bamboo 3 weight

Hey guys. I just got a (supposed) #3- 6' bamboo. The rod sock says J.S. Sharpe ltd. Trade mark "scottie". The rod itself reads "the midge" made by farlow's in aberdeen scotland. There is no weight # on it but was told its a #3.I haven't castedit on water but in my yard with limited space between obstructions (I have a small yard) I can surprisingly haul an estimated 60' cast while overloading itwith a #5 weight forward. I am quite amazed. I may have found a new passion here. Im looking for opinions and any excess info anyone knows about this rod. (Especially indy) :)

A few sold on ebay

http://completed.shop.ebay.com/Fishing-/14104/i.html?rt=nc&LH_Complete=1&_nkw=Sharpe%20rod&_fln=1&_trksid=p3286.c0.m283

Thanks for the input indy. I was itching to cast it and a 5# was all I had at home (all of my other equipment is at my camp). I started by doing a zig zag roll cast in the pool and was effortlessly shooting 30' off of my loop.I've yet to spin up my 8'3" 6#; but am looking forward to eventually getting it done. Let me ask, would it be ok to overload a #6 bamboo or does the same rule apply to all bamboo?? I typically prefer overloading by atleast one weight... I don't know how much my father paid for it but I know he only paid 250 for the 14' #9 hardy he gave my brother. Now that's a stick if I've ever held one...

ORIGINAL: indisguiz

Also with bamboo you need to slow down your casts, both fore and back. Feel the load on the rod.

This was obvious on my first pull back. It feltgreat actually... for the timing on both forward and back; its amazing your line doesn't fall to the ground while waiting for the load. i'll have to try outs sylk line I ssuppose. Thanks for the info

ORIGINAL: dano

Dime,
The mfg rated this rod for a 4wt dt or 5wt wf.
It was a rod that was the lightest of their 2 piece Featherweight series.
These rods are not varnished. Instead, they have been impregnated with a patented solution that make them impervious to moisture.
In other word, you have a waterproof bamboo rod.
If the ferrule fit is snug(you will here a distinct "pop" when pulling apart) and mounted tight to the rod sections then you could try a six weight line. But, I wouldn't try to throw the entire line. Just in case....
If the ferrule fit is slightly loose, (you may hear or feel a "click" when casting)  put the rod away and contact a local bamboo rod builder to have him adjust the ferrule.

interesting dano; its funny how you can get 2 completely different opinions while being able to respect both.these are the specific detais i was seeking. Much appreciated.I guess that is why I was effortlessly throwing 60' with my weight forward #5. Imo; it didn't feel as if the rod was straining. Yes there is a pop when detatching(I actually knew about that one but thanks :)... I really never see a reason to throw a full line with it; (maybe just for fun sometime:). I was most impressed with the roll cast I was throwing in my pool most. I was zigzagging a 30' -3 part pattern right in front of me and rolling it right over. Keep in mind my pool is only 15' round :) I think i'll take indy's advice and not overline it to a 6. Do you happen to know the years they made this rod? Any more info would be great. Im told 1930's... thanks again

When I get a chance i'll try to post a pic of the rod sock and emblem on the rod. Id sayits at least pre 1970. Btw I found info myself confirming the 4/5 line rating for the 6' midge. Thanks again. Man, I gotta say; quite a cast for a 6' stick.

Dano

That Boo you have is a total POS You really should send it my way for a Proper Destruction ya know..........

Dime, I'd go with Dano's information as being more accurate than mine. All I had for reference was my antique books. I just looked it up and his info is accurate.

Dime,you going to use that stick during our get together in Sept.? :)