In 1960 C.W. Jenkins began crafting cane fly rods using tools he designed and built in his basement shop.  What began as a hobby has produced a limited number of fine bamboo fly rods treasured by anglers world-wide. Today, his son Steve continues to fashion rods in the same practiced and time-tested manner, while Charlie continues to improve tool design and acts as support and an advisor. 

Charlie

Steve

The Process

Beginning with well seasoned Tonkin cane, we proceed through some thirty main operations.  From raw cane to finished product, over 75% of the work is done by hand.  

Hand-split strips of cane are heat treated to the point of optimum stiffness. This imparts a quality of lightness and life a fine rod must possess. The tempered strips are then carefully straightened over heat to prepare them for milling.  The milling process cuts the strips to within thousandths of an inch to tapers proven over time. Six strips for each section are then patiently worked by hand until they fit together and appear as one solid piece. Using a modern resin adhesive, the strips are bound under pressure and cured at controlled temperatures. This results in a waterproof bond that is stronger than the cane itself. The glued blanks are then scraped to remove the enamel, buffed and again painstakingly straightened. Nickel silver ferrules are carefully mounted and oxidized to prevent flash. Multiple coats of a durable varnish are carefully applied to provide protection from the elements.  A functional grip and select reel seat are added to accent the rods natural beauty.  Only fine quality stripping guides, snake guides and tops are used. True to our belief that simplicity is its own form of beauty, windings are placed and finished only where they serve a purpose and are not used to conceal or decorate.

Jenkins rods are so cherished, that seldom do pre-owned rods find their way to the market, and when they do, they bring prices equivalent to the best rods from better known makers.

Updates

Things have changed quite a bit over the last four years, and more so over the last year and one half.  With Dad at 87, and devoting much of his available time to tool design and being the consummate advisor, I have found myself - a rod builder with twenty plus years of experience - comfortably in charge of the whole operation at this time.  Dad and I have spent a terrific twenty plus years building rods together.  I consider this the most valuable, enlightening and enjoyable, father-son, bonding opportunity that anyone could ever experience.  Dad could be a no finer and dedicated coach.  I'm confident that the rods that leave the shop now are the best we have ever crafted. Dad would agree, as he remains our ever diligent, observant and unbiased critic.

I continue to make progress here, getting a handle on past orders, adapting to the new shop and adjusting to the increased amount of time that must be dedicated to family matters.  It is all still a bit overwhelming and keeps me quite busy. Customers who have an order in the queue for an Oven Tempered Signature or Jenkins Signature rod will still experience a delay in delivery as I wade through all of these changes, but progress is being made.  As always, I sincerely appreciate the patience that customers have exhibited over the last year and more.  Your patience and understanding during this ongoing and difficult period of transition is truly valued.

The Jenkins Signature Rod

After a good bit of discussion, debate, analysis and consideration of past and present rods, Dad and I have decided on what we feel is the finest representation of the Jenkins cane fly rod.  Since the rods that Dad built his reputation on, beginning in 1960, were oven tempered, it was an easy and unanimous choice that it should remain this way.  Also, since Dad's tapers were designed to function optimally in a two piece format, we have decided that this will be what we currently offer. Jenkins Signature rods will be equipped with our 6", bullet shaped, Flor grade grip, bright nickel silver cap and ring reel seat with our traditional, mortised, Cherry wood arbor, nickel silver ferrules and bright chrome guides and tip tops.  Keeping with our belief that, "simplicity is its own form of beauty", wraps will now be a translucent beige with dark chestnut brown winds at the ferrule stations.  We offer Snake Brand Guides as an optional upgrade. 

Two line weights are listed as the rods will handle both, depending on the preference of the caster, length of cast, length of leader, wind, etc.