Our Story

At The Bamboo Broker, we've been specializing in importing Tonkin cane for rodbuilders since 1996. Our initial entry into the market came after a rod maker named Darryl Whitehead met with Andy Royer and asked if Andy could import bamboo poles specifically suited for building fly rods. Andy had worked importing bamboo poles and products from Asia since 1994 and assured Darryl that he could find poles perfectly suited for his needs. This was easier said than done, the first shipment to come into Seattle was comprised of bamboo no better than could be found at a local nursery. The order succeeded however, in establishing our desire to do whatever it took to obtain the best quality cane available. As our Tonkin specialist, Andy traveled to China in the summer of 1997 and discovered a bamboo supplier who would allow him to sort through the poles one at a time before buying. Andy now visits China every year to personally oversee and hand select each Tonkin pole to be used for split-cane rods. He checks each and every pole for size, fiber density, straightness, bug marks, branch nodes, color and overall appearance. None of the Tonkin for fly rods sold by The Bamboo Broker has been straightened by heat or scarred by slash/farmer's marks. Bamboo of this quality has not been available before we brought it to market.

We recognize the amount of work and passion that goes into building a split cane fly-rod, we supply bamboo that has undergone similar scrutiny.

The same integrity we put into our bamboo for fly-rods exists in all of our bamboo endeavors. Our wholesale poles and stakes are the same high quality, thick walled species we sell for fly rods. In Southern China, there are several bamboo species closely related to Arundinaria (Pseudosasa) amabilis. These are often sold as “Tonkin Cane” around the world. Indeed, these poles may look similar to our Tonkin poles but close inspections will reveal the other bamboo is not comparably thick-walled, straight or strong. Still, our prices are competitive with even these lesser quality bamboo poles. We believe that the quality of our product and service will more than compensate any price difference you may find between The Bamboo Broker and any other bamboo supplier.

We believe in our product and we stand behind everything we sell. If you honor us with your business, The Bamboo Broker will work hard to meet your needs and to make sure that you are satisfied with our business.

Thank you.