W. R. Taylor Bamboo Rod Company


About the maker


In the early 90's, after quite some time spent angling with graphite rods, I became intrigued by bamboo. My finances were limited and it seemed that cane rods were an unnecessary luxury for a young man starting a family. I put the ambition to the side until a trip to the South Platte River in Colorado would forever change the way I looked at fishing.

It was a beautiful October day in a stretch of the South Platte River between 11 mile and Spinney Mountain Reservoir. I had engaged the services of a guide in Colorado Springs and he was showing me the trout filled waters and tying a Blue Winged Olive Mayfly imitation to my tippet. Unfortunately, the fly shop that I had purchased a new fly line from made the mistake of attaching the wrong end of a weight forward line on my reel.  I began to cast the rod and became frustrated by the fact that the rod wouldn't load properly.  As the day was winding down, I began to discuss the guides favorite outfit for fishing. He pulled out a 7' 6" four weight Gary Howells bamboo rod and allowed me to cast it. I was hooked!!

My finances were still tight so I thought that perhaps I could make a rod to cut down on costs. I gathered the tools and learned the craft without much outside direction.  I made a few rods ad soon found that the making was almost as rewarding as the fishing. I discovered a company that catered to bamboo rod makers, named the Golden Witch and began to purchase materials from them.  One day the owner asked if I would be interested in working for him. This led to a  2 year apprenticeship of sorts and taught me a great deal about constructing rods.

Bamboo rods have become an obsession.  Many of my clients have become friends and allow me to continue the search for that magical feel I encountered on a Colorado stream some years ago.

Thank you!

Bill Taylor
                                                                                                                                                                    
Quadrate Models

In 2004, I made my first quadrate models and they have become the overwhelming favorite of my rod offerings. They have a brisk, crisp, powerful action that many anglers say allows for pin point fly placement.  Most recently I have started to develop hollow built quadrate rods that further reduce weight.

Two Piece Rods    $1195.

6' 0"    3wt.
6' 6"    4wt.  (Emily's Remedy)
7' 0"    4 wt.


7' 6"    5 wt.


8' 0"    5/6 wt.


8' 6"    6/7 wt.

Three Piece Rods    $1295.

7' 0"   4 wt.
8' 0"   5/6 wt.
8' 6"   7 wt.



Hexagonal Models

Most of these hexagonal rods are derived from classic tapers by makers like Payne, Young and Dickerson.  If there is a model you are interested in that isn't listed here, please inquire! I enjoy crafting rods to meet specific needs.  Presentation Grade rods are available on a limited basis and prices will be quoted depending on the amount of engraving and special features requested. 

Two Piece Rods       $1195.

6' 0"  3 wt                           6' 3"   4 wt.
6' 6"  3 wt.                          7' 0"   4 wt.
7' 3"  4/5 wt.                       7' 6"   4 wt
7' 6"  5 wt.                          8' 0"   5 wt
8' 0"  6 wt.                          8' 6"   6 wt.
8' 6"  7 wt.


Three Piece Rods       $1295.

7' 0"      4 wt.                      7' 6"     5 wt.
8' 0"      5 wt.                      8' 6"     5 wt.
8' 6"      7wt.

Four Piece Rods     $1095.

7' 6"     5wt.                      8' 0"      5 wt.

Hollowbuilt  Add $150.

Contact ...

Classic Fly Fisherman
Robert R. Selb
222 S. Broad Street
Lansdale, PA 19446

Visa and Master Card accepted, also check
or money order. PayPal can be used on items
under $150.00. Please call:
Toll Free: 1-866-930-3667
Phone: (215) 412-3667
Fax: (215) 412-3606
Email: Classicflyfisherman@yahoo.com