
Split Bamboo Fly Rods
Handcrafted in Denton,Texas
by Art Curnutt
As of April, 2026 Orders Take About Two Months
I take rod building very, very seriously, but I don't feel the need to be too serious about myself
A Real Rod Maker?
You betcha, Red Ryder!
It's been said that you're not a real rod maker unless you design your own taper.
As clever as I might think I am, I'm confident I'll never design a taper that matches any by Edwards, Payne, Young, Garrison, Jordan, Dickerson, Leonard, Powell ...
Consequently, all of my tapers are based on (tbo) those of the masters (see above)
New Builds

Paul Young Midge
6' 4", 2/1, 4 wt
w/Ho-Hum Cork Grip

Restorations

A butt and mid section - circa 1940s - that were in bad shape.
Made a new tip section based on Gillum 7662 Taper
Payne Canadian Canoe
8'5", 3/2, 7 wt
w/Cottonwood Bark Grip


Custom Grips
Cottonwood Bark - Top
Mesquite - Below


Hand Bound Fishing Journals
Customized
(I'm reconsidering this.
Check back later.)
Rods I've Made
Remember, these rod tapers were NOT developed by me and they are NOT intended to be reproductions of the aforementioned masters' rods.
Rods I've Restored
Both of which were my father's
Anathema
Payne 101
7'6", 2/1, 5 wt
September, 2021
Payne 101
7'6", 2/1, 5 wt
June, 2023
Paul Young Midge
6' 4", 2/1, 4 wt
December, 2023
Wes Jordan (Orvis)
7' 6", 2/1, 6 wt
December, 2023
Payne 100
7'6", 2/1, 4 wt
January, 2024
Heddon Model 20
7'0", 2/1, 4/5 wt
June, 2024
Dickerson 8013
(blank sections)
8'0", 2/2, 5 wt
June, 2024
Payne 204L
8'2", 3/2, 5 wt
December, 2024
Paul Young Midge
6' 4", 2/1, 4 wt
March, 2025
Payne Canadian Canoe
8'5", 3/2, 7 wt
November, 2025
Fred Divine
7'6", 3/2, 4 wt
January, 2026
Shakespeare 1305 Triumph
circa 1948
8'6", 3/2, 5 wt
Rebuilt butt section
August, 2024
Unknown
9'0", 3/2 (except no tips), 7/8 wt
circa 1940's
Made tip section tbo Gillum 7662
June, 2023
Spinning Rod!!
November, 2024
(for granddaughter Keagan)
I broke 6" off a tip section while binding, so I made a spinning rod, by golly!
