The Loop Rod, A modern day version

I started on this a few weeks ago, when I read the Fly Fishers Craft. The concept is as old as Dame Julianna and Sir Isaac Walton. Using a rod of fair length and limberness, with a line of 15 yards and a leader of 9 feet, with one or more flies, one could catch fish. Now with that said, the old rods were made of different species of wood, one being lancewood, which I haven't the feintest idea of where to get some of that. Also I don't know much about braiding horsehair or silk for fly lines, so I'm still learning about this and turning this into a modern day project to kill some time and relive the old days of fishing. With that I opted for modern day materials, Fiberglass, Cork, Rubber, to create my own version of the Loop Rod.




Behold the Loop Rod, ready to go out on the town, it's line hanging from the switch, by the door, ready to go. Just add a leader, flies, and some trout waters for a day of fun. Notice the cane or walking stick shape, sort of hides the fact that I am going to go fishing, but the unsuspecting may think I'm out for a stroll with a new hiking or walking stick.

Here's more of the modern day Loop rod, not to be confused with LOOP Rods. (More on them later)



The butt, a rubber doorknob style cap press fit over the cork tape grip.



The other end of the cork tape grip, not pretty yet, but taped until I can figure out what I want to do about a decorative wrap, if any. Maybe I'll just shrink tube the end, as a possibility.



Another Doorknob Style Rubber End Cap, press fit over the telescopic rod end.



Once removed, the rod pieces can be pulled out and friction held in place to give the rod a length of 9 feet. Notice the metal rod tip, a small loop inwhich to tie or handshake connect the loop from the line.



And what shall we use for a line, well they used horse hair for fly lines with braided loops in the ends. I don't have the patience to braid horse hairs or make loops. So I turn to Cortland.

Slip the loops on the 15 yard fly line, (Cortland 5DT Floating) and go out and enjoy. Just attach a leader to one end, and the other loop to the rod tip. Casting is more of a roll cast or spey style cast, not too much overhead double hauling casts on this one.