The Rodfather - mbrods

MbRods by Moreno Borriero

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Handmade Bamboo or Split Cane Rods

Each rod has its own story and no two rods are exactly the same.

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My Work

When I started fly fishing in 1982, fibreglass and graphite were going strong and Bamboo was a thing of the past. It was always at the back of my mind to own one, but I would never have thought that one day I would be fishing only bamboo, let alone actually making my own hand-planed split Bamboo rods. I owe this to my friends of the Italian Bamboo Rodmakers’ Association IBRA whom I met at one of their gatherings, and who welcomed me as a member of their association. Thanks to IBRA, I had the opportunity to meet some of the finest Rodmakers in the world, and learn the great art of Rodmaking. Each rod I make is carefully designed and I strive for the best possible quality. I only use the best bamboo from Andy Royer, and the best hardware available on the market (Bellinger, Snakebrand, CSE, etc). I use the best Portuguese flor cork I can find, and I use the best silk wrapping threads available on the market - some of which are manufactured directly in Europe (YLI, Au ver a soie, Pearsall's etc). On average my rods take about 100 hours to make.

Are you ready for your very own tailor-made Bamboo rod? Read below for more information about my models.

Models

I keep few or no rods in stock as all my rods are tailor-made and delivered the minute they are finished. I make bespoke rods to suit your tastes and your fishing techniques. Most of my rods are short dry fly rods, and depending on your skills they can be used for light nymphing or wet fly fishing.

Over the years I have developed my own tapers according to my tastes and according to my customers' requirements. My favourite models are in the range from 6‘ to 7' 9", although I successfully make 8’ and 8’6” rods. These can be made in two or three pieces and an extra tip can be requested. If however you have an existing Mb Rod and you need an extra tip, I will need to have the rod back so that I can try to match the wrapping and also dress the ferrules to suit that rod.

The Models and Geometries I can make are:

Hex rods from 6' 6" to 7' 6" in one piece or two or three pieces;

Hex rods from 7'2" to 8'6” in two or three piece. The extra tip is available only on the two and three piece rods. The rod can be made a nice rich amber blonde, tortoise shell flaming, dark flaming or in whatever configuration you like. The hardware is the best I can find on the market - usually Bellinger, Rec, Snake Brand, ferrules from Bailey Woods and Bellinger. Agates are from Proof. All my rods are hollow built for lightness. Some of my fastest rods have a nice swelled butt.

I also make a very strong 7' 9" that casts a 5 weight line which can be manufactured with a removable fighting butt.

Pentagonal rods – have a refined action. More accurate and lighter than the corresponding HEX. These are available in all configurations: 2 and 3 pieces and the extra tip on request. Lengths from 6’ to 8’

Quad rods – a singular geometry that offers a very light and accurate rods. The Quads are the most efficient rods to cast. Available in the following sizes: 6’ to 8’6”

I carry a large choice of silk threads for whipping guides. Transparent guides are available.

The rods can be supplies with Aluminium, wood or Leather rod tubes

The Hybrid Rod

Presented for the first time in Switzerland in Sarnen in 2015 and it has been copied various times. This interesting rod answers to those who like dry flyfishing and if necessary will switch to nymph fishing without changing rods and without the need to carry two rods or having to trek back to the car for a nymphing rod.

Essentially a dry fly rod in 7 foot and five inches, you can easily switch to the nymph by adding an extra piece to the rod to make it a 9 foot rod. In the dry fly configuration, it casts a three or a four weight line. In the nymphing configuration, it will cast a 5 weight. Just carry the extra piece in your vest and add it when you need to change to the nymph.

In The Workshop

Each rod takes approximately 100 hours to make excluding dead times for varnishing. Each one is unique and is personalised to the customer's requirements from reelseat type, to wrapping colour and type. The customer's name or a dedication is often added to the rod.