The path of a piece of Tonkin Cane

[midger]

This probably could have been placed in the rodbuilding section, but would also be of interest to anybody just curious about how a bamboo rod comes into existence, so I put it here.

I just watched the short 50 minute movie "Trout Grass" by David James Duncan which chronicles the path of bamboo from its growth in China, harvest, selection, transport to the states, and delivery and manufacture into a rod by Glenn Bracket in Montana. It is actually very interesting and well done and has a cameo by Tom McGuane. I was surprised as I am used to junky flyfishing related productions that are overcommercialized. It made me appreciate more the builders who do it from scratch.

OBTW, it is available from netflix, as that's who I had deliver it to me--one of the few flyfishing related ones they carry.

[anacrime]

cool little documentary indeed

netflix also has some kelly galloup dvds, including the streamer techniques one. very informative

[Trootfisher]

I didn't like the movie- expected a lot more out of it and was
disappointed. I wish more time was spent showing and explaining
how cane rods are built. over 1/2 half the time was spent showing how
the cane was selected, about 1/4 was spent on making the rod, and the other
1/4 was the narrator waxing poetically, which was totally unnecessary.

but then I know a lot of people enjoyed it.

consider this just another opinion.

[rayfound]

Well, I had been thinking of looking over the netflix list for FF related media... this was my inspiration... my wife will be pleased when she sees the "new" Queue.

[Danny McB]

I really liked it as well. It solidified my belief that i must own a cane before I die, and that it must be one I get for myself specifically (work with the builder) or find an old family hand - me - down. Lots of history and nostalgia in a couple of pieces of grass bound together.

[briansII]

I didn't like the movie- expected a lot more out of it and was
disappointed. I wish more time was spent showing and explaining
how cane rods are built. over 1/2 half the time was spent showing how
the cane was selected, about 1/4 was spent on making the rod, and the other
1/4 was the narrator waxing poetically, which was totally unnecessary.

but then I know a lot of people enjoyed it.

consider this just another opinion.

Overall, I liked the movie, but like you, wished they got more into the building aspect too. The movie was too short for me.......but I can understand they didn't produce it for hardcore junkies like us.

briansII