The basis of this taper comes from my 8-foot hollow-built #6 splitcane rod, but for this 7’7” version I made a few adjustments to suit the shorter length and three-piece construction. Unlike the original, this rod is solid-built, giving it a slightly stronger and more substantial feel in the hand. Despite this, it remains beautifully balanced and retains the lively character of the original taper.
This is a particularly enjoyable rod for casting a modern #6 single-hand Spey line. Its smooth, progressive action loads easily and makes it possible to perform controlled casts even when there is limited room for a conventional backcast.
The three-piece construction, combined with hand-made bamboo ferrules, makes this rod especially practical for travelling. With its shorter sections, it fits easily into a suitcase without compromising the character and feel of a traditional split cane rod.
The rod is finished with Kimono silk thread wraps and bright red tipping in Pearsall’s Gossamer silk. The combination gives the rod a distinctive appearance while allowing the craftsmanship and natural beauty of the bamboo to remain at the centre.
A compact and versatile #6 splitcane fly rod, carefully developed from an existing taper and adapted for travel, while retaining the balance, feel and casting qualities that make this taper so enjoyable to fish.
