I have been making bamboo rods for the last eleven years, I always have at least two or three on the go. I am pleased that my rods and wading staffs have travelled (so far) to the US , UK, Italy and Australia. By profession I am an illustrator and design instructor (with a degree in graphic design when such a thing was worth something...) British born, I have lived in Toronto, Canada for the last 25 years - Lake Ontario is the end of the street. Married, also for 25 years, my wife and I have two teenage daughters. My web bamboo portfolio can be seen at: web.mac.com/m.cullen/mhc (no www needed) which features all types of rods from 3wt fly rods to muskie baitcasters plus 2 pce.wading staffs. There do not seem to be many other makers who make bamboo rods other than fly rods on this side of the Atlantic. I am currently attempting to learn the basics of the spey-casting, double handed rod style for Great Lakes steelhead. One highlight a couple of seasons ago, was to boat two (almost three..) 20lb + muskie on a bamboo baitcasting rod of my own making from a favourite spot in the Karwartha Lakes. Visit www.purepiscator.com to read some interesting articles on (mostly) UK angling. My modest contributions there (Malcolm in the Work Party)includes a 3 part bamboo rod making diary, an interview with Hardy expert John Drewett, plus a review of the fine Trufflepig Film Hardy DVD, and the odd reel review.