When it comes to restoration work there are several views on the process. From my perspective a properly restored vintage bamboo fly rod should look as close to an original as it can without crossing the line of the “facelift”. What I mean by that is when a rod looks clearly redone. When the level of varnish is too high or a modern varnish is used. When a nylon thread was used instead of silk, etc. - it has the same effect on say a rod made in 1938 as an 86 year old women with one too many face lifts, work has clearly been done and it doesn’t look right. My objective with a restoration is to return the rod to as close to original condition as I am able.
My preference with vintage rods, especially those with history (grandpas old rod or one you have fished and owned for decades, etc) is to address the restoration with that history in mind. If the majority of the varnish is sound but a few areas or chips need work and only some of the wraps need repair, my preference is to bring it back to sound fishing condition where the rod looks like an exceptionally well maintained original condition rod. As with all work, we can discuss your preference should you choose to use me. General restoration/repair cost is $50 hr for most work.
Contact Robert Smith for all inquires. Robert is the maker and owner, He prides himself on customer satisfaction so all projects are handled directly by Robert Smith over the phone, by email or in person at shows and events.
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Prices for 2024 start at $50/hr for standard restoration or repair work. Please note that prices are depended on the project so contact Robert Smith with specifics for a quote.
(contact information can be found at the bottom of the page)
Past Restoration Projects
Payne 98 Rod
This Payne 98 is a perfect example of a rod restored back to well-loved condition with the varnish rejuvenated but not stripped and redone. Cork cleaned and stabilized. The guide wrap and the female ferrule needed to be replaced and the ferrule was marred so re-wrapped and restored bluing to it along with the males (had a few minor chips in bluing) and reel seat hardware
Gillum Rod
This Gillum rod needed little care but I did replace two guide feet on two different wraps (kept original wrap on one side and did repair wrap on other foot of same guide) as try to keep as much of the original rod intact as I possibly can.
Divine Rod
This lovely 8’ 3/2 Divine rod was one of my earliest refinishing attempts. I say attempt as must humbly admit it was done prior to my full appreciation and understanding of proper restoration work as this rod was originally wrapped in orange thread. It had a short tip that was scarfed back and toned to match original. The hardware re-blued, varnish restored (I
try to avoid fully stripping a rod when possible). I do regret not properly matching the original threads as I certainly would today but it was over 20 years ago and I thought the green would look better with the original label (again my bad and have not done since) As with all my restorations I try to save as much of the original rod as can (hardware, guides even wraps).
