QuestionQUESTION: Hello, I just purchased a bb bamboo rod in very good condition. The only thing is that I only have one tip section. Doesn't this rod have 2 tips and if so where can I get the other tip section? Also what would be a good reel and line combo for this rod if used for trout and bass fishing? I have a orvis madison III reel but have not decided what kind of line/backing to purchase. I would like to use this rod and restore it to excellent condition, is this a worthwhile endeavor I paid $200 dollars for the rod recently.
ANSWER: Hi Edwin,
Yes, this rod should have two tip sections to make it a complete rod. You can certainly fish with it with only one tip so that is not a problem. The problem comes when you try to value the rod for collector or resale purposes. A complete rod should also have the original rod bag and rod tube.
You have options for the second tip section. It's easier and less expensive than you might think.
First, you can search the online auctions for anyone selling tip sections for a model #17 Heddon bamboo rod. They do come up for sale more often than you you imagine as people part out rods for various reasons. You might even find two tips being sold together which would give you a total of three tips for the rod. A Heddon tip from the same model should fit properly ferrule-to-ferrule.
Second, you can have a vintage tip section remade to fit the rod. I, and several of my rod building friends, buy old rods and rod parts all the time and keep them around to either bebuild or scavange parts from for projects just like yours. Send me an email at
[email protected] and I'll help you if you wish to go this way.
Third, you can commission a brand new tip section to be made for the rod. I can also help you with this option, but it is likely the most expensive of the three.
This rod will work well with either a 6wt or 7wt line. If you have the ability to try both line sizes with the rod befoe you buy, do so. You may find one performs better for you with this particular rod. It should be a very good rod for trout and bass fishing. Brand of line and backing is your choice and you may need two lines, one floating and one sinking to get the coverage you want throughout the water column...any quality line should do. Reel is also a matter of personal choice. I use simple click and pawl reels for virtually all my fly fishing but I tend to play the fish with rod and line and rarely use the reel for much more than line storage.
The Heddon #17 Black Beauty bamboo rod was a moderately priced rod in the Heddon lineup and is a very popular rod even today. I have one myself that I use. With the missing tip section this rod would not rate very high on any condition scale for vintage rods; which means the value assigned to it would not be as high as the same rod with all original parts. You indicate the rod is in very good condition, minus the missing tip...this is a plus. Assuming you have the original bag and tube, I would estimate the value of the rod to be in the $100-$150 range as it sits. If you have it restored to excellent condition and add the second tip, value would then be estimated in the $400-$500 range. I can also help you with the restoration work.
I don't have the rod in my hands to inspect it but I wouldn't be concerned about the price you paid. I'd say the rod could easily be worth the $200 if it is truly a nice one. Another tip can be added and any restoration work needed can be done. in the end you will wind up with a quality bamboo rod that you would have to pay considerably more for in today's market.
Thanks, Joe
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QUESTION: Thank you Joe for your answer to my question. Since receiving the rod I have no problems with the quality and price. I also agree that there are many nice vintage rods out there for parts and restoration. I have noticed subtle differences between Heddon models of the same rod made with different manufacturing dates. My Black Beauty for example does not have the black windings with orange borders or the spiral Heddon signature but a straight signature, as well as a finer threading rather than course threads on the reel holder. I also have noticed that a 1 3/4f Heddon rod has a 10.5/64" male ferrule rather than a 11/64" common ferrule that could be a problem. I have always used graphite Orvis rods in the past but this is a leap in a whole new direction for my fly fishing enjoyment. So far the perfect reel seems to be a Orvis Model 9 or a Hardy HRL giving the rod perfect balance. My question is the extra tip should have different characteristics than the tip I have, they were identical in length 34 1/2" but not identical in thickness were they? Shouldn't the extra bamboo tip give the rod different capabilities and characteristics for different fishing conditions while still being the same length? Also where can I find a black 5/8" ID rubber cap for a rod base protector for my new Black Beauty? Thank you Joe I will look you up, I have other bamboo rods that are of good quality. My rod tube and bag are in very good condition just missing the one tip.
AnswerHi Edwin,
The all balck wraps tend to indicate a model #17 made in the late 1940s or early 1950s. Yes, you will need to locate the same ferrule size. I do have a friend with a pretty large vintage ferrule collection whoi may be of some help.
The second tip is typically the same in all regards...I still make two tip rods and they are made to be exact duplicates. There was a fad for a time (mostly a marketing stunt) that produced bamboo rods with two tips that were different...one slightly heavier for bass, one lighter for trout...they even sold them with different tiptop guides installed.
The primary purpose of the second tip is to provide a backup in case of emergency on the water and far from possible repair. One does not want to be caught without a means of continuing ones fishing trip. Bamboo is sufficiently durable to withstand considerable harsh treatment, but things do happen at the worst time.
I can't see how you could go wrong with either of those reels. I'll look through my supply of butt caps and see what I have that matches.
Let me know what I can do to help.
Thanks, Joe
