I have for sometime been admiring the few examples of Master Ishida's Kagerow rods that have shown up on this board. I would love to see some more. The
rods I have seen are real works of art. If you have one, would you be so kind as to post a picture or two, along with a few words? I think these rods are some
of the finest looking rods being made today (I have never had the chance to cast one but imagine similar superlatives). Thanks in advance for sharing, Jay
This forum began as Clark's Classic Bamboo Rod Forum, founded by Clark Davis for all who share a passion for classic rods. The forum is now owned by Whitefish Press aka Dr. Todd Larson - banjo.
For those who don't use English as their primary language we now have a translator for your language of choice hosted by Google.
0 Kudo
- Members Corner
- Forum Announcements
- Collecting Bamboo Fly Rods
- Fishing Bamboo Fly Rods
- Rod making, restoration, repairs and discussion on those related topics concerning bamboo rods.
- Rod and Reel Makers Forum
- Information About Makers & Manufacturers
- Taper Exchange
- Appraisals & Identification of Bamboo Fly Rods
- Ephemera, empherma and Ephemerella.....
- Book Talk
- Photos, paintings, written stories and talents.
- Classic Reels
- Collecting and Tying Classic Flies
- The Cooks Kitchen
- The Classic Fly Rod Classifieds
- Technical Support
Kagerow Appreciation Society
| Author | Comment | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
 jayhake |
Kagerow Appreciation Society |
Lead | ||
|
Posts: 168 02/22/2009 23:02 |
|
|||
|
|
||||
|
uintaangler |
#1 | |||
|
Posts: 1155 02/23/2009 11:16 |
Jay, on the current last page of "got a new rod lately", fishbates has pictures of a couple of Kagerow rods he just acquired.
|
|||
|
|
||||
|
LHW |
#2 | |||
|
Posts: 135 02/23/2009 15:04 |
Kagerow Main River 3/2 8' #5; tiger flamed 
|
|||
|
|
||||
|
ibookje |
#3 | |||
|
Posts: 1497 02/23/2009 18:51 |
Here are Horseho's beauties:
6'-9" 2/2 #4 Hex W/intermediates 6' 2/2 #2/3 Hex Tiger Flamed 7'-3" 2/2 #4 Penta Tiger Flamed 
|
|||
|
|
||||
|
cdmoore |
Don't forget the reels | #4 | ||
|
Posts: 2694 02/23/2009 20:27 Moderator |
Designed by Kagerow, made by Kineya. That is titanium and hardrubber. Now belongs to a good friend...
"If you finish in 7 days, I'll pay you for 10. If you finish in 10 days, I'll pay you for 7." ~Ballykissangel
Last Edited By: cdmoore 02/23/2009 23:54.
Edited 1 time.
|
|||
|
|
||||
|
bobbeegee |
#5 | |||
|
Posts: 2416 02/23/2009 20:40 |
Are the Kagerow rods built with Tonkin cane?
If not, what is your impression of the cane they are built with? His aesthetics are quite fine. Do they fish as well as they look? Can you describe his tapers? Progressive, para, semi-para, whatever,........ fast, medium, slow, etc. etc. Just curious. bobbyg Go Heels!!! |
|||
|
|
||||
|
cdmoore |
In answer to your questions... | #6 | ||
|
Posts: 2695 02/23/2009 23:53 Moderator |
Most models are made from "Tonkin" cane, though at least one is made from "Madake" bamboo, which is indigenous to Japan. Most rods are
finished with Urushi lacquer. IMO, they fish as well as they look. Tapers run the gamut from the list you describe. He makes several series, e.g. Kei, Main
River, etc. Within each series is a range of lengths and line weights, all with similar design and build characteristics. Naturally, the tempo of each rod
within a series would vary by length: shorter rods will seem to be faster than longer rods. Rods are either six- or five-sided. I don't believe he
currently makes quads, and I don't believe he currently hollowbuilds. (There are other Japanese rodmakers who do, however). You might give the description
on Rick Sorensen's site a read, which about sums it up.
"If you finish in 7 days, I'll pay you for 10. If you finish in 10 days, I'll pay you for 7." ~Ballykissangel
|
|||
|
|
||||
|
mosquito |
Kagerow Rods | #7 | ||
|
Posts: 68 02/24/2009 00:39 |
Ahhh the rods of Master Ishida. Some of the hidden treasures of the East. I have three of his wonderful rods. Not only is the craftsmanship some of the finest
around, but the rods cast exceptionally well!!!!! I know it is cliche to say that his rods are an extention of ones arm but that is what I am saying. Point and
shoot power with the most delicate delivery i have ever come across. Words are hard to describe the feel of his rods. Master Ishida is just that. A bamboo rod
Master.
The very cool thing about his rods are the fact that you can choose the wood for the reel seat, choose the color of the wraps, choose the length, weight and action, and even choose the cork grip.You name it and Master Ishida can probably come up with the rod of your dreams. I think these rods can only be ordered through Rick at www.Westslopefly.com. I know Rick has many details of the Kagerow rods on his website but here are a few of mine to wet your appetite. Check out the reel seats!!!!!!!!!!! Tiger maple and the other in Bamboo. It just doesnt get much better than that!!!!!!!!!!! 
Kagerow "Basic" 7'6", 3/2 4wt. Kagerow "Main River" 7'3" 2/2 3wt.
|
|||
|
|
||||
|
rocketman |
#8 | |||
|
Posts: 119 02/24/2009 02:22 |
The bamboo reel seat is exceptionally impressive.
Those old fishermen: They're slow-moving and crabby and some of them talk to themselves, but they can catch trout.
|
|||
|
|
||||
|
spruce grouse |
#9 | |||
|
Posts: 1257 02/24/2009 10:20 |
Love the bamboo reel seat. Hate the tiger flaming. But that's just me.
|
|||
|
|
||||
|
jayhake |
#10 | |||
|
Posts: 170 02/24/2009 14:00 |
Awesome gents, I was away for a couple of days moving and you exceeded my expectations. Thanks. Once I get settled, I may need to think about an order.
Cheers, jay |
|||
|
|
||||
|
spruce grouse |
#11 | |||
|
Posts: 1258 02/24/2009 14:30 |
Horsesho wrote:Well, I guess your lousy taste in aesthetics is only surpassed by your lousy taste in friends. 
|
|||
|
|
||||
|
Aransas |
#12 | |||
|
Posts: 65 02/24/2009 22:57 |
His rods are obviously very finely crafted with great attention to detail. Just curious.... When you order a rod from Master Ishida, do you have the
opportunity to talk with him? I enjoy getting to know the folks who build my rods. For me, it makes the ownership of a fine rod more personal.
|
|||
|
|
||||
|
cdmoore |
His English is not so great (no offense Ishida-san!)... | #13 | ||
|
Posts: 2696 02/24/2009 23:21 Moderator |
About as good as my Japanese. If you know Japanese or have a buddy at work or something, you might be in luck.
"If you finish in 7 days, I'll pay you for 10. If you finish in 10 days, I'll pay you for 7." ~Ballykissangel
|
|||
|
|
||||
|
nccavalier |
#14 | |||
|
Posts: 98 02/25/2009 03:11 |
This is my Kagerow Kei: 7'3", three piece, 3weight Penta. Great reel seat, great finish, and fishes wonderfully
|
|||
|
|
||||
|
David Dornblaser |
#15 | |||
|
Posts: 283 02/26/2009 13:28 |
Wow, those are beautiful rods. Can anyone tell me how the pentas cast? I know that's a hard question. The 7'3" 4 penta configuration appeals to
me.
- David www.UpperMidwestFlyFishing.com - fly fishing in the Upper Midwest. Spring Creeks to Smallies to Steelhead. |
|||
|
|
||||
|
ARTHURK |
#16 | |||
|
Posts: 211 02/26/2009 18:11 |
Last Edited By: ARTHURK 02/26/2009 19:19.
Edited 1 time.
|
|||
|
|
||||
|
creakycane |
#17 | |||
|
Posts: 2084 02/26/2009 20:07 |
I don't own any Kagerows but sometimes wish I did! Gorgeous rods. One FYI, the book below has pics of many Japanese and American rods - including
Kagerow and numerous other Japanese rods, as well as Young's Summers etc. I wonder if Kagerow is at the top of the Japanese makers and who the peer
makers are? Even though I have this book, with no Japanese fluency its hard to make out much, except look at photos. There are many other beautiful rods
including Nakamura, Hirata, Kitao, Miyasaki...... Are there any refs in english that discuss these makers, along with Kagerow, even briefly? Seems the
Japanse know alot more about US rods than we about theirs, and I wonder if Kagerow/Ishida is one of the few that has broken through to the US market - but that
there might be many other equally nice rods to be had from Japan?
http://bluedun.net/book_bamboo_ima.html |
|||
|
|
||||
|
cdmoore |
Short answer | #18 | ||
|
Posts: 2700 02/26/2009 23:56 Moderator |
Based on my research, it's not dissimilar to here, though there are probably not quite so many hobbyist builders percentage-wise. Space is a super-premium
in Japan, as everyone knows, so you can't just throw up a shop in the backyard. I estimate there are roughly 70 Japanese (and a few Korean) rodmakers that
are very, very good. Some are more well known like a Per Brandin or Bob Summers, some not so well known. They have the up-and-comers and the Old Masters just
like here. Most use techniques that would be familiar to anyone here, others use some unique or "Japanese" building methods. Not tons of innovation,
but lots of thoughtful and meaningful improvement. In addition, "traditional rods" has a different twist there as they have an indigenous and ancient
fishing technique and some rods are made just for that purpose. They also make "marutake" rods that are crafted from whole cane sections--naturally
hollowbuilt...cool! It's something akin to the handful of guys here that are making rods from greenheart or carving cases like the Gnome. Chris P.S. It
ain't just trout. The biggest prices I've seen paid for reels--not counting something like a Hardy perfect that actually belonged to William Hardy--are
for classic period spinning and baitcasting reels. Bass tournaments are huge!
"If you finish in 7 days, I'll pay you for 10. If you finish in 10 days, I'll pay you for 7." ~Ballykissangel
|
|||
|
|
||||
|
16 pmd |
#19 | |||
|
Posts: 659 02/27/2009 03:13 |
Another terrific Japanese rodmaker is Yukihiro Yoshida, who has come to the U.S. for shows in Somerset, NJ and Pleasanton, CA. He makes his rods from Japanese
madake bamboo, which has proven to be an excellent material for rodmaking. He has brought madake to the U.S. for American rodbuilders who hold a gathering in
the East, and Per Brandin had previously asked for a supply as well. Yoshida is an innovator not just in the use of madake, but also hollow building and using
bamboo ferrules. He makes rods with several actions, including light crisp ones similar to American hollowbuilders like Brandin & Reams. Unlike many
Japanese makers he makes longer rods more suited to the American market in addition to the shorter 3 & 4 wts favored by most Japanese anglers. His work is
impeccable, both in the cane and the cosmetics and his rods have classic American actions with a beautiful, but spare Japanese elegance. He has a friend in the
U.S. who helps market them through a website: www.mcflyfishing.com
|
|||
|
|
||||
|
WestSlope |
Thought everyone might want to see photo's of Ishida-san at work & play! | #20 | ||
|
Posts: 711 02/27/2009 04:44 |
Well Ishida-san of Kagerow Rods is coming up on his 25th year of rod building and last year Japans premier fly fishing magazine did very nice tribute to his
mastery and contribution to the art of splitting cane! Thought you might enjoy the photo's. He's considered by his country men as one of the best
builders in the world but he would never agree with such things. I have found him to be extremely humble in all respects and a complete gentleman! I only wish
I could read and speak Japanese
 I get bye somehow with a little help from a very
special Japanese fly shop owner!
When I set out to find what I felt would be one of the best rods in Japan I spent over a year casting many rods built in Japan. Please don't ask me their names  This all started years ago when a Doctor friend of mine who lives in the bay area
came back from Japan with an arm full of Japanese cane. He was so excited with his new find, he was like a kid in a candy store. Most of the times we seem to
like the same things, so I was very open to what he had to say about his new rods! This is what started me on my quest and I ended up with Ishida-san and
Kagerow. This was not an easy project! You don't just call them up and say, Hey I want to sell your rod here in the states, yea right! It took years as was
the case with Kineya Reels. A special bond of trust must be built between cultures and I really respect that about the Japanese. Anyway enjoy the shots and
thanks to everyone over the last few years who has recognized the genius in his art work and just how talented Ishida-san really is!!!
    
Very Nice Staggered Ferrule 8'3" 5wt with Olve Green wraps! 
  
Two of Kagerow wrap styles close up!   
Last Edited By: WestSlope 03/16/2009 05:31.
Edited 5 times.
|
|||
|
|
||||
. This is the rod my graphite pals chose in an accuracy casting event last year..
according to them, its the most seductive bamboo they've ever cast with accuracy to boot. Something about the stronger 2/3 and fast tip allows final
adjustments to the cast for accuracy...
- Members Corner
- Forum Announcements
- Collecting Bamboo Fly Rods
- Fishing Bamboo Fly Rods
- Rod making, restoration, repairs and discussion on those related topics concerning bamboo rods.
- Rod and Reel Makers Forum
- Information About Makers & Manufacturers
- Taper Exchange
- Appraisals & Identification of Bamboo Fly Rods
- Ephemera, empherma and Ephemerella.....
- Book Talk
- Photos, paintings, written stories and talents.
- Classic Reels
- Collecting and Tying Classic Flies
- The Cooks Kitchen
- The Classic Fly Rod Classifieds
- Technical Support
Quick Reply
The Orvis database by Greg Reynolds Finally available again!!
Check out the Paul Young Rod Co. database which is owned and maintained by member Robert Golder (quashnet).
Paul Young Rod Co. database by quashnet
DISCLAIMER:The views, and opinions, posted here are the sole responsibility of the poster. Negative comments, when directed at individuals, or other private concerns, will not be tolerated, posters should treat this media no differently than any other media source, in other words, if you would not submit what you are going to post in the newspaper, or a magazine, and sign your name as the author, kindly refrain from doing so here. The Classic Fly Rod Forum is not an open air forum for vendor/maker complaints. If you seek resolution, it is recommended you talk to the vendor/maker. If you seek an audience, it is recommended you go elsewhere. The admin and the Moderators reserve the right to remove any items deemed inappropriate according to the rules of conduct prominently displayed on each forum. If you have any questions or concerns you are free to email us at
send email to the Classic Fly Rod Forum
Posting to sell Domain names and the like, i.e. SPAM, is against YUKU Policy, if you post these types of posts here you will be banned from this board and YUKU will more than likely ban you from the site entirely. Thank you..........
The Fly Fishing Loop is sponsored by flydepot.com
[ Home Waters | Next | Random | List | Search ]
