David Hemmings 

David Hemmings

David’s love of fly fishing began on the rivers and chalk streams of the UK, where he grew up. He emigrated to Australia in the 1980s, first to Sydney and then he moved south to the cooler climate of Tasmania, in 1999.  

David Hemmings' love of bamboo fly rods began in 2006 after meeting Nick Taransky.  David attended a class with American master Jeff Wagner, in Ohio 2011.  By 2014, with his interest in bamboo rod making growing, he augmented the inaugural bamboo rod gathering called Cressy Cane, at Peter Hayes' lodge on the banks of Brumbies Creek, in the northern midlands of Tasmania. 

His motivation for Cressy Cane was simply to celebrate the 'world of cane rod making' with like-minded individuals. Together with the rod making influence of Nick Taransky and the teaching skills of master caster Peter Hayes, the unique venue has provided a platform for accelerated learning and a generous sharing of knowledge.

David makes bamboo rods with both Tonkin and Madake bamboo, the latter being a lighter and softer material, attuned to delicate dry fly casting, with long leaders and minute flies. He makes bespoke reel seats from Tasmanian minor species timber and also bamboo employing the stacked method. He splits, flames, heat treats and planes his rods by hand. 

David combines an astute knowledge of fly rod dynamics, casting ability and wide fly-fishing techniques to inform his rod design and making process. David has established himself as an accomplished fishing guide, fly fisher, fly dresser and maker of exemplary bamboo fly rods, giving rise to his nickname ‘Bamboo Dave ’.