T. L. Zietak Quadrate Bamboo Fly Rods
After making traditional hexagonal (6-strip) for 10 years I finally was able to acquire and evaluate several quadrate rods by the past masters, namely W.E. Edwards and Sam Carlson. Their unique feel and look separate them from all other rod configurations.
#2212
#2214
Rod Blank
The rod blanks are produced from select Tonkin cane. They are heat treated by an open flame to produce the desired coloration. Waterproof adhesive is used to glue up the blank. The glue is actually stronger than the bamboo itself.
Ferrules
The ferrules used on quadrate rod have always been a stumbling block for builders. The nickel silver tubing must be re-shaped square to fit over the blank without cutting away any of the precious power fibers from the blank. A true quad does not have round ferrules. The ferrules I use on my rods are handmade and perfectly fit. They are richly blued to compliment the reel seat components.
Grip & Reel Seat
The standard grip is a Payne style dry fly grip that is squared off at the front or a half-wells grip on larger rods. They are both very comfortable. A slide band reel seat with pocketed butt cap is the standard configuration. Reel seat hardware is made from nickel silver with a rope knurl design that is blued to match the ferrules. Wood types used for the spacer include: burl walnut, feather-crotch walnut, Spanish cedar, mahogany, or tiger maple.
Guides & Wraps
The guides used on all rods are bronzed snakes with an agate stripping guide. All wraps are done in pure silk thread. Base color of the wraps is a rich reddish maroon or java brown (Payne brown) with black tipping at the edges. Signature wraps are done in the same colors. The entire rod is finished with an extremely durable polyurethane finish.
Signature
All rods are signed in delicate script on the top flat of the rod. No length, line weight, or other information is written on the rod. The rod tube label has the serial number, length, line weight and model designation.
SIZES
The following configuration of rods are available. The line weight given is approximate and may be different depending on whether you like a double taper or weight forward line. Line size may also be different if you use a silk line.
6' 0" 2pc. #3: Great rod for small streams. Crisp dry fly action while style retaining a smooth feel. This taper is a slightly modified Carlson taper.
6' 6" 2 pc. #3/4: Very similar to the rod above with a bit more length. A little bit more power hence the ability to take a #3 or 4 line depending on your needs.
6' 9" 2 pc. #4: There is something about the 6'9" length that makes a great rod. Made for small streams where a tight loop is needed to cast under bushes and branches.
7' 0" 2 pc. #4: Just a perfect rod for all around smaller streams. I use this rod 75% of the time for my Pennsylvania stream fishing. Basically this rod has the same feel as a Payne 98 in a a quadrate form.
7' 3" 2 pc. #4: A little more length but the same feel as the 7'0" rod above.
7' 6" 2 pc. #4 Parabolic: This rod is a casting machine. Derived from a Paul Young "Perfectionist" rod, it is parabolic and can handle a very wide range of situations. Once you get used to the action you will find yourself picking this rod up more and more.
7' 6" 2 pc. #4 A standard dry fly rod for all around fishing.
7' 6" 2 pc. #5 The classic Catskill configuration.
7' 6" 3 pc. #5 The same rod above in 3 pc.
7' 9" 2 pc. #4/5 This is a nice rod that can handle a 4 or 5 line depending on the distances you will be casting.
8' 0" 2 pc. #5 My most popular rod for its versatility and ease of casting.
8' 0" 3 pc. #5 The same rod as above but in 3 pc.
8' 6" 3 pc. #5 The choice of many people for the Delaware River and for Western Rivers where the wind is a problem. A lot of people use this out of a drift boat as well.
Salmon Models:
9' 0" 3 pc. #8/9 This is the standard dry fly salmon model for me. Will fish great under a variety of conditions. Great for New Brunswick or Gaspe` fishing.
All rods come with 2 matching tips in cloth bag and aluminum tube with brass fittings.
Prices:
2 pc. 2 tips:
$1350
3 pc. 2 tips: $1600
All salmon models are $1800
Waiting periods vary and depend on the size of the rod and time of year.
Contact ...
Classic Fly Fisherman Toll Free: 1-866-930-3667
Robert R. Selb
206 S. Broad Street
Lansdale, PA 19446
Phone: (215) 412-3667
Fax: (215) 412-3606
Email: Classicflyfishermanrrs@gmail.com