SHOP NOTES | C.J. BOVA RODS

 “sometimes I enjoy the company of a mayfly  when I start planing bamboo” I recently had a client call me and ask me if he should “get his feet wet” and make his own split cane rod. There is a lot of interest here in the U.S. especially within the last twenty or so years in learning how to make split cane fly rods. The craft has become more accessible in regards to information, tools, and even raw materials. I always try to inspire people to take a class in rod “making”. By “making” I mean creating something from scratch like a rod blank. “Building” a rod refers to taking an amalgam of components including a rod blank and constructing a rod. There is a big difference. Learning how to “build” a rod is important to better familiarize oneself with the materials and the construction behind the craft. Learning how to “make” the rod itself and its given components is a whole other chapter that takes time, patience, passion, dedication, and yes money. To be realistic initially one ...

 “Under the Rainbows” Photo: Clint Bova     It is as hard to see one's self as to look  backwards without turning around. ~Henry David Thoreau

I often get asked what is your favorite part of making bamboo fly rods? I typically respond by saying “fishing them”. My follow up response is simply “handling the cane”. There are many ways to experience the process of making a fly rod I choose to experience it without the use of tapering bevelers, gang saws, and a crew of craftsmen. The final result is typically a great rod of some kind either way. I just choose to experience the process in a more intimate way when it involves splitting, straightening, and planing. I have used all of the above mentioned equipment at one time or another but I feel when I do I have missed out on the real joy of making cane rods. I always have accepted the merits of using more machinery but I don’t experience the same level of intimacy with the cane when I do. Experiencing every inch of a spline and its given nodes track and echo around in my head at night like an endless ticker tape. The level of peer pressure I get to use more machinery is somewhat ...

 In regards to the Gibson Guitar shop raid incident: When the Government starts harassing the small guild craftsmen and women over justifiable raw materials I draw the line. I normally do not bring up current events or political views in my “Shop Notes” section but I am outraged that this is remotely tolerable in the USA. “Job Creation” is not driven by harassing the very roots and soulful enterprises that bring meaning to the American spirit. This is simply unacceptable. ~Clint Bova “Be a warhorse for work and enjoy even the struggle against possible defeat.” ~The Artist Robert Henri, “The Art Spirit” *The raids forced Gibson to cease manufacturing operations and send workers home for the day while armed agents executed the search warrants. “Agents seized wood that was Forest Stewardship Council controlled,” Juszkiewicz said. “Gibson has a long history of supporting sustainable and responsible sources of wood and has worked diligently with entities such as the Rainf...