Dave from the Wet Fly Swing Fly Fishing Podcast interviews Ward Tonsfeldt to talk about what makes the fly fishing gear available on ClassicFlyFishingTackle.com “classic.”

Click here to listen to the podcast. WFS 276 – A Guide to Classic Bamboo Fly Rods and Reels with Ward Tonsfeldt

Ward shares some tips on finding high-quality classic bamboo fly rods and reels – listen to discover the difference between classic, vintage, and antique gear. Find out what makes a classic rod classic, where to go to value your rod, and how to find a classic rod and reel combo for less than $1000.

Ward also explains why they don’t have a shopping cart on their website but offer personal service for each client instead!

I have been accumulating catalogs from rod makers active during the 1980s and 1990s. These years are sometimes called the “bamboo renaissance,” when independent rod makers began producing high quality bamboo rods in all parts of the US and Canada. Some of these makers survived and some did not. They used a variety of methods to produce their rods—hand planning forms, shop-built bevellers, and–towards the end of the period—portable mills. Some copied tapers and designs from famous makers, and others crafted their rods from scratch.
If you would like to examine one of the catalogs from our list, drop me a note and I can scan for you.

Click here to view a list of catalogs available from Classic Flyfishing Tackle.