I finely made myself to put line on my Pflueger model 80 brass fly reel. I had used the bamboo rod once in the past 30 years; All I know about the rod was that it was purchased in 1930's while a couple lived in Buffalo NY. I got if in the mid-eighties living in Port O'Conner TX and reconditioned shortly afterwards. The combo had never been use together. So before the wind picked up I choice Ransom canyon for a quick test run. I placed a mini craw #8 on the line only because it was the first fly I grabbed out of the box. I got a couple tugs on the first couple of casts and then a noticeable swirl. The bottom began to move, I want to catch a fish on an old bamboo rod, but this was more than I had thought about on my drive over. The little brass reel was turning and the cheap Wish( Japanese) level line was leaving the spool. I thought I had made a mistake, choosing to use 3 WTDT line and 4lb tippet. The fish was moving out, I was thinking I am going to break the rod, the tip is going to give in on first fish. I gained line on the ground, as to why I had not put the fish on the spool, I was thinking on getting pressure off the bamboo rod. A carp!!, I casted a thousand cast at them this summer on the Lubbock playa's and 3 minutes into blind casting I caught number 2 for the year. I released him and thought of how long had it been since the rod or the reel had fish caught on the gear. The reel and rod held up well. I caught a couple of small crappie. Then focused on the main fish in mind, green sunfish and bluegill. I put a popping bug, so I could see the fish slap it. I would drift the fly near a rock and the fish would pop away. Most where in the 3-4 inch range, but a few where solid fish, The West Texas wind began to blow 30 MPH, but I had done what I set out to do. I will probably never fish the set up, just put the pic with the gear up for the kids or grand kids. But a 80 year rod and I guess 50 year old reel was more fun today than I can stand.

Solid post and fish. Good job.

Very nice! Glad that old rod held out for you. Looks like a great day!

Great pics and story! The soul of fishing.

Couldn't ask for more than a good day fishing especially with a flyrod !

Very cool!

Love me some bamboo rods. I have an old Horrick's and Ibbetson's 5 wt actually the markings are (DH or HH) which translates into bout a 5 wt. I guess it was made in the 1930ies. It has been refinished and has a switch handle which can be used with the top two sections making the rod then a 3 to 4 wt or can be used full length. I also have a custom 4 wt rod a local Colorado maker did for me while I was Afghanistan. Bamboo comes alive when a fish is on and makes some sexy loops casting. I also enjoy fiberglass rods, probably because those are what I learned on many moons ago. I have a Hardy three weight that really lets you feel the line and the fish no matter their size. It is much more sensitive than the little graphite 1 wt I have. That Old Pflueger is really cool too.

Nice way to to break it back in right there!