Gesit Bamboo Spey Rod First Cast

Finally, I have the bamboo spey rod on my hand and it’s beautiful and perfect in any sense. The rod is 6wt 12’6” 3 pieces with splice joins and was crafted by Gesit - Gesit Bamboo Rod from Yogyakarta in Indonesia.

Lashing splice joins together is a kind of ritual by the steam side before fishing, and it was quite enjoyable.

Firstly, the rod felt a lot heavier than a modern graphite rod. Unlike hollow graphite, this bamboo spey rod is made of a solid bamboo. I needed a heavier reel to balance the swing weight of the rod.

Secondly, unlike a graphite rod where the vibration dampens quickly after the rod tip stops on the forward cast, the bamboo rod is quite bouncy. I have cast few bamboo rods, both single and two-handed, the slow, languid and bouncy recovery seems to be characteristic of the bamboo rod. This vibration becomes more obvious as the rod is longer. Unless I forward cast smoothly with a subtle stop, the rod will vibrate and produce a ‘shock dimple’ on the rod leg of the loop. The rod bends quite deep, I can feel it on the grip. I have to do few casts to make an adjustment to my stroke before I can make a descent cast. The line I used was 460grains/37ft belly - long Scandi line with 10ft Polyleader and 6ft tippet.

Above all, I’m very pleased with the rod. It’s another cherished addition to my collection. I think Gesit did a very good job. The only small improvement I would like to have on this rod is a longer upper grip. This would move up the fulcrum point few inches up and improve the swing weight balance.

Next, try to catch a fish with this rod. Hopefully soon.