Mark Metcalf, Editor of The Bamboo Fly Rod magazine wrote in a recent issue about the myths of the bamboo fly rod. Many of these myths are an attempt at having anglers believe that modern high tech materials, especially graphite and its predecessor, fibreglas, make better fly rods than bamboo.
Considering the costs of the more advanced graphite rods today versus the costs of a well built split cane, it is probably only right that comparisons should be made between the two. In some cases, a new split cane rod costs little more, even considering the 40 hours labor involved in building. Perhaps more of us should delve deeper into bamboo and learn more about its characteristics before laying out a ton of money for that next rod in the fly shop.
The Bamboo Fly Rod is an appealing magazine for all. Before receiving my copies, I assumed the new publication would be aimed at bamboo rod builders only. I was pleasantly surprised to discover that anyone that enjoys or has an interest in fishing with split cane will find something useful in each and every issue.
Excellent writers including A.K. Best, David Seidler and David Minicucci as regular contributors to the magazine. Mr. Best of course is the same one who has written so many excellent books on fly tying, and he brings a great deal of experience to the magazine.
Naturally, there is a lot of content that will appeal to those who build cane rods. As well as a 'Rodmakers Profile' in which a cane craftsman is featured, there were recent articles on making your own steel planing forms, ovens for curing bamboo and various tips to solve common production problems. However, the magazine does not try to be a crafter's journal only, and in the most recent issue, Anna Minicucci compares fishing with bamboo to single malt whiskey in an entertaining essay that will want to make you reach for a wee dram of Glenfiddich after spending some time casting a non 'plastic' rod.
If you visit the website of The Bamboo Fly Rod, you will have an opportunity to subscribe on line and learn more about the upcoming issue. One thing that should be noted is that some subscribers have complained about the great length of time that the magazine took in arriving in the mailbox. Unfortunately, this has alienated some, but the folk at the magazine have apologized for the recent poor delivery and claim that problems with production and the Postal Services have been resolved. Give them a chance, they are new on the block!
The Muncher is a favorite of Ian James for carp, smallies, more. 
Thoughts of a Chicken Rancher. Doc tells it like it is.