Question about William Critchfield rods

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Richard	Question about William Critchfield rods		Lead	[-]
Posts: 1 06/05/2009 06:46	Tags : None Hello list, I'm new to the list and will share a proper introduction later, but for now I have a question I hope you can help with. I have been a fly fisherman for 30+ years now but have never fished a bamboo rod. Now that I'm a little older and wiser I have decided there must be something special about fishing with bamboo, something I would like to experience. Since I recently moved to Virginia and will be fishing small trout streams in the western part of the state I was looking for a 7'6" 2/2 for a #4 line. I have the opportunity to purchase a used, but in mint condition bamboo rod for what I believe is a good price. Of course this is all relative as I have no idea what to truly look for other than it's cosmetic condition. The rod is a William Critchfield and from the photos it looks very nice. The seller seems to be a very nice fellow in his email and has what appears to be a reputable business in Florida. What I was hoping the list could provide are any thoughts and/or comments about Critchfiield rods and their quality. I look forward to your responses. Thank you for your time. -Richard
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tiptop		#1	[url]	[-]
Posts: 571 06/05/2009 08:18	Hi Richard and welcome! While the rod you inquire about may be an ideal rod for you, you would probably would be better off casting some bamboo rods before buying one. Perhaps a member of the forum lives near you and would be happy to let you cast some of his or you could attend a "bamboo gathering" in your area with the same purpose in mind. It will give you a better idea of what to expect and what you like regarding actions, cosmetics, etc.. You could purchase the Critchfield rod with the right of return, but without having anything to compare it to you may have a difficult time evaluating it. You've waited 30 years to look into bamboo, it might be a good idea to go slow at first. Or not! Good luck, tiptop
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rlnunleycom		#2	[url]	[-]
Posts: 526 06/05/2009 08:20	Richard, I agree with tiptop... and check your Private Messages. Bob RL "Bob" Nunley, Rodmaker Ozark Rodmaking School
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Flyman615	Critchfield rods	#3	[url]	[-]
Posts: 3259 06/05/2009 08:37	While I certainly don't disagree with tiptop, FWIW, I own two of Bill Critchfield's rods and find them to be of excellent quality and good values. Good luck! Flyman
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Richard		#4	[url]	[-]
Posts: 2 06/05/2009 08:38	Thanks for the sound advise. Although I'm currently sitting in Afghanistan I live in Chesapeake VA, and would like to know if there are any "bamboo gatherings" in my neck of the woods. -Rich
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pvansch1		#5	[url]	[-]
Posts: 4653 06/05/2009 21:41 Moderator	Don't know about any gatherings nearby but a few good rodmakers within a few hours. Hopefull they will chime in. Pete
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nativebrownie		#6	[url]	[-]
Posts: 799 06/05/2009 22:21	Agreed with Flyman, I own three of Bill's rods and recently recommended the purchase of one of Bill's rods to the wife of a dear friend. Seems he'll be quiet nicely surprised on his upcoming Birthday - his first small stream cane rod. Couldn't come from a more talented and nicer maker, imho. NB
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cwood		#7	[url]	[-]
Posts: 602 06/07/2009 18:58	Several makers make one tipped rods, or more utilitarian type rods for a great price. Not saying Bill doesn't make a nice rod, but it might be worth searching around a bit. Bob Nunley, Harry Boyd, AJThramer, JD Wagner, and in your neck of the woods, Chris Bogart, all make either one tipped rods in the 600-700 range, or in the case of AJ, a 2 tipped rod in the 800 range. Harry Boyd has pictures of his one tipped rods on this forum and they look very nice. The 7 ft. 4 wt. sounds very nice for the type fishing you do. I have owned a JD Wagner Patriot series rod and it was outstanding both in fishing and cosmetics. Jim Bresko @ Coldwater Collectibles has a 2 tipped 7'3" 4 wt. Patriot for 750, which is over 500 off the retail value. All these makers are full time and have made a lot of rods which helps in the quality of the rod IMO, and if you ever want to sell it you will have a better chance getting your money back if you stick with an established maker. Good luck! CWood
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nativebrownie		#8	[url]	[-]
Posts: 808 06/08/2009 12:37	Bill has put me in a real predicament - I invariably grab one of his small stream tapers (6.5/2/2 2wt or a 7/3/2 3 wt) and my similar Leonards stay in the closet. What's a guy to do... huh? He's that good - for years...But so are many other of our fine builders... NB
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FrankB		#9	[url]	[-]
Posts: 9 06/08/2009 19:34	The dealer is clearly Len Codella, and I saw the Critchfield rods he has on his site. I don't like the grip on that rod, but that's a personal taste thing. If Len Codella says it's a good rod, I'd give it a look. There are a few nice looking rods on Codella's site right now......
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bobbeegee		#10	[url]	[-]
Posts: 2768 06/08/2009 19:47	FrankB wrote: The dealer is clearly Len Codella, and I saw the Critchfield rods he has on his site. I don't like the grip on that rod, but that's a personal taste thing. It's not so much the grip but the cork I don't like. Addressing cosmetics only. Might be a great casting rod though, I just don't have the experience with his rods. Bob Go Heels!!! Last Edited By: bobbeegee 06/08/2009 19:51. Edited 2 times.
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nativebrownie		#11	[url]	[-]
Posts: 811 06/09/2009 22:04	Just to add some aditional info here... Two of my favorite small stream rods are from Bill's bench. The cork fashioned seat is from a 6.5/2/2 (2 weight) that is by far my favorite brookie rod. Wonderful with a SA3 in close - many, many brookies have met this rod - straight as an arrow. The wood cap and ring model is a 7/3/2 (3 weight) that is my July-August terrestrial fishing joy - actually likes a SA 2-3 equally. Medium slow but good guts for a larger native ... Both rods enjoy agate strippers and semi transparent candy wraps. Plenty of guides - the 6.5 has hand drawn NS ferrules and the 7 footer enjoys NOS (W&M, I believe) ferrules .Have known Mr. Critchfield via a few purchases - another great guy. My opinion is that his finish work is exacting and simply ornamental. He can employ some NOS components nicely enough. Perfect simple cosmetics for me - he also likes to try (my opinion only) some interesting touches - like the chunkier grip( is it to balance out and lighten the feel - if so, it works) on the 7/3/2 (with a thumb groove in place - I like it) - and the simple cork seat and grip on the 6.5 - note the simple blackened rings. I know that he fishes Wisconsin spring creeks and maybe that is why his small stream tapers fit my small waters to a tee. Another one, imo, of our fine custom builders. Last Edited By: nativebrownie 06/09/2009 22:27. Edited 2 times.
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Question about William Critchfield rods

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