Old Rod

[Adamfishes]

I just found like a 10ft wooden rod in my parents garage that must be pretty old. Is there any way to tell if it will break if i catch a lardge fish? Is it worth trying to repair or should i just splurge on some decent equiptment. I have a 8ft. rod but i dunno i just cant cast it long enough being a surfcaster. Bigger is better i suppose? uhh help! Thanks!

[Mike P]

It's likely made from split bamboo or Calcutta cane. And if it has been sitting in a damp garage for many years, yeah, I'd bet on it breaking---not even on a fish, maybe on one of the first few casts.

Even if it doesn't break, those things are pool cues and very hard to get any kind of cast. They were the best available material for rods until the late 1940s when tubular fiberglass came into use (the people who designed them applied the know-how gained from making tank antennas during the way). Now, quality graphite rods are running right around $100. Much better to spend the money on a 10' Daiwa Sealine-X. I think mike cc carries them for less than $100.

[Adamfishes]

thanks for the help! I was looking at some berkley 10 or 11 foot one on www.cabelas.com. Is berkley a good name for rods? And will this help me get the extra distance in my casting that I'm hoping for. thanks again! BYE