndsman. The man was straight as an arrow and spoke up when nobody else would. He’d give you the shirt off his back. Wasn’t college educated, wealthy, or famous. But he was the richest man I’ve ever met. His funeral was absolutely packed with people standing shoulder to shoulder paying their respects to (for many) the best man they ever knew. He was admitted into hospice on my 18th birthday and died 4 days later. A man who only drank 3 times in his life died from an alcoholics disease. Cirrhosis of the liver. It was caused by diabetes and heart medications. I understand your connection to that rod and reel, mine gave me the rifle that I shot my first deer with. I kept it in my room at my parents house and while I was away at college, my stepbrother or one of his “friends” stole it and traded it for drugs at a trap house. It still tears me up. I left it at home so it wouldn’t get stolen. I should have listened to my Pawpaw when he told me to always keep it locked in my room and taken it to my apartment. Thanks for providing us with a small snippet of your experience with your grandparents. I love to talk about mine every chance I get. It makes me happy to hear others who also had awesome grandparents.

There are actually 3 generations on that rod if you count the adjustable dry dropper. Great story Mike. Thanks for sharing.

So much history. You are an incredible story teller. Thanks for sharing this

I have an old bamboo rod and reel similar to the one your holding, the cork is worn down to the nubs you can see were every individual that ever used it has placed their hands and casted this rod, it's pretty awesome, I have never used it, but before I pass it on to the worthy person I will catch at least one fish with it, great story brother!!!

You do an excellent job honoring the gifts

Beautiful story my friend. You definitely choked me up a bit.

Thanks for sharing this. Good story and lesson.

Great story, Mike. I also have my father's bamboo rod and automatic reel. I last fished it the day after he passed as a way to go on one last trip together. Then I cleaned it up and retired it. This video makes me think I should get it out occasionally and fish it in his memory. Thanks for making me think.

My grandpa had one of those reels, been meaning to find his old rod too

It’s great to hear about the people behind the hobbies of our life! I never got to know my grandpa well, but always heard the stories of how he would be so proud and excited to hear about my stories! As I got into fly fishing I inherited many of his rods and they are the most incredible pieces of art I know! Thank you for sharing!

Mike, maybe it's about connection. I think all of us at times have tried to distance ourselves from connection, especially when we've experienced some disconnection from the things we admire, adore, love, and make us whole. Eventually though, we all come back, one connection at a time. I think your path back is a great example. It started with that connection to flyfishing, moved on to a connection with your grandfather and great grandfather through your time with your grandfather and the cherishing of his gift, and ended up in a connection to several thousand individuals (almost all of which you haven't met) that religiously view and listen to your stories on a weekly basis... and start their own journeys back to being connected to the things they admire, adore, love, and make them whole by being connected to you. Keep finding, and making, those connections. Thank you and tight lines.

Awesome story the reel part wow!!

Thanks for sharing that awesome story of connecting the generations through fly fishing. I use my father's old bamboo rod occasionally to remind myself who taught me to love fishing and the great outdoors. Right on Bro!

You’ve touched on the essence of what fly fishing can do. The memories you have now from both items is a treasure that only you know and will keep forever...your relatives see the Joy it’s brought you. It has always been a way of freedom, simplicity and a way to connect w nature for me. Escaping stress in day to day life....I have a similar memory w my Uncle (my Dad’s identical twin) who got me into fly fishing when I was 16. He passed away many years ago, but I always think of him when I’m fishing. It’s a wonderful thing that you’ve found and to me, an essential gift that one discovers with experience. As time goes by, these things become even more important and memories end up being the only thing that we really can keep and are truly the meaning of life.

Powerful...you're very lucky and I'm glad you appreciate it. Enjoy for years to come and pass it on with this story.

Really well done, Mike! Thanks for sharing.

Beautifully told Mike, true treasures for sure! Thanks.

👊🏻⛽️🎥🎞🎙🥾🎣🏔Thank you for sharing heart felt feelings honoring your family.

Every bamboo fly rod has a story and that was a good one. I believe that bamboo rods, like wooden boats, have a soul because it was once a living organism and has been shaped by human hands. Your grandparents were lucky to have a grandson who told them all the things you told them. I am a grandparent and an owner of my 7'/4 Orvis bamboo rod which I intend to pass to my granddaughter. I hope she will treasure it like you do your rod.

Really nice. I've been enjoying your New Mexico content, where I caught my first trout.

Great story. Heartfelt. Thanks. It's interesting how many intersections there are between art and fly fishing.

Dude, I feel ya bro. When my grandfather passed, I got one of his old Zebco 33 reels. Only thing I wanted. I was the grandson he had to drag off the water...even when the fish were not biting. Enjoyed the video!

Wow, gotta love Grandpa and the Kid stories! I have a few of my own that I'll tell in another setting. I have my Grandfather's, Grandmother's and Father's rods and each has the original reels they used while fishing the North Branch of the AuSable River in Michigan. I have 3 rods from my Grandfather, a Heddon #50 President, a bamboo rod he built and his "everyday" rod. I'm heading to the AuSable in May to fish and will be using each of them to see which I like best. Great story. Great content and I am glad I found your channel. I subscribed and am looking forward to viewing your existing and future content. Thanks!

Beautiful story man!

That is a very personal, touching story and so well told. I enjoy your videos very much and that one was a treasure. Along those lines I just received from an in-law his dad's bamboo rod that I'm going to restore as it's in need of some TLC. He and I had talked last time we were together in Cortez and he knows that I love to fly fish since moving to Colorado. He said that next time we get together he'd bring the two rods. We met up last weekend in Marble where he was doing some marble sculpting and lo and behold were the two bamboo rods that he had talked about. I told him I'd take good care of them and send pics of them during the restoring process and also when I take them out on the river. Thanks again for your great videos and this personal story of yours. Bret

Thank you for sharing probably your best video to date that I have seen. Made me realize I have been too hard on my boys on what they should do in life

Thank you for sharing. Oh, reattach young man. Best

Awesome story! That's what makes it all worth it.

Such a sweet video man! Bamboo rods are works of art!

Cool story! My dad is a'62 ND grad...wonder if he and your Grandfather or Oliver crossed paths. Bamboo is magical for sure!

Somehow I missed this before. A wonderful remembrance! Totally different side of you. I am now 70 and I cherish the times with those who has passed who gave of their time to teach me my love of the outdoors. I rebuilt my fathers bamboo flyrod that I believe he had custom built about 80 years ago. I caught my first trout with that rod as he coached me on controlling the line and I will always cherish the look on his face when I landed that 12" Brook trout. Following the rebuild, I fished it on the Ark here in Colorado and caught several browns and rainbows all the while remembering that day 63 years ago. You have discovered one of the greatest parts of life. Great video

Great story on the rod, its amazing how many of us have those special memories on how we got involved with flyfishing.

Loving the vintage kit you're rocking! Also digging that hothead bugger. I can't tell you how many smallies, trout, and panfish I've caught with a bugger, hothead or otherwise.

Great story Mike!! Have a bamboo fly rod and Shakespeare automatic reel in my family as well. My brother has it now and it will get passed down!! Lots of memories!! Both still work as the day they were received!! Good times!!

That rod and reel is your grandfather going on the adventures with you he’s there with you all the time

Wow...talk about irony. I'm getting a custom made bamboo 4wt made for me, by a prominent Southern Appalachian fly master - I'm picking it up next week, and I hope to pair it with a Plueger Medalist reel. I've always been intrigued by bamboo, and, while it isn't cheap, the price is reasonable compared to the "going rate". I was also thinking of what I can hand down to my kids. Our time on this earth is pretty short when you think of it - nothing compared to when we step out of time and into eternity - thankfully, we have a great hope - death has been defeated by the Lord, and He has removed the sting.

Thank you for sharing your story. Like your films. Much are similar to the waters I fish in Northern Sweden (brown trouth, grayling, arctic char).

Mike you were Truly blessed to have the family members love you that way! Interesting reel, I think it said 1829 on it! What great mementos from loved ones that have passed! Great Tribute!

Mike is the best out no doubt much love keep making videos ❤️

These are.all I fish with now... it started out cuz I couldn't afford a fly rod, and I was on a quest to do the next best thing... make one!... now I make about 3 or 4 a year..once in a while I'll sell one.. did some research on them and took some machining classes and read some books and now I make all the hardware and engrave it myself.. also make tooled leather cases for them now...I tried to break a five weight I made on the San Juan River but it held up on the whole trip!... must have caught thousands of fish with that rod now!... I would make more rods but now I'm getting into gun making...😁

I have a bamboo fly rod , spinning and casting rod , still in the original wooden box it came in ! Its from WW2 era. When i get better at casting i want to use it .

Great video.

Great story

Great Story

Awesome rod and great story behind it ! Keep in mind of your future they would want you to have a great son to pass it onto as well. Find the right partner and raise a great son and you continue everything they wanted to instill in you down the line bro! Keep on rolling your doing great . Keep these video coming out tight lines much love ! Maybe see you on the water one day. Appalachian mtns western Maryland West Virginia and Pennsylvania is where you will find me.

Awesome vid , got you Sub’d

Man I’m sitting here on my lunch break thinking it’s a good day for rain 😭

Very nice story. Glad you shared. Grandpas. Man. Now that you got the sentiment out of the way, how about giving a review of the rod and reel. Bamboo used to be the cat's meow. Now it is replaced by perhaps better materials and technology. Also the reel. Seems like everyone wanted the automatic. I never knew why. You can't find them anymore. Why. How does bamboo action differ from your newer rods. I'd really be interested. I have a bamboo and a 900 dollar Sage. I have some opinions but I'd like to hear more. \

Never let it go

Great story. I have a bamboo fly rod too but the story isn't as interesting or sentimental as yours. Several years ago, my dad and I went to visit an old friend of his (Al) who was cleaning out his shop building just because he had too much stuff in it. Al had come across an old fly rod that he had had for years, it was a 1962 Orvis Battenkill 8' 7# bamboo that had been given to him by a man named Sandy Balcomb. Sandy Balcomb designed and built pipe organs in the Seattle area in the 1950's and 60's, his name was inscribed on the rod. As the story goes, Balcomb was given the fly rod by a fishing buddy of his but unbeknownst to his friend, Balcomb was not a fly fisher. The rod sat around for several years until it was given to my dad's friend who was not a fly fisher either so the rod was brand new, still in the original tube. My breath was taken away by what I was looking at! I asked Al if he would ever consider selling it and he said that he wasn't really interested in getting any money out of it because he got it for free, but he would consider trades. I was traveling so all I had with me was what was in my car, among which was a .22 caliber pistol. I offered it and he accepted! It came with an Orvis Madison reel, two spools and two lines. I think I got the better end of the deal. I have fished with it a few times but I'm a little afraid to push it too hard given it's provenance. The rest of the story, and where the provenance comes from, is that the original purchaser of the rod, Sandy Balcomb's fishing buddy, was Chief Justice William O. Douglas of the Supreme Court. The rod is my prized possession.

I came across an automatic fly real from the 1930's and it is made by Sears. I guess back then you could order anything through their catalogs even heroin! The real works great.

I love your videos. But no Rock, chalk, Jayhawks please…. MIZ-ZOu