Pocono Mountain Rods
Handcrafted Split Cane Bamboo Fly Rods
Timothy G. Mahovich ~ Maker

      
Rod and Fish

Pocono Mountain Rods are handcrafted heirloom quality Bamboo Fly Rods.
They are worthy of even the most discerning Fly Fishing Angler.

Penn's Woods Edition

Rod Length 6'3''
The Wild Brownie - Lines #4 and #5

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The rod is inspired by a Lyle Dickerson taper. The Wild Brownie will throw both #4 and #5 lines. Tested with Cortland 444 Classic Sylk fly lines; this rod possesses amazing casting capabilities. This little powerhouse delivers the Trout it's offering with precision and accuracy. The rod is a 2/2 configuration with book matched tip sections and includes an Olive Powder Coated Rod Tube with Gold hardware; Rod Sock and a complimentary Pocono Mountain Rods cap.

Rod Length 6'3"
The Native Brookie - Lines #4 and #5

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I first made the Native Brookie as a single tip rod for personal use; I was experimenting with tapers and was drawn to a Lyle Dickerson taper which I used as my starting point. My thinking was simple; I wanted a shorter rod to work the small streams and I wanted it made with a light tip so I could really feel those Brook Trout hook up. The rod is incredible and full of spunk. It will throw line like no tomorrow and in tight quarters will roll casts with ease. And although it's made for smaller streams and tight quarters, when given the opportunity and the water conditions are favorable; I love to fish this rod in the Lehigh River. I make my way through and fish the runs and pockets and every fish is a memory. I landed a 16 inch Rainbow with this rod in fast water and with ease. Either of these 6'3" rods will excite you beyond belief. Again, the Native Brookie has a lighter tip and is slightly lighter in the butt section. When a fish grabs a hold you'd swear the action stops in your elbow. The Brownie, which is listed above, it's a bit more on the stout side and it was made that way because in general the Brown Trout is more aggressive. In my mind that fish deserved more cane and this is how and why I came up with these designs and the names for these rods. Tested with Cortland 444 Classic Sylk fly lines; this rod possesses amazing casting capabilities. Both are awesome rod tapers that perform the same job; but they have slightly different charicterists. The rod is a 2/2 configuration with book matched tip sections and includes an Olive Powder Coated Rod Tube with Gold hardware; Rod Sock and a complimentary Pocono Mountain Rods cap.

Rod Length 6'8"
Head Waters Gem - Lines #4 and #5

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This rod design was based off an F.E. Thomas taper which I made some subtle changes, including adding 2 inches to it's length. It it a beautifully crafted rod which I've dubbed the "Head Waters Gem". The Gem will throw both #4 and #5 lines. It is a very sweet Trout rod that will add hours of pleasure to your day on the water. Tested with Cortland 444 Classic Sylk fly lines; the rod has amazing casting capabilities and it delivers the fly delicately and with precision. The rod is a 2/2 configuration with book matched tip sections and includes an Olive Powder Coated Rod Tube with Gold hardware; Rod Sock and a complimentary Pocono Mountain Rods cap.

Rod Length 7'0"
The Trout Bum - Lines #4 and #5

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This rod is Jim Payne's 98. It is one of the most sought after Payne tapers. This rod has a legendary status. No changes were made to the taper design. It is a superb rod that is truly amazing to fish with. Tested with Cortland 444 Classic Sylk fly lines; this rod possesses amazing casting capabilities. There is really nothing more to say. It is a great rod and I have several of them out there being fished. The rod is a 2/2 configuration with book matched tip sections and includes an Olive Powder Coated Rod Tube with Gold hardware; Rod Sock and a complimentary Pocono Mountain Rods cap.

Rod Length 7'6"
The Tobyhanna Classic - #4 Line

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This rod is a Paul Young Perfectionist taper and is one of Mr. Young's most sought after tapers. This is a truly awesome rod that throws a #4 line and delivers the fly with precision and accuracy. Tested with Cortland 444 Classic Sylk fly line; this rod possesses amazing casting capabilities. This is a rod worthy of any Bamboo enthusiasts' library. The rod is a 2/2 configuration with book matched tip sections and includes an Olive Powder Coated Rod Tube with Gold hardware; Rod Sock and a complimentary Pocono Mountain Rods cap.

Rod Length 7'6"
The Lehigh ~ Tailwaters - Lines #5 and #6

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This rod is a Paul Young Martha Marie taper. The rod will throw both #5 and #6 lines. Tested with Cortland 444 Classic Sylk fly lines the rod exhibits amazing casting capabilities and is everything one would expect of the Martha Marie. Paul Young's Martha Marie has long stood the test of time and is a favorite among many. The rod is a 2/2 configuration with book matched tip sections and includes an Olive Powder Coated Rod Tube with Gold hardware; Rod Sock and a complimentary Pocono Mountain Rods cap.

Rod Length 7'6"
The Lehigh ~ Powder Hole - Line #5

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This fine Angling instrument is a modified Paul Young "Perfectionist" taper that will throw a #5 line. The original rod taper was redesigned with a Swelled Butt and has been slightly modified to throw a #5 line. It is a beautiful taper design and is wonderful to fish. Tested with Cortland 444 Classic Sylk fly line this rod has amazing casting capabilities and will put a smile on your face as you become familiar with its methodical action. Short casting or long hauling, the rod will deliver the fly effortlessly; and with the precision and accuracy expected from a high quality Cane Rod. The rod is a 2/2 configuration with book matched tip sections and includes an Olive Powder Coated Rod Tube with Gold hardware; Rod Sock and a complimentary Pocono Mountain Rods cap.

Rod Length 7'9"
Bowman's Creek ~ The Barn Pool Special - Line #5

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This finely crafted fly rod is one of the sweetest casting rods I've had the pleasure to use. I've put a few of these rods in Angler's hands and each person has a very similar reaction; a grin from ear to ear. Each client has been thrilled to use this rod and they are amazed at its graceful presentation and methodical action. Tested with Cortland 444 Classic Sylk fly line; this rod possesses amazing casting capabilities. This is Mr. Young's Para-14 taper and was one of Mr. Young's finest tapers. It is everything one would expect from a Paul Young taper. The rod is a 2/2 configuration with book matched tip sections and includes an Olive Powder Coated Rod Tube with Gold hardware; Rod Sock and a complimentary Pocono Mountain Rods cap.

Rod Length 8'0"
The Wise Fisherman - Lines #3 and #4

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I had a discussion with a gentleman who saw my work and who cast a few of the rods in the shop. The Gentleman had asked for me to contact him. It was an enlightening conversation for me because as he spoke of my work he told me that he really liked the rods and proceed to tell me he has been lucky enough in life to have only ever fished Bamboo; and since 1972 he had acquired a few rods for his personal library. I saw an opportunity to inquire from the gentleman as to where I fit in as a Bamboo Fly Rod Maker and I was very excited to hear the critique. It was that my rods are some of the nicest rods he has seen in a very long time and he was very much into the my finishing technique, as well as the overall function of the rods. Knowing the gentleman was very interested, I told him that I would love the opportunity to add a Bamboo Fly Rod to his library. I was very please to hear the response. I was tasked in a way by this gentleman because he wanted an 8'0" rod to throw a #3 and # 4 line and if I could make this rod, then yes, he wanted me to make it for him. I had to utilize The Wise Co. Fisherman's Encyclopedia, circa 1951, to research and better understand taper design. Hence the rods name "The Wise Fisherman". For those who know about Bamboo, the taper means everything in a fine rods action. You can take a half dozen rods of the same size and line weight, each with a different taper designs, and even though each rod does the same job; each rod has a very distinct feeling or difference in the way it feels in the hand and specifically in the way in which it casts line; it can be subtle or extreme in difference.
It was a welcomed challenge. 2007-01 was a One of One for this client. The rod turned out to be a very nice taper design; it casts like a charm and has the precision and accuracy of any rod I've used thus far. The rod loads up nicely and it fires out the line effortlessly. This rod will precisely place your fly offering to the awaiting trout. The rod is a 2/2 configuration with book matched tip sections and includes an Olive Powder Coated Rod Tube with Gold hardware; Rod Sock and a complimentary Pocono Mountain Rods cap.

Rod Length 8'0"
The Gentleman Angler - #6 Line

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This taper is one from Harold "Pinky" Gillum. I have not altered this design. Mr. Gillum was a maker back in the same era of Everett Garrison. This rod has a wonderful feel to it and it will perform beyond your expectations all day long. If you're looking for a sweet 6 weight, look no further. The rod is a 2/2 configuration with book matched tip sections and includes an Olive Powder Coated Rod Tube with Gold hardware; Rod Sock and a complimentary Pocono Mountain Rods cap.




Each Bamboo Fly Rod that I make is made from high quality, personally selected Tonkin Bamboo. I start with a single culm of Bamboo. That culm of Bamboo is then flamed by me. It is then hand split by me, "never saw cut". Hand splitting assures that the Power Fibers of the Bamboo run true for the entire length of the rod. The blank is completely hand made by me. That is important for me to point out because I do not use blanks made by another person; the Bamboo blanks are of my own making. Each Pocono Mountain Rod is handcrafted and hand planed to exacting tolerances from start to finish. I use only high quality components to adorn the Bamboo Fly Rod. I personally turn my own cork grips from the finest Flor Grade Specie Cork available. I use only the finest silk for wrapping. Bamboo Fly Rods are my passion and I put my Heart and Soul into every rod I make. When you purchase a Pocono Mountain Rod, you will have purchased one of the finest Handcrafted Split Cane Rods on the market. It's important to point out that I am a low production rod maker; and what that means is that I am not rushing to get my product out the door; I produce quality not quantity. I depend highly on the word of mouth to market my product; and a totally satisfied client is essential to me, because, I need them to assist me in getting my name out there. One needs to be proud of their Bamboo Fly Rod, and they need to be able to comfortably refer another person, and, suggest they too consider a Pocono Mountain Rod. High quality work, Professional personalized services and affordable pricing helps make that happen. A special thanks to all my clients and friends that have been supportive, and, who've encouraged my growth as a rodmaker. And a very special thanks to George Maurer of "Sweetwater Rods" for having unlocked the secrets of making a Split Cane Bamboo Fly Rod. George has been my guiding light and a true friend. I could not have asked for a better teacher.

I am forever grateful to Joe Ackourey for believing in my product; for last year, when I was searching for acceptance with Pro-Shops and looking for a place to display all of my work; he immediately saw Professionalism in me and in my work and he accepted me on the spot and without hesitation; has been like a brother to me since. And to the Gentleman whom I met on the Lehigh River, as a stranger, you took the time to come to my vehicle to look at my work; and in discussion, hearing my frustrations with finding acceptance; you suggested I go to see Joe. Thank you. It was the best chance meeting I ever had and it too changed my life.

Pocono Mountain Rods are all richly and carefully hand flamed. The final color tones range from a deep Golden Honey color to a rich Browntone with some mottling which adds a beautiful contrast to the rods appearance. The final finish is a dipped Spar Urethane that is carefully freed of any blemish, the rod is then hand polished to a semi-gloss, Satin like finish. Pocono Mountain Rods are truly a beauty to behold and wonderful to fish. One thing I find to be alluring to me is that I am able to create something from basically nothing; and turn it into a beautifully functional piece of art of my own making. I say it is an extension of my life; I say that because long after I am gone from this world my rods will still be out there performing their duty by being passed on from father to son; family member to family member; a true heirloom, perhaps of even greater value one day to that lucky person.

I am currently offering Trout rods ranging from 6'3'' to 8'0'' in 2/2 configurations. I am making rods of my own design as well of some past Masters the likes of Paul Young, Jim Payne and Lyle Dickerson. These are some of the men that defined the rod making process of the "Classic Era". Please refer to the Pocono Mountain Rods menu to explore the offerings in the Penn's Woods Edition. I will also take on special order work should you have other interests in having a rod personalized for you, or to have special tipping work done. I can offer any rod 7'0'' and longer from the menu in a 3/2 configuration. And, I will further add to this list with my "Presentation Series" of rods and other 3/2 designs as they become available. Please contact Joe Ackourey for pricing and to make arrangements for special orders.

My warrantee is simple and applies to the original owner. Pocono Mountain Rods are guaranteed 100% for workmanship; never for neglect or mis-use. However, should there be a circumstance deemed mis-use or neglect; I will always be very fair in my costs to fix the rod. I only ask that you pay the shipping cost to my shop or get it back to Ackourey's so that I can pick it up. When I expire, so will your warrantee. A rod registration form is provided at the time of purchase. Thank you for your time.